The long-awaited Henry County Aquatic Center could soon start construction, if commissioners approve the extra funding to pay for it. The contractor’s proposal is more than double the original budget.
The proposed construction cost is $50.2 million dollars. County commissioners will consider on Tuesday, December 5, whether to approve the contract. Update: Commissioners approved the project’s construction.
About the Aquatic Center
Henry County is presently in the fourth year of collections for its five-year SPLOST V program. The program began collections in April 2020; it’s expected to continue until March 2025. The headline project set aside $22 million dollars to build the county’s first aquatic center.
The aquatic center has two parts: an indoor venue and outdoor water park. The building features a 50-meter competition pool and therapy warm pool. Outdoors there will be a zero-entry lazy river, activity pool and other water features / slides. Finally, there’s a rooftop terrace and two outside video screens. Site work includes two parking lots as well as a new road to serve the venue.
The aquatic center will be located at 1177 Henry Parkway Connector. This is located off the back side of Cotton Fields Golf Course in McDonough. Right now, motorists can access this road from highway 155. A new access point from Georgia 20 will open in 2025. This will provide access from two major roadways to reach the aquatic center.
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Aquatic Center Cost Proposal
Henry County received proposals from three contractors for the project. Proposals were due on November 8. Following the staff evaluation, Integrated Construction and Nobility, Inc. of Carrolton, GA was the highest-scoring contractor. They have provided a base quote of $45.357 million for the project. Additional cost options, such as specialty water slides, kitchen equipment and the LED video walls, bring their overall cost proposal to $50.2 million dollars.
The construction company, abbreviated ICAN, has extensive experience with aquatic center projects. They most recently constructed the International Water Park in Clayton County. Their other projects include work for Cobb County, Macon-Bibb County and the city of Fairburn.
To pay for the project, county staff are recommending a budget transfer of $31 million from SPLOST V tax collections. These funds are excess tax collections the county expects to collect during 2024. Because of the inflated economy, the SPLOST V program is on pace to reach its original estimated collections in early 2024.
If commissioners approve the construction cost, then the project will break ground after the New Year. Construction has an 18–24 month timeframe.
Featured image shows an architectural rendering for the aquatic center. Henry County photo.
