LAWTON – The FISTA Development Trust Authority is converting Central Plaza’s old lawn and garden section into an area where people who work at the FISTA Innovation Park can get some fresh air.
The project was originally expected to cost about $120,000. However, the authority voted July 16 to approve a change order for the project, which will add about $17,922 to the cost for a new total of about $137,922.
Many FISTA partners have to work in secure offices that do not have windows, said FISTA President and CEO Dr. Krista Ratliff. She said the Innovation Park’s outdoor space will give staffers a place where they can relax.
“It’s really a space for respite – for them to go outside and get fresh air and breathe and just enjoy the sunlight a little bit,” Ratliff said. “That way, they don’t feel so confined inside.”
She said the space, which will include pool and ping-pong tables, will also give employees a chance to network and build relationships.
Converting the space will require adding fans and heaters to the area, painting the walls and cleaning the area. The change order for the project includes running electric and gas lines and restoring water service to the area.
“Those are things that we did not have knowledge of during the bidding process, where the closest lines were,” Ratliff said. “And so, they were entered into the original budget as a zero line item.”
Work on the project will begin later this month.