Park Remodel
The City of Florence is working to update and expand some of the parks throughout the city. Beginning this fall the city will expand the area for one of the newest and fastest growing sports, Pickleball. The Rolling Dunes improvement project will increase the current facility at Rolling Dunes park on 35th and Siano Loop to 18,600 square feet from its current 14,400 square feet. The improvement will include expanding the court area and the fenced area surrounding the court allowing for two additional courts with fixed nets. After the upgrade is completed the crews will begin working on replacing the picnic shelter and bathrooms on the property. The city expects the project to be complete by spring of next year.
Republican Meeting: Gardiner
The initial meeting of a group called the Lower Umpqua Republicans are meeting this evening. Jan Brookhart is one of the organizers.
“The meeting is at the Oregon School of Art, the old Gardiner school house. Five o’clock we’re going to have the doors open to mix and mingle and then at six o’clock we’ll start our meeting.”
Brookhart says their aim is to generate interest in the upcoming General Election by encouraging people to explore the candidates and the issues. She says their goal is to meet at the Oregon School of Art every Thursday evening up until the election. It is open to all residents of Western Douglas County, including Elkton, Reedsport, Gardiner and Winchester Bay.
Estuary Trail
Another city project that had been in the news recently is the Siuslaw Estuary Trail. The city released more information on the construction project yesterday. In the coming weeks the project’s contractor, Laskey-Clifton will be moving equipment and setting up for construction of the parking lot and trail. The project will include pathway, curbs, pedestrian ramps, sidewalks, catch basins and more according to the information. The trail will follow Munsel Creek and continue along the estuary from 126 to Quince street.
School District
The Siuslaw School district gathered yesterday to get ready for the new school year and introduced new staff members and new positions and reassignments. They also recognized three individuals for length of service to the district. School bus driver Terry Bunner has been with the district for 20 years, Kelly Lonien an elementary school aide, 25 years and Middle school lead custodian Tyrah Forbes has been with the district for 30 years. School begins next week.