Checking progress of Riverfront Park renovations

By DAVE SPENCER

(PHOTO AND STORY: KHQ.COM)

The renovations to Riverfront Park are in full swing! While the construction equipment, piles of dirt and orange fencing that litter the park at the moment are far from beautiful, there's no doubt that when it's all said and done, Riverfront Park will definitely be a sight to see! While there have been various changes and improvements to the park since Expo '74, this is the first comprehensive facelift the park has had since those preparations were made for the fair.

  • Looff Carrousel:
    • Demolition is complete.
    • The carrousel is off site being fully restored.
    • There is about 1 ton of carrousel to restore per month during the year-long process.
    • We'll begin to see vertical construction on the site very soon.
    • The new building will be climate controlled to protect the antique carrousel.
    • The building is anticipated to open in the Spring of 2018. 
  • Red Wagon Meadow:
    • Recent trail improvements have been made just in time for Bloomsday.
    • There is now an ADA accessible pathway through the meadow.
    • This will be a well-used access path through the park during the next several months of construction along the south bank of the park.
  • Pavillion
    • The Garco/Berger/NAC team was selected to create a unique attraction out of the pavilion structure that will leave a lasting legacy and live up to the world-class example set by the World's Fair in 1974.
    • Design work is underway, and the Pavilion is anticipated to be complete in 2019.
    • The pavilion metal net structure will absolutely remain in place.
  • Recreational Ice Ribbon and SkyRide facility
    • Foundation is in place for a new building that will be a shared facility for ticketin for the SkyRide and ice ribbon, along with concessions and party rooms.
    • You can begin to see the pathway for the new ribbon.
    • It will be the first ice ribbon on the west coast.
    • Timeline for completion is fall 2017.
  • Rotary Fountain
    • The plumbing and mechanics of the fountain are unreliable and in need of full overhaul.
    • It’s efficient to do the work now, while the south bank is under construction.
    • The above-ground portion of the fountain will not change.

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