Pavilion May be Built in Frontier Park in 2012

In December 2011, 's first restroom facility opened just north of the . In 2012, Frontier Park will likely get it's first permanent pavilion.

The has been working toward installing restrooms and pavilions in the park for the past several years. Frontier Park is heavily used for events and festivals throughout the year and, until this year, the nearest restroom was located off of Main Street.

Some people advocated building a pavilion to give people a place to eat lunch in the park or as an alternative to renting tents for each festival.

Parks Director Maralee Britton told the Parks Board Wednesday that she believes there is enough funding left to complete one shelter on the north end of Frontier Park. Britton is expected to present more information, including updated cost estimates, at the city council meeting Tuesday.

The City Council allocated about $460,000 from gaming funds and the general fund for improvements in Frontier Park. The restroom on the north end of the park cost more than staff initially anticipated -- about $360,000 -- because it had to be made "flood proof."

It's still unclear if funding will be available to build a restroom and pavilion on the South side of the park.

Britton is recommending the city build a 24-by-34 foot shelter close to the river on the far north end of the park. A pavilion of that size could accomodate about 75 people and six picnic tables, she said. The columns of the shelter would be wrapped in a stone façade so it will match the restroom. 

A path would extend the current trail alongside the river and up to the shelter.

"We're hoping to move on this sooner," she said. "Hopefully in the next couple of months."

The Parks Department has not yet decided whether to make the pavilion open to reservations from residents. Britton said, in her experience, community members like to be able to drive up close to pavilions. This one would not be located near Riverside Drive.

"It may be better off as a first come, first served shelter," she said.

If the department allowed people to rent the shelter, any group holding a Festival in the park would have to rent it along with Jaycee Stage.

"I can see a lot of festivals that would use this," said Parks Board member John Wallendy.