The open space improvements taking shape at St. Paul's have come to a temporary halt due to financial problems the general contractor is facing. Kevin Ocker, chairman of the board of commissioners of Cultural and Recreational Affairs, is drafting a notice of default to the general contractor hired to construct the playground and comfort station. "Needless to say we're disappointed but the general contractor has significant internal problems," Ocker said.

Ocker explained that with any contract, the village holds a performance bond in the event that a contractor - for whatever reason - is unable to finish the required work. Currently, an insurance company, which will now be responsible for completing the job, is holding the playground contract. Village officials contacted the bonding company Oct. 13 and said they'd like to meet to expedite the completion of these open space improvements. According to Ocker, the same goes for the completion of the comfort station at the complex although it's under a separate contract.

Construction of the playground and comfort station was taking place simultaneously. Some work, like grading, has been done at the playground site but no equipment has been installed. "We are very confident that the subcontractor, who has been retained to install the playground, is readily available," Ocker said. "The subcontractor will be taking direction from the bonding company."

Back in December 2004, the board of trustees appropriated $1 million for several improvements at the St. Paul's recreational complex, particularly a new comfort station, playground and a sanitary sewer connection. The term of all contracts was intended to be 100 working days. Installation of the sanitary sewer system began back in May and has since been completed.