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Southworth Park Groundbreaking July 3rd, 2023 at 10 AM at the park site

Posted on: June 26, 2023 - 11:38am
Southworth Park flyer

Groundbreaking will start at 10. 

We will have a few minutes of remarks from our Mayor, and a few others. Followed by a couple shovel in the ground photo ops. 

Kids activities include:
Face Painting
Corn Hole
Ring Toss
Bubbles(?)

There will be Snow Cones and Cotton Candy. 

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The big question is 'okay, what does breaking ground mean?'

This is the ceremonial kickoff of the process of releasing the requests for bids and proposals for bidding the park projects out. That doesn't mean you will see construction equipment in the park the following day. What it does mean is that by the end of July we will have the different features to be built in the park released for bid on our website, and will be starting to talk with contractors. 

When do things get built? 

That will greatly depend on contractor schedules, and who is selected to perform which functions. This is our local city park... the money for this is likely a one time shot, so we are going to work hard to maximize each dollar spent. We are really and truly hoping that local contractors step up to donate as much time to the construction, so we can maximize the material purchases to build a big of a park as possible. 

What is getting built?

At minimum, the city has committed to building:
An ADA playground
An accessible restroom
A walking track and accessible walkways
A covered picnic area
A hard surface sports court

We have also got funding commitments to put in an entry pavilion for the famed Louis Southworth bronze statue provided by the Oregon Coast Visitor's Association. 

What do we need? 

Additional funding is still sought for:

  • Entryway Multicultural Pavilion (Southworth Statue has been created) - $150,000 - A paved pavilion with Southworth statue in center, 4-5 large rocks on perimeter telling the stories of other native groups and indigenous or transplanted peoples.
  • RCV and Bike Pump Track - $350,000 - A paved bike track with jumps and turns, designed for small bike usage and remote control cars.
  • Enhanced Timber Competition & Training area - $10,000 (Waldport HS has been state champs)
  • City Gazebo - $50,000
  • Slough Birding Platform - $40,000
  • Recreation Center Renovations - $??? 

(graphic provided by Councilor Melaia Kilduff)