Millennium Park reopening set for November
Last Modified: Wednesday, September 05, 2012 12:32 PM
By Eric Cormier / American Press
Officials at Lake Charles City Hall have pushed back the opening of the Shiver Me Timbers-Millennium Park because of project delays.
Factors identified in the decision to postpone the opening to November are rain, event schedules and modifications to the planned splash park.
“We’ve had rain throughout the last several months,” said city administrator John Cardone. “Rainout days are put in the contract, but the contractor can get additional days when needed.”
Trahan Construction was awarded the $2.2 million contract for the job last February. He had 180 days to finish.
As work progressed, the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals required design changes to the splash park.
“While reviewing the package for a permit, DHH said additional fixtures and the way the park would drain had to be changed,” said Lori Marinovich, executive director of the Downtown Development District. “That caused a delay as the design had to be modified. We also had to redesign the pump station at the park.”
Planned public events through the winter and spring, like Mardi Gras and Contraband Days Louisiana Pirate Festival, also affected the project’s schedule. Many such activities take place on the Civic Center grounds, where the construction is taking place.
City officials said the $2.3 million Gill Street extension, which is going on at the same time, is on schedule, though.
That project, which is being done by McManus Construction, was awarded in April. It should be completed in spring 2013.
The completed park will include shade structures, an entry gateway, security fencing, brick paver areas, a grassy lawn area with benches and shade structures, a fossil dig shade pit, outdoor seating, a pavilion with restrooms and a concession area, a splash park and concrete paths.
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