The Pasco County Commission has approved a change order for the county’s New River Branch Library renovation project that will enhance the project.
The library will be reopened, as planned, in January, but additional improvements are being made through the change order, according to County Commissioner Mike Moore.
Moore’s comments came during the board’s Nov. 17 meeting, when it approved a change order in the amount of $381,067.49.
The agreement includes the construction of a new Community Garden and expanding the audio-visual equipment monitoring distribution system at the library.
Renovations to the New River Library include construction of an outdoor covered area and storage space on the east side of the building. These improvements necessitate relocating and reestablishing the garden area to continue providing the associated makerspace experience at this location, according to the backup materials in the board’s agenda.
Makerspaces are do-it-yourself centers that foster hands-on discovery and stimulate imagination. They are places where visitors can create, learn, design, experiment and build. The reestablished garden makerspace will include enhancements intended to maximize the visitor experience, according to the agenda materials.
Native and seasonal plantings will complement community garden beds, allowing for a multi-sensory experience, to be enjoyed as part of hosted and self-directed programs and workshops. The garden learning center will be defined by accessible pathways and offer multi-height activity zones to encourage the love of gardening among community members of all ages.
Renovations include a monitoring distribution system to integrate its audio-visual equipment. The plan called for the Meeting Room, Children’s Room, and Teens Room to be integrated. Upon consideration, the team would like to expand the scope to include those rooms, and also add the service desk area, community room and adult reading room.
Even though the change order cites a completion date of Feb. 17, 2021, Moore said the library will be open to patrons sometime in January.
The total contract cost, including the change order, is $2,128,945.52.
The total project cost is $2,642,541.40, including the design, construction and furnishings.
The library project is being funded through a general obligation bond approved by voters.
Published December 02, 2020
