(Spirit Lake)– The Spirit Lake School Board Monday evening approved plans and specifications for the Aspen Seemann Memorial Park to be constructed in the area of the little league fields and just to the south of that. Mike Cedar of Beck Engineering presented the plans for the project which has a total cost of $7 million dollars. Four million of that has been gifted for what Cedar says will be the first phase of the project…
“We’re about $3.4 million total project cost including all of the playground, everything around the playground, a substantial new parking lot, a new entry, boulevard, as well as the signage. There’s a few pieces that we had to break off as alternates but we’re very optimistic that we can include some or all of those. The big one, and we know it’s a big priority for the school is this restrooms/concession building. That is not included in this current phase but we’re very hopeful that we have enough dollars left over once the bids come in to at least bite off a big chunk of that.”
He says they should have a much better idea once bids on the first phase are received later this week. Cedar says an all-inclusive playground IS included in the first phase…
“The playground itself is $1.7 million. That has already been ordered and is on the way so we can anticipate those longer lead times. And the rest of this project within here is also about $1.7 million. So when you think about the first phase it’s about half playground and half site work.”
Cedar adds the construction is being phased so as to minimize any impacts on the surrounding areas…
“We’re going to maintain this existing parking lot as it currently is for the duration of the project. There may be just some small interruptions but certainly nothing during baseball/softball season. We’ll be doing some construction fencing as ways to control the site. Essentially we have the dates for little league, softball, baseball. We’re trying to work around all of those.”
Cedar says the goal is to have the playground equipment installed and ready for use by this fall. He adds they will also soon be working on fundraising and seeking grants for the remainder of the project.
