The City of Madison has awarded the construction contract for the Warner Park Community Recreation Center (WPCRC) expansion project to Vogel Bros Building.  

The project, located near Northport Drive and the Mallards Ballpark, aims to address the increased need for community recreation and programme areas by expanding the existing space. 

Engberg Anderson Architects, which completed the schematic design phase last year, has been involved in the project.  

The latest expansion will feature a gym, public gathering spaces, storage and mechanical spaces, and renovations to the current locker rooms and restrooms.  

It also includes a geothermal heat recovery system and a solar energy system to align with the City of Madison's sustainability goals. 

The funding for this project comes from $10m in city sources and $580,000 in Inflation Reduction Act rebates.  

Vogel Bros Building submitted a bid of $9.69m with an additional 8% maximum construction contingency of $725,592, totalling $9.79m.  

Despite the bid being approximately $1.2m over budget, city officials decided against rebidding the project to avoid delays and potential cost increases. 

The city's Common Council approved a budget amendment to progress the project at its meeting last month.

City of Madison Parks Division Warner Park Facility manager Zach Watson said: “WPCRC facility usage trends have significantly changed since Covid, with an increase in regular teen and young adult use stemming from Madison’s northside schools and community.   

“This usage increase is accompanied by numerous public requests for gym space from organisations across the city, including our longstanding partners, with a desire and demand to increase services and expanded year-round programming and community events. As community needs continue to grow, the WPCRC expansion will be an asset not just for the northside, but for the entire city.” 

Construction is set to begin this month and is expected to be completed by the first quarter (Q1) of 2026.