YVARC expected to complete construction by Fall, possibly operating by the holidays

The Yucca Valley Aquatics and Recreation Center (YVARC) is on track for a fall completion date, despite some contractor delays. On Tuesday (7/21) the Yucca Valley Town Council received an update from Project Manager Jen Wagner at the Dahlin Group – this is their 8th update and it covers construction from April to June.

First up – the natatorium pool deck has caused some slight delays as a contractor identified what Wagner called a “deck slope issues” that is currently being addressed. She says that while the correction may cause a delay to the overall schedule, construction activities continue elsewhere in the 37,000 square foot facility. The YVARC will have a recreation pool, water slide, splash play area, gymnasium, locker rooms, multipurpose rooms and outdoor gathering spaces.

The exterior continues to get shaped up with concrete paving in the north parking lot with “glass reinforced concrete panels” going up on the outside of the building and plaster going up in some spots. There will also be a solar canopy in the northeast parking lot, providing both shade and power to the facility.

The inside is where the majority of work is being completed with electrical, HVAC, lighting and other infrastructure is being “roughed in,” and tile, windows, and cabinetry going up in some areas of the building. Wagner says they have even been ordering furniture for some areas.

Wagner wrapped up her presentation with a couple timelapse videos of construction on the exterior of the building, and says that the YVARC is currently at 89% complete and has 78 calendar days remaining for project completion, putting the finish line in early to mid October.

After construction, operations is next

Finishing the building is of course a huge step, but there is a lot to do after the final construction phase is completed. Inspections and testing will be done by various agencies and the facility will need to be furnished, staff will need to be hired and trained, and the Town will have to formally accept the project before the ribbon cutting ceremony. Deputy Town Manager Frank Luckino says that may put the opening “after the holidays.”

Project staying close to schedule despite slight delays

As for that possible delay with the natatorium, Deputy Town Manager Shane Steuckle provided council members with some insight on a few of the timeline delays in the $50 million dollar project. The first delay came from the Town who didn’t include the time and resources it would take to secure take permits for Western Joshua Trees that were on the property. Steuckle referred to “a couple design issues that we may find were the responsibility of the design professionals that have caused a delay in the project… so that’s not the contractor, that’s not the town.”

However, any delays caused by the project’s contractor, RC Construction Services, will cost the Redlands-based company $3,000 dollars a day per the project contract, which includes a clause on “liquidated damages.”

Steuckle explained that “We’ve initiated those conversations verbally with the contractor in the process. So why do I mention all of these things? I just want to indicate to the council that timely delivery of this project is extremely critical to town staff. This project is staying very close to the original schedule. When you think about a $50 million investment, and we’re only talking about the difference between completing in May of ’26 versus maybe October of ’26, that’s pretty close to keeping a $50 million project on schedule.”

Council members were generally pleased with the progress of the project, with Mayor Pro-Tem Jim Schooler saying that he toured the facility “a couple weeks ago.” Councilmember Jeff Drozd remarked that the timeline has shifted before, moving up to summer and back to a Fall date, keeping the project in line with the original expectations for completion.

Dark skies are always a concern

In public comments, Diane Hartl says she has lived on Juniper Terrace and her home overlooks the Town of Yucca Valley. She says that in the last 41 years town growth has lit up the sky more and more, and she hopes that the lighting for the facility will minimize light pollution.

Public Works Director Alex Qishta assured her that the YVARC falls within the Town Code for preserving dark skies, which requires downward facing lights with a warmer color temperature.

The next meeting of the Yucca Valley Town Council will be held on Tuesday, August 18th. The regularly scheduled meeting for August 11 has been cancelled.