A new bridge to be constructed on Adams Street next summer will certainly add beauty to McKinley Park.
Engineers with Calhoun-Burns and Associates presented three aesthetic options for this new bridge to Creston City Council Tuesday evening.
Dave Koets, ward 5 councilman, favored the most pleasing to the eye, which was “option 3” that included a Texas rail bridge with structured steel railings along the bridge’s 10-foot bike/walking path. (See photo above)
“A lot of time and effort has been put into that park,” Koets said. “I don’t want to put something cheesy in there. This bridge should look pretty dang fancy, even if it will cost more.”
The other six council members agreed with Koets and voted unanimously for that option. In that vote, the council also decided to illuminate the 70-foot bridge with two light poles placed at the beginning and end of the bridge’s bike/walking path that overlooks McKinley Lake. As well, the council went with window type D for the bridge. (See photo above)
“This bridge could be something neat,” said John Kawa, chairman of the Creston Parks and Recreation Board. “If this bridge lasts as long as that (current) one, it would really be something for other people and families to see.”
The current bridge, needing replaced, was built in 1940.
Replacement for this bridge, including the aesthetics decided on Tuesday, is expected to cost $1.7 million. However, the city received an 80/20 federal grant and other funding to pay for this replacement and the city’s financial commitment for the project is estimated at $365,000, which has already been budgeted.
In other city council news:
• Todd Jackson, fire chief in Creston, reminded the council it is Fire Prevention Week. He said local firefighters are on schedule to talk with 1,150 students about fire prevention and safety. He also invited the community to the department’s annual pancake supper 5 to 7 p.m. tonight at the Creston fire station.
• Mike Taylor, city administrator, thanked Creston: Arts and high school students for painting the McKinley Park underpass. Also, at the last council meeting, Taylor also thanked members of Salem Lutheran Church for painting the retaining walls on South Elm Street.
• The city raised the pay for part-time city dispatchers to attract more applicants and then retain those employees. The raise in pay did help as about 12 applied for the open position recently and officials are currently in the hiring process.