GALT, CA (MPG) - The city of Galt is one step closer to having a new waterslide at the Gora Aquatic Center on Chabolla Avenue. 

The Galt City Council approved a resolution at its Tuesday, Jan. 21 meeting authorizing the city manager to move forward with a nearly $1.4 million construction contract with the Rancho Cordova-based Tricon Construction, Inc. to replace the waterslide. The construction contract was the lowest of the three bids received. 

“This is a great thing to finally be moving forward with the slide and these upgrades that we are getting,” Councilmember Bonnie Rodriguez said. 

In 2021, the slide was deemed unsafe after a routine inspection revealed significant structural issues, including corrosion and cracks. The slide was closed indefinitely shortly after to prevent further injuries. 

Shortly after, the city utilized American Rescue Plan Act funds to secure design services, ultimately selecting Rogers Stringer & McClelland, Inc. in May 2023. In December 2023, those designs were revealed, and a month later, the Parks and Recreation Commission recommended constructing a 30-foot water slide. That recommendation was ultimately supported by the City Council in February. 

The project was initially expected to cost $1.2 million, not including contingency and other factors, based on early estimates, but due to project cost increases, including engineering, construction management, inspection, testing and construction contingency costs, the price could run closer to $1,827,000, mainly due to differences in expected construction costs. 

The resolution approves the contract for $1,389,000 but allows for the city manager to approve up to 10% for contingency funding, or about $139,000. 

An additional $177,000 is expected to go toward construction management, inspection and testing; $74,050 to preliminary engineering and environmental requirements and $22,300 to construction engineering. 

Tricon Construction will also include improvements meant to bring the project in line with California Building Code disability accessibility requirements. 

The contract passed 4-0; Councilmember Mathew Pratton was absent from the meeting.

Construction is expected to begin in March and be completed prior to summer 2026, in time for the aquatic season. The construction is not expected to impact the rest of the aquatic center during that time. 

“We look forward to seeing it,” Mayor Shawn Farmer said. “It’s been a long time coming. It will be exciting.”