Skate park nears goal; $1,500 needed years ago
Marion Skate Park is much closer to construction than anticipated, organizers told Marion City Commission Monday at their regular weekly meeting.
Instead of approximately $10,000 cost, Marion Manufacturing will provide the geometric ramps for about $4,000, said Jami Williams.
"We're well over halfway there," she said. "We need $1,000 to $1,500."
The city insurer is inspecting plans but indications are that they meet all safety requirements.
Temporary structures were installed in the former basketball courts in East Park, across from the swimming pool. It was popular with all ages and used almost constantly. The equipment did not meet insurance standards and was removed earlier this year.
Commissioners accepted the plan and agreed to issue Marion Manufacturing a waiver of liability, and provide city personnel to assist with installation.
To provide a smooth transition from ramp to concrete, shallow cuts will be made in the surface. They can be filled easily if the ramps are ever removed, organizers said.
Donations to the project may be sent to the city building. Funds above $4,000 will go to additional ramps and designs, organizers said.
In other reports:
Lt. Gov. Gary Sherrer will preside at a ribbon-cutting June 18 at the industrial park. The ceremony will take place at 10 a.m.
Checks totaling $130,640 were approved to pay bills. They included $94,508 for sewer infrastructure at Batt Industrial Park and $20,297 for architectural work at the depot, said Dennis Nichols, city administrator.
The state is expected to reduce aid to cities by about 3.4 percent, Nichols said. Marion receives about $100,000 annually, much of which goes to street projects.
Commissioners accepted a giant check from the city library board. The library has raised the $150,000 needed in matching funds for the grant to convert the depot into a library. Mayor Eloise Mueller thanked library board members present, saying it would not have been possible without their hard work. Tours will be offered from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at the depot.
Jackie Crofoot, planning commission chairman, gave an update on the commission's activities. Work has been completed on a comprehensive plan, updated zoning regulations, and permit fees. Other members are Mickey Lundy, Sally Hannaford, Feebie Holdeman, Doug Sharp, Brice Goebel, and Alan Kruse.
Nichols reported on the historical preservation committee. Members are Bruce Skiles, Harry Bennett, Dwight and Helen Beckham, Cynthia Blount, Bud Pierce, Terry Colburn, Lorraine Hadsell, Jack Swain, Norma Hannaford, Roger Morse, and Gary Ewert. The group helped organize plans for the depot project and developed a historic home list. Now under development is a list of historic commercial buildings.
An electric license was approved for Dale Scawe of Atlas Electric LLC, Wichita, who is working on the sewer lift station at the industrial park.
