Months of planning, preceded by years of wondering how to fix the problem, came together last week with the award of a contract to retrofit the shuttered Forks Aquatic Center.

Quillayute Valley Parks and Recreation (QVPR) Board Chair, and former Forks Mayor, Nedra Reed told the Forks Forum that Alder Grove Construction Company of Port Angeles was the successful bidder.

The contract was awarded following the bid opening, with three firms bidding. The construction firm owners bid about $80,000 for the project. The work will entail covering a section of the Forks pool to allow a health and fitness center business run by Charlotte Wedrick (manager of Health First Fitness Center in Forks). Other mechanical and infrastructure work is also part of the bid.

On Tuesday, June 28 Reed said a notice to proceed will be sent to Alder Grove in the next few days. She said the mid-September reopening date for the aquatic center is firm. Lap swimming lanes are to be filled with water and open once the project is complete.

Reed said a community celebration is being considered to coincide with the planned mid-September reopening.

She said the City of Forks issued a building permit on Monday.