$2 million in projects nearing completion

May 27, 2008

By Steve Eighinger

Mike Parks feels he can see light at the end of the proverbial construction tunnel.

Three major Quincy Park District projects totaling about $2 million are nearing completion, or soon will be.

The much-anticipated first phase of development of Bob Mays Park is in the final stages and should be completed sometime in late June, the new restrooms at Washington Park should be done by the end of the month and the first stretch of Cedar Creek Linear Parkway between 12th and 18th streets is ticketed for completion in the fall.

"One of the most rewarding aspects of this job is being involved in major projects like this, because the community seems to appreciate them," said Parks, executive director of the Park District.

Workers are busy at the 53-acre Bob Mays Park finishing up a section of playground, a 1.5-mile soft service trail and landscaping as part of the $500,000 first phase of development.

There is still $1.8 million worth of development planned for the park, including a 4.4-acre lake in the northeast park of the facility. That development is on hold because there is no funding in place, Parks said.

Parks said the restrooms at Washington Park will be operational as soon as some lighting fixtures arrive.

"The (winter and harsh spring) weather also slowed development of this project, but I think by the end of May the new restrooms should be open," Parks said.

The Washington Park restrooms represent a $300,000 project.

A new fountain also is scheduled at the site, but that $150,000 project has been slowed by governmental approval of the plan at the state level. There's a chance the new fountain will not be in place and operational until the spring of 2009, although Parks is hopeful the project can be completed sometime in the fall.

The $1.2 million portion of the Cedar Creek hiking/biking trail between 12th an 18th streets is moving along with no major roadblocks. The Cedar Creek project is an integral part of the plan to connect all corridors of the city with a trail system to benefit walkers, hikers, runners and bike enthusiasts.

"The community will be able to appreciate these new recreational opportunities far into the future," Parks said.