By BOB SHRALUKA
WZBD.com
The new dog park is open, the nearby pond has been stocked for some time, and now the third phase of the Kekionga project is nearing completion.
In addition, yet another project brought to the forefront by Mayor Dan Rickord is also heading down the homestretch.
Revamping of the ball diamond at Kekionga Park, a short distance north of the dog park, should be completed in the next two weeks, Operations Manager Jeremy Gilbert told city council at its meeting Tuesday night.
Gilbert did qualify his prediction, adding: “If, hopefully, we can get the rain to hold off.”
These days, though, that seems to be a major “if.”
Poles for LED lights and some screens – which will go around the ball field – are already up,
Men’s and women’s softball teams use the field and have for several years after leaving Hanna-Nuttman Park when its ball ball-playing area was completely redone and is now the REV Sports Complex.
Gilbert said the men’s softball league is holding off the start of its season until the field is ready for play.
Funds for revamping the ball diamond area were provided through a state grant and local donations.
SKATEBOARD PARK: Gilbert also informed council that work on redoing the skateboard park at North Ward Park, across Fifth St. from the city swimming pool, should be starting “in the next couple of weeks.”
The asphalt area – which occupies nearly all of the North Ward Park – was paved last year. The area located west of the basketball court will be getting new equipment for skateboarders.
The mayor and Building/Zoning Superintendent Curt Witte met with a group of local young people on more than one occasion in the latter part of last year about revamping the skateboard park.
“I really enjoyed working with them,” Rickord said at a council meeting. “Their attitude really changed once they realized we wanted to work with them.”