GEORGE – With supporters still seeking donors to chip in toward the costs of a new park designed to accommodate children with special needs, the St. George City Council is set to consider a series of bids Thursday to help move the project along.
The All Abilities Park, already under construction at the Tonaquint Park complex on South Dixie Drive, could be opened as early as this summer under a plan forwarded by city officials. It would be the first park in the region and one of the largest in the nation developed for children with disabilities and other special needs, with specialized play equipment and features like wheelchair-accessible ramps.
All abilities parks have become more common in recent years, with research indicating that they help children who struggle to participate on typical playground equipment to experience some of the social, physical and emotional benefits that have been attributed to park play.
But to reach full buildout, the city is asking for help from the public. The city council approved $2 million to be budgeted toward the project last year and managers have identified another $1 million that could come from other sources like a park impact account and donations from the city’s marathon. To build all of the available options, such as a 2,700-foot train ride, it could take another $1 million.
Construction progresses at theAll Abilities park at the Tonaquint Park complex Wednesday
“We’ve been saving money, we’ve been refinancing bonds, we’ve been selling property, and sequestering that money into funds to make this project feasible,” City Manager Gary Esplin said during a groundbreaking for the park held in January. “We’re not there yet…but I have the utmost confidence that we’ll find a way to make that happen.”
To reach that goal, a large-scale fundraising campaign has been underway, with elected officials and others soliciting funds from area businesses and individuals.
Some $200,000 has been raised so far, ranging from large-scale donations like $100,000 from the St. George Exchange Club to smaller contributions from individuals and families interested in making the park happen, said Kent Perkins, director of the city’s Leisure Services Department.
On Thursday, the council is considering three different bids related to the project – $87,954 for playground equipment, $114,179 for a shade structure and train depot and $365,150 for a diesel locomotive and three coaches.
The city has launched a website, sgcity.org/allabilities, where residents interested in helping can read more about the park, the associated costs and different options for donating.
Also on Thursday, the council is set to consider an $87,504 bid for the installation of 288 period-themed seats for the Electric Theater.
The century-old theater, located at 68 E. Tabernacle Street, served a central role in the St. George arts scene for many years, playing host to movies, concerts, plays, civic events, a music school and other ventures, but old age prompted the city begin a $3 million renovation project on it and two adjoining buildings last year.
Officials hope to open it this year with its historic look restored to serve as an arts center.
Follow David DeMille, @SpectrumDeMille.
St. George City Council
When: Thursday, 5 p.m.
Where: City Council Chambers, 175 E. 200 North, St. George.
Top of the agenda: The council is scheduled to consider a pair of bids for the already-under-construction All Abilities Park, including $87,954 for playground equipment, $114,179 for a shade structure and train depot and $365,150 for a diesel locomotive and three coaches. The council has authorized some $3 million for the park, but the cost of the train would be an additional cost, with officials hoping to raise enough donations from the public to pay for it.
Also on the agenda: Several other bids are also on the table, including $87,504 for period-style seating to go in the century-old Electric Theater, a building on Main Street currently undergoing a renovation.
On the Web: Visit sgcity.org/citycouncil for a full agenda and information.
Source: The Spectrum
