Shenandoah Park RenovationPhoto by City of Shenandoah

Shenandoah Park Renovation

City of Shenandoah to begin renovating park

By Jesse Mendoza

The City of Shenandoah aims to complete a renovation of its city park in time for the annual Lighting of the Angels Christmas celebration.

The approximately $2 million project will close the park starting April 14, after the annual Easter celebration and through the summer, City Administrator Greg Smith said.

The park, located at 801 Maplewood Drive, will now feature a larger pavilion with public restrooms, a spray-ground, LED lights set to timers, renovated sports courts, a multi-purpose sports field, a walking trail and a re-paved parking lot.

"We are just trying to give a place for residents to go and enjoy regardless of the age or regardless of that their activity is," Smith said. "If they want to sit at a park bench and read during their lunch hour they can, if they want to have a birthday party at the pavilion they can."

On March 26, the Shenandoah City Council approved a contract with National Construction Rentals to install construction fencing around the park worth an estimated $4,788 after sales tax. The work is set to begin April 14, according to council documents.

The city also approved a contract with Inland Environmentals LTD., which is scheduled to demolish buildings and sports courts within 21 days after the fence is installed.

Inland Environmentals submitted a bid of $9,280 for building demolition, $2,200 for asbestos abatement, and $9,280 for sports court demolition, a total of $20,760, according to council documents.

Mayor Wes Stephens said the park renovation is a part of the city's master plan, and is in line with other recent projects such as renovations at Mary Pat Case pool, along with street lighting and sign replacement projects.

"We want to provide our residents the best amenities possible," Stephens said. "It's all part of our master plan; we are attacking these [projects] systematically and this is a part of that group of projects that we have been planning for a number of years."