The project will revitalize the town’s water park, projected to reopen in 2027
The Chesapeake Beach Town Council voted to move forward with the next phase of waterpark revitalization. At the Oct. 16 meeting, the Town Council authorized town staff to prepare and negotiate a design/build contract with Scheibel Contracting and Paddock Pools to replace the existing waterpark with a maximum not-to-exceed price of $18,568,560.
The $18,568,560 figure represents the total price with alternates. The Town Council further authorized the mayor to execute the contract upon approval of the form of contract by the town attorney, Elissa Levan. The contract is under review by Levan and other staff.
The council also waived the procurement process that would allow other companies to submit bids for the project, as staying on the timeline and bringing back the waterpark best “serves the public interest,” a decision Mayor Bruce Wahl said was made after feedback from the community.
“This project aligns with the will of the electorate and the priorities of the newly elected Town Council,” Wahl said. “Engaging the original builder expedites the process and reduces cost.”
The town has been working with Paddock Pools throughout the process. Paddock Pools is the original builder of the park.
During the meeting, several residents spoke positively about the waterpark and expressed their hope that the council would get it up and running by the previously announced 2027 date.
The council will engage in additional discussion of the contract and vote to authorize the funding at the November meeting.
“Hopefully next month we can start talking about the fun stuff,” Jon Evans, Town Council member and Waterpark Committee chair, said, adding that he’s grateful for all the support from the town, council and staff. “I’m excited to bring back this awesome, unique amenity.”
