ARLINGTON – Legion Park might get a half-million-dollar facelift.
The Arlington City Council was presented a design plan at its meeting Monday to build a gazebo at the downtown park. The plan also calls for a second veterans’ memorial, a permanent restroom, brick sidewalks and landscaping.
Cost estimates for the gazebo are $54,000. The bigger-ticket items are $145,800 for restrooms and $150,200 for preparing the site.
No decision has been made. The city is asking for public comments before moving forward.
Ideally, the project might not cost as much as the $538,485 estimate, if people donate materials and labor, Assistant City Administrator Kristin Banfield said.
“The gazebo will largely be built by volunteers,” she said.
Legion Park’s ideal location on Olympic Avenue has made it the main gathering place for holiday events and summer activities. American Legion Post 76, which is across the street, is planning to add the second veterans memorial.
If the City Council agrees to the plan, the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce’s mobile home office would have to move. The trailer’s porch has been used as a stage for many events.
Shirley Countryman, co-owner of a downtown collectibles store, has been pushing the gazebo project. Countryman, a chamber member, said the gazebo would be a good replacement, provided the city can find an adequate location for the chamber.
That’s the plan, City Councilwoman Marilyn Oertle said. “We wouldn’t just throw them out,” Oertle said of the chamber.
But first, the city is asking for comments. For more information, call City Hall at 360-403-3441.
“We want to know – do you want this to be a priority?” Banfield said. “Because the council and the city have a lot of priorities that they consistently juggle.”
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.