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Events may need a backup plan this summer

Dunkirk’s parks are full of activity every summer and 2017 will be no exception. However, instead of the sound of music or celebration, park-goers may be more likely to hear saws and hammers.

Wright Park and Point Gratiot, two of the city’s most popular event venues, both were awarded grants in 2016 for improvements.

Director of Development Rebecca Yanus told the Economic Development Committee recently that the request for proposals for the $449,620 Wright Park Amenities Project just needs approvals before it can be advertised for bids. She is still waiting on the final contract from the state on the $500,000 Point Gratiot Improvement project, but both parks are expected to see construction starting in the spring.

While this is all good news, it could also put a damper on some events already being planned for the spaces.

“The pavilion is going to be worked on, so it is possible construction or upgrades to that building are done prior to the first use or it’s going to have to be in October,” Fourth Ward Councilwoman Stacy Szukala said of Point Gratiot.

Yanus said she has already advised architect/engineer Edmund Schober of LaBella Associates of this fact.

Third Ward Councilman Adelino Gonzalez advised those planning parties and events for either park to make a back-up plan.

“It’s going to be tough. Once we get started, we aren’t going to want to stop. Someone is going to lose out. We have to expect that,” he said.

Yanus agreed, “It’s an unfortunate thing this summer, but think about future summers when the facilities are done.”

Szukala said the city will try to be accommodating with its other spaces like Memorial and Washington parks.

Two summer events — the Marauder Trotter on July 1 and the Tri Dunkirk on Aug. 27 — were on the Common Council agenda for Wright Park. Council approved the events with the caveat that they must be flexible to accommodate construction.

Projects at Point Gratiot include repainting the pavilions’ roofs, update electrical, bring the bathrooms into American with Disabilities Act compliance and reopen the closed kitchen in the main pavilion.

Wright Park will see improvements to the bike path, tennis courts, bathrooms, resurfacing all of the asphalt, reconstructing the Pine Street area, replacing the softball field scoreboard and the playground, the splash pad and other signage and maintenance.

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