If you walked on the trail around Veterans Park pond when it was built, you were able to make a small loop just around the pond shores. When the pond was extended, that trail was cut off by the City.
With the City Council’s approval to purchase a pedestrian bridge at their October meeting, walkers will soon again be able to take the shorter loop.
Council members approved purchasing a Continental 60 foot by 10 foot pedestrian truss bridge. The bridge purchase includes engineering of abutments by Contech Engineered Solutions. City Manager Kevin Self said when Veterans Park Pond was extended, a part of the walking trail was lost and a bridge was needed to reconnect the trail.
He said installation of the bridge is not included, so he was recommending a request for proposals for installation, as well. Both were approved.
In other City business during the October meeting, the Council approved authorizing the city manager to negotiate with property owners for the purchase of easement along South May Avenue between S.E. 16th Street and S.E. 24th Street for a widening project.
The approval came with the council’s blessing for the City to proceed with the eminent domain process if reasonable agreements can not be obtained.
Self said some of the easements have already been obtained, but he needs the council’s approval to continue with negotiations for those which are without agreement.
