News, views and advertising of the Grand Coulee Dam Area
News, views and advertising of the Grand Coulee Dam Area
Mark Payne walks the five-foot-wide concrete exercise path around the perimeter of Electric City's new park, taking shape Tuesday morning. With two sets of playground equipment in the background for kids young and younger, the park also includes adult exercise equipment donated by Run the Dam. Payne is walking by the picnic shelter. The restroom is in the background. The city plans to hold a dedication during its annual barbecue in mid-July. - Scott Hunter photos
After you're too big for mutton A young rider holds on to his calf while a judge takes notes on his ride at the Ridge Riders Junior Rodeo Saturday. The event offered everything from mutton bustin' to bull riding for boys and girls, with some 245 kids involved. The Ridge Riders said the event brought about 600 people to town. Rodeo results are on page 6, and note of thanks from the Ridge Riders to their sponsors and volunteers is on page 4. - Scott Hunter photo
A new city park next to the Electric City fire station is nearing completion, with officials eyeing a July 16 ribbon-cutting to coincide with the city's annual barbecue.
Fire Chief Mark Payne told the City Council May 14 that the sidewalks in and around the fenced play area are finished and the new restroom building has passed its insulation inspection. The restroom, has been sheetrocked since that meeting, will include a baby-changing station and a storage area for some supplies.
A contractor has installed irrigation now that the concrete and curbing are in, and crews will soon spread rubberized fall-protection material already stockpiled at the site, Payne said. Local fence contractor Gary Haven is completing the remaining fencing, including a 10foot vehicle gate and a 5foot pedestrian gate.
Payne said the project is "really coming together" and is close to being turned back over to the city. The immediate goal is to have the park open and safe by mid-July, with longer-term work to fill out landscaping.
Tuesday morning, contractors were busy finishing up projects. Touching up or cleaning up, including getting big rocks out of the area that will soon be lawn or rubber "mulch" that serves as "fall protection" for kids coming off playground equipment.
Several residents have offered to donate shade trees, and a local Girl Scout troop has asked to plant a tree in the park as part of a merit badge project, Payne said. Most interior space inside the fence will remain dedicated to playground surfacing and grass, with additional trees and native plants likely along the slope between the park, the church and the hillside.
Clerk-Treasurer Peggy Nevsimal told council members the park and the fire station currently sit on a single tax parcel, and she plans to consult the city's insurer on whether splitting the lot would affect utility fees or insurance coverage. The city's consulting engineer also briefed the council on efforts to seek Transportation Improvement Board and Department of Natural Resources funding for future sidewalk, ADA access and landscaping work tied to the new park.
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