Latest news with #CapitalImprovementProgram
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
New playground for kids of all abilities opens in south Wichita
The city of Wichita opened its first accessible playground on Wednesday, marking the first of a series of planned improvements to L.W. Clapp Memorial Park. At a ribbon-cutting late Wednesday morning, city leaders celebrated the opening of the playground and the installation of a piece of public art. 'This space is designated so that children of all abilities can play together side by side,' Reggie Davidson, Wichita Park and Recreation director, said. 'It's a place where everyone feels welcome, where every child belongs.' The art, a sculpture titled Voxel Clouds, was created by Brooklyn-based artist Osman Akan. Made up of steel and glass boxes, it is inspired by the video game Minecraft and by playgrounds of earlier decades, said Sonia Greteman, chair and creative director of the Greteman Group, a Wichita-based public arts consultant group that worked with the city. A dog park located on the other end of the park, which was supposed to open at the same time, remains closed to the public. It is littered with debris following flooding on Tuesday but city leaders said that after some cleanup, it will also open for use. Megan Lovely, the city's communications manager, said Wednesday afternoon that there is not yet an estimate for when it will open. The playground, dog park, sculpture and improved trails make up an initial phase of the city's upgrades to the park. The Wichita City Council approved the full scale $28 million plan in 2021. It includes restaurant and farmer's market spaces, a bandshell and an 'aviation hill' for spectators to watch planes flying to and from McConnell Air Force Base. This phase of the improvements cost about $6 million, according to the city's Capital Improvement Program. Clapp Park, formerly a golf course, is west of Oliver between Harry and Mount Vernon. Local residents and City Council member Mike Hoheisel, who represents District 3, where the park is located, said the area needed a safe place for kids to play. Jerry McGrew, a member of the District 3 advisory board who has lived across the street from the park for 25 years, said it was important to residents that the park remain a green space amid the improvements. 'This is what we need,' McGrew, a self-proclaimed 'nature lover,' said. McGrew said the area is 'a metropolis, all concrete and street lights.' 'But this is right in the middle of the city,' he said, praising the park's walking trails. 'It's comfortable, it's safe.' David Collier, another local resident, said he's excited to take his dog to the park when the dog park opens. 'I won't have to go all the way to a different dog park to have my dog enjoy the open spaces safely,' Collier said. Hoheisel said that part of the planning process involved consulting students at nearby Griffith and Colvin elementary schools. 'That's always great to bring the kids and the youth in and let them have some say in their playgrounds as well,' he said. 'Childhood is something we only get to experience once, and it is a fleeting experience. The memories made help develop us into who we become and what we give back to society as a whole. And every child should get a chance to enjoy being a child, especially when it comes to access to safe places to play.' Hoheisel said the city aims to increase the amount of accessible spaces for children, like the new playground. Previously, the only ADA-compliant playground in the area was at Sedgwick County Park. 'A parent on the south, north or east side shouldn't have to load up their child and drive over to the west side at Sedgwick County Park just so their child can play,' Hoheisel said. 'We're continuing to work on increasing accessibility to all residents in all areas, but it's appropriate that we celebrate the steps we make.'
