VALPARAISO | With a growing schedule of events for the Valparaiso's Central Park Plaza, it appears at least some of them will have to be slated around the work schedule during construction projects.
Bids will be opened Feb. 24 by the Indiana Department of Transportation for the construction of new sidewalks and curbs, installation of landscaping and removal of the old infrastructure. The improvements will expand the downtown park on both the Lafayette Street and Indiana Avenue sides to cover area that now is parking. The work may begin in late March.
The streetscape will be paid for with federal stimulus package money. Mayor Jon Costas said in his State of the City speech Tuesday the city has $540,000 already lined up for the various pieces of the park plan.
"We've got another $400,000 in our sights," he said.
The goal is to build the park over the next two years.
Parks Director John Seibert said at Tuesday's park board meeting that plans for a bus stop and comfort station on Indiana are expected to be completed in about 45 days. It is hoped the project will be done later this year.
Seibert said negotiations are progressing with Fifth Third Bank for a portion of its parking lot to expand the park to Lincolnway.
The design of the proposed amphitheater is expected to be done in about two months. After making any changes resulting from the public comment, the city will take the project to potential sponsors.
Seibert said the city is near the head of the line for funding for the pathways portion of the plan, and it is seeking other grants. He repeated Costas's statement the park will be a "pay-as-you-go" project.
The city's Community Festivals and Events office is planning a schedule of activities.
Special Events Coordinator Tina St. Aubin said it will start with the first Winter Dazzle from Feb. 5 through Feb. 15. Last year's activities in the new park included movies, the Taste Five Festival featuring five downtown dining restaurants, the farmer's market and the Popcorn Fest.
The Winter Dazzle will feature activities all over the downtown, including ice sculptures at various locations by the Michiana Ice Carvers Association and a skating rink. St. Aubin said the rink will be 40-by-50 feet, and the company will have skates available for rent. Hours can be found on the city's Web site at www.valpo.us.
