The Centralia City Council is making plans to apply for two state grants. One would allow for additional improvements to Fairview Park. The other would extend sidewalks down Country Club Road as part of a Safe Routes to School grant.
A public hearing is scheduled for 5:45 Monday night to gather comment on an application for a $600,000 OSLAD (Open Space Land Acquisition and Development Program) grant for Fairview Park improvements.
Centralia City Manager Galen Mahle says the proposed project aims to enhance the recreational value and accessibility of the park for residents of all ages and abilities. Planned improvements include a new internal roadway and sidewalks, the installation of fencing around the playground for added safety, updated skate park equipment, outdoor fitness stations along a new walking path, birdhouses, benches and additional trash receptacles.
The total cost of Fairview Park improvements is estimated at $745,815 with the city still looking at reducing the total cost where available with use of the city employees as feasible, utilizing donations for the skate park improvements and reducing the scope prior to the final application being submitted.
The city will be seeking $250,000 from the Safe Routes to School Grant -Cycle 2025 – which will allow an additional 800 feet of new ADA complaint sidewalk along the west side of Country Club Road from Pentad Way to the driveway at 510 Country Club Road, including pavement striping at cross streets to enhance pedestrian visibility. The improvement is designed to serve students and families of Jordan Elementary School.
The city will also consider a resolution to enter an agreement with Encamp Solar, LLC to utilize credits from its community solar program to cut electric costs. The sewer plant is projecting a $24,000 a year savings for the next 20 years at the sewer plant and $29,000 in savings for an initial three-year term that can be renewed.
The city council meeting begins at six Monday night at Centralia City Hall after the 5:45 public hearing on the OSLAD grant.