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
El Paso County approves delivery method for construction of new Office of Medical Examiner
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The El Paso County Commissioners Court approved the use of a construction manager at risk (CMAR) for the construction of a new Office of the Medical Examiner on Monday, June 2. According to the news release by the County, the CMAR approach will 'allow the County to hire a construction firm early in the process to collaborate closely with the design team.' In addition, the CMAR method is 'designed to improve project coordination, manage costs, save time and deliver the best value for El Paso County,' the County said. As we've previously reported, the new Office of the Medical Examiner is one of three major projects that El Paso County voters approved in 2024 as part of the Capital Improvement Program. County commissioners approve next steps in multimillion dollar voter-approved projects According to the County, the Commissioners Court also authorized the County Purchasing Agent to 'solicit proposals from qualified firms to serve as the CMAR for this project.' The Medical Examiner's Office is responsible for investigating deaths that happen suddenly, without explanation or under suspicious or violent circumstances, the County said For more information on other approved projects in the 2024 Capital Improvement Program, you can visit El Paso County's website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Groundbreaking for St. Joseph Animal Shelter to get underway
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — After a decade long discussion, a project to relocate the St. Joseph Animal Shelter is set to begin this month. In a press release, the City of St. Joseph confirmed a ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, June 17, at the site area of the $5 million project at 3409 S. Belt Highway. St. Joseph Mayor John Josendale, Animal Services staff and volunteers will be in attendance. Members of the public are welcome. The project is supported by $3.4 million in Capital Improvement Program funds and $1.6 million raised by the Friends of the Animal Shelter. Ellison-Auxier Architects provided design services for the new facility, which utilizes an existing city-owned building on the property that will be significantly expanded with new construction. E.L. Crawford is the construction contractor for the project. The plan for the new shelter includes an increase from the the current 8,000-square-foot facility as the new location is set have 13,000 square feet of space. It will also feature separate holding spaces for cats and dogs, an infirmary, a designated intake spot and additional parking spaces for visitors. We're really excited about the space and having flex areas for the animals," Animal Service manager Holly Bowie said. "It will increase the health of our animals because we'll be able to separate sick animals from healthy ones. Bowie said the new shelter will help with, not only having more space for animals, but space for community engagement. "Right now, we just don't have the ability to do that," said Bowie. "The visibility of the location is really exciting for us. We're hoping that we can engage the community more and have more visitors at the shelter. Public services, including adoption processing, at the current animal shelter location will not be available on June 17, so staff can attend the groundbreaking. However, priority field service complaints will be answered. If weather conditions become an issue, the ceremony will be moved inside the existing building on the site. The project is slated to be completed by June 2026.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Parkview High School unveils $6.8M theater renovation upgrade
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – A Little Rock high school with an emphasis on arts and science education is undergoing a significant renovation to its dual-purpose theatre-auditorium. Officials with the Parkview Arts/Science Magnet High School said this summer's $6.8 million renovation 'will breathe new life into the space where countless students have discovered their voices, told their stories, and launched their artistic journeys.' Parkview senior earns perfect score on national Spanish exam School officials said the upgrade is funded through the Little Rock School District's Capital Improvement Program. The interior is being completely renovated, and the building's exterior will also get improvements. Functional improvements include a new theatrical rigging system, new stage curtains, a state-of-the-art audio-visual system, a new sound system and a new house and theatrical lighting system. The lobby will also receive a full makeover. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Business Wire
22-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Granite Announces San Francisco International Airport Rehabilitation Project
WATSONVILLE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Granite (NYSE:GVA) has been awarded an approximately $26 million contract by the San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to upgrade Taxiway Z and a portion of Taxiway S at SFO in San Francisco, California. Project funding is to come from SFO and will be included in Granite's second-quarter CAP. This project will rehabilitate the taxiways to ensure the continued safety and efficiency of aircraft operations. Taxiway Z serves as a primary corridor for aircraft movement between the terminals, airline maintenance, and cargo facilities. "We are excited to be part of this critical infrastructure project at SFO," said Brent Fogg, Granite Vice President of Regional Operations. "Our collaboration with SFO on the Taxiway Z Rehabilitation Project underscores our commitment to delivering exceptional projects and advancing the safety and efficiency of airport operations." Project scope includes the reconstruction of asphalt concrete pavement, replacement of airfield lighting with LED lighting and signage, a 12kV electrical duct bank upgrade, and the installation of updated pavement markings and drainage improvements. These enhancements are designed to improve the overall functionality and safety of the taxiways, ensuring that SFO remains a leader in aviation infrastructure. This project is part of SFO's Capital Improvement Program (CIP), a multi-billion-dollar initiative focused on modernizing and improving the airport's infrastructure, including runways, taxiways, and terminals. The CIP includes the "Delivering Exceptional Projects" initiative, which aligns with Granite's key objectives of Trust, Transparency, Early Contractor Collaboration, and Alternate Delivery. This project also supports Granite's long-term goals to partner with SFO on their other Alternate Procurement Projects. Granite's nearby Santa Clara hot plant will be providing 24,105 tons of hot mix asphalt (HMA) for the project, ensuring high-quality materials and efficient delivery. Construction is expected to begin in August 2025 and be completed in November 2025. About Granite Granite is America's Infrastructure Company™. Incorporated since 1922, Granite (NYSE:GVA) is one of the largest diversified construction and construction materials companies in the United States as well as a full-suite civil construction provider. Granite's Code of Conduct and strong Core Values guide the Company and its employees to uphold the highest ethical standards. Granite is an industry leader in safety and an award-winning firm in quality and sustainability. For more information, visit the Granite website, and connect with Granite on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, and Instagram.
