About six months after Temple residents approved a $9.75 million bond package for parks improvements, most projects are in the planning stages and on their way toward projected completion dates, Parks and Leisure Services officials said.

Ken Cicora, director, said the department is working to complete the bond projects on schedule.

“The major focus of the department has been to fulfill our promise to the voters and build the various projects as expediently as possible,” he said.

He added that the department reorganized to dedicate staff members to the bond projects.

“Each of the nine bond projects has its own timeline and delivery date and we are working hard to meet them.”

Temple voters approved public funding of the bonds in November 2007 with about a two-to-one vote.

Val Roming, project manager, said the department is working simultaneously on all of the projects.

“We have every one of the projects in some stage of design, or going to the City Council for award, or being bid,” he said. “I think people are going to be really happy, not only with the product but with the speed of us getting them on the ground and getting them open to the public.”

Cicora said the family aquatics center, which will replace the aging Lions Park Pool, and the indoor swimming pool would be delayed by a few weeks because of changes to the indoor pool project. He said both projects would be delayed since bids for them will be advertised simultaneously.

“The outdoor pool is not really off track,” he said. “With the indoor pool we are trying to resolve some budget concerns.”

He said the cost of the pool is being affected by a recently passed city ordinance requiring masonry materials on metal buildings.

Planners are changing the location of the pool on the grounds of the Sammons Community Center to avoid conflict with Sammons Golf Links design changes.

Cicora said the pool will likely wind up closer to the Sammons Center. He added the design of the pool would change also after hearing from senior citizens. The pool will be expanded from 60 feet to 75 feet and the spa area will be deleted.

Cicora said if funding is available, the department hopes to install an Americans with Disabilities Act accessible playground in an existing park.

“If we don’t use up all of the money in the bond issue, we wanted a playground more designed for wheelchair use,” he said.

He explained that all city parks are ADA accessible, but the equipment would be built with wheelchair-bound people in mind.