Tim Ryan, tryan@shawanoleader.com
A gazebo at Sturgeon Park being donated by the Shawano Rotary is set to begin construction soon, or at least as soon as the weather starts cooperating.
Scott Nordin, who designed the gazebo and sought construction proposals on behalf of the Rotary, recently told the Shawano Finance Committee that frost in the soil is the only thing holding the project back.
“As soon as it thaws out we can get going,” he said.
The Rotary was hoping to have the project completed in time for a May 15 dedication ceremony, but that may have to be postponed if the weather doesn’t improve.
“If the weather is good, there’s no reason why it couldn’t happen,” Nordin said.
A concrete slab needs to be poured first, and that can’t be done on ground that is frozen, he said.
Some steps have been taken in hopes of alleviating the frost problem, including plastic sheeting and bales of hay that have been spread out over the site.
Initially, the city will pay the cost of the project, but the Rotary will reimburse the city at $5,000 a year over the next five years, or until its completely paid for.
That could happen sooner than first thought. The Rotary has received a $10,00 grant for the project that will speed up reimbursement by two years, and cost of the project has come in under the original $25,000 budget.
Earlier this month, the city approved a bid from Cerveny Construction Inc. of Shawano at a cost of $23,750.
Cerveny will furnish all the materials and the concrete slab, perform the excavation and erect the structure.
The gazebo will be 26 feet across. A sidewalk leading to the structure is also part of the project.
“It will be a very nice addition to the park,” City Administrator Brian Knapp said. “It will provide a venue for events, including weddings, and a gathering place for people to share their special moments.”