Baldwin County forging ahead with aquatic center

Mar. 5—It was apparent by the number of people who showed up for a pre-bid meeting last Tuesday morning at the Walter B. Williams Jr. Recreation Department that they hope their company will be selected to build the new aquatic center.

Representatives from more than a dozen companies showed up for the meeting, which was led by Baldwin County Manager Carlos Tobar and David Freedman of David Freedman Engineering in Marietta, and Dave McCauley, an architect with LDD Blueline.

"We are here to answer questions from the contractors and sub-contractors," Tobar said.

The county manager also talked specifically to potential contractors and sub-contractors about what to do should they find archaeological artifacts where excavations are taking place. He said they are to notify Baldwin County Recreation Department Director Traci Bowden, who will contact state officials to arrange a state archeologist to come examine the site.

"We don't think and I don't think you're going to find anything," Tobar said.

The site where the new aquatic center will be built was at one time where the old Georgia State Prison Farm stood.

The old prison is where the state's electric chair was located for many years.

"There were people who were electrocuted here and they were buried in the back, behind the tree line, so it's highly unlikely that anybody is buried on the grounds," Tobar said. "But we want to make sure that you are aware of that, and that if something is discovered there then you're going to let us know."

The county manager told the group of prospective contractors and sub-contractors that they would be looking specifically for human remains.

"That's the most sensitive issue for me," Tobar said.

Edwin Atkins is an area historian whose great-grandfather gave the last rites to those put to death in the electric chair at the old prison.

He also attended last week's meeting. Atkins contends there are human remains on the property.

"I'm going to be watching what happens there very closely, as closely as I can," Atkins said. "And if any human remains are discovered down the road, this whole place will then have to be shut down by the state."

Freedman, meanwhile, discussed critical aspects regarding the project plans.

He then opened up the floor for questions.

Bids from prospective contractors will be opened on March 15.

"You have to hand-deliver your bids at the county commission office," Freedman said.

Members of the Baldwin County Board of Commissioners are then expected to award a contract for construction of the new aquatic center.

The last time Baldwin County had a public swimming pool was 2008. Later that year officials decided to close the pool permanently. On and off since then, officials and several community residents have discussed building a new aquatic center.

"So, it's been 16 years, and I started working here six years and two months ago and we started an aquatic center committee six years ago," said Tobar during the meeting. "And after the surveys and heartaches in trying to find the funding to build a project like this, we're finally here. So, we're very excited about this project and exited that you are here, too."