Park '98 percent' complete

The end is in sight for the fourth and final phase of a park project in Portland.
An official with The Schneider Corporation told the Portland Park Board Tuesday that phase IV of Hudson Family Park is 98 percent complete.
Michael Krosschell of Schneider said this phase likely will be completed in March and work will resume just as soon as the weather improves. He said all of the paving, the playground, the playground surface and the seating for the amphitheater have all been completed. He said a few lights still need to be added, along with steps for the amphitheater seating area, water fountains, the aeration system for the pond and a water heater for the restroom/concession stand/ticket booth.
A ribbon cutting ceremony is expected to be held in the spring.
“It looks beautiful,” said park board president Neil Medler.
“It looks awesome,” added vice president Rod Ashman.
Medler said this morning that a gazebo and other small features may be added to the park over time, but those decisions will be made by the park board.
He said the city will not need Schneider’s services once phase IV is complete.
Local banker Barry Hudson and his family donated the 30-plus acres for the park in 2000, with the stipulation that it be completed in 10 years and that it include an amphitheater, a pond and other features.
In other business Tuesday, board members voted to allow a 5-kilometer running/walking event to be held at Hudson Family Park on April 30.
Emily Wiggins said she would like to have the event start at the park.
The event would raise money for local residents to take missionary trips, to help the communities that missionaries visit and to help with foreign adoptions.
Wiggins and her husband John adopted their son Juan Pablo from Guatemala in 2009.
The start time and route have not yet been determined.[[In-content Ad]]