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About Polk County itemizer observer. (Dallas, Or) 1992-current | View Entire Issue (Sept. 6, 2017)
8A Polk County Itemizer-Observer • September 6, 2017 Polk County News Gala Park renovations back on track Weather, contractor delays postponed project progress over the summer months, city says By Jolene Guzman The Itemizer-Observer DALLAS — Renovations at Gala Park, at the corner of Uglow Avenue and Hankel Street, are back on track after weather and contractor delays postponed the proj- ect over the summer. The city announced on Facebook and Twitter that work had resumed last week. “Finally, some progress on Gala Park! Form boards are being placed for the con- crete curbing. Thanks, everyone for your patience during this improvement project,” the post read. Parks Supervisor Eric Tot- ten said once finished, it will have new play structures, in- cluding the installation of a swing set, climbing net and something called a “spin- ning supernova.” A new pavilion, built with donated labor, is also part of the plans. New sprinklers were in- stalled last week and bark will be placed this week to finish the playground. “I would say in the next 15 days, we will be playing on the play equipment,” Totten said Friday. That would already be the case, but Mother Nature and a busy building season con- spired against an earlier completion, Totten said. “At the beginning of the season, it was way too wet,” Totten said. In spite of challenging a dry streak, Polk County is still more than 11 inches of precipitation ahead of aver- age because of early rain JOLENE GUZMAN/ Itemizer-Observer JOLENE GUZMAN/ Itemizer-Observer Concrete pavers dry Friday afternoon at Gala Park in Dal- las. Improvements at the park resumed last week. The playground at Gala Park should be fully ready for use around mid-September. Work stalled because a contractor couldn’t complete the project. and snow. Then, a contractor who was slated to install pavers around the playground backed out of the project. This summer has had more than enough work to go around, so it has been difficult to find contractors with time to add jobs or to complete them on schedule. Totten said the city expe- rienced delays on another park development, the new pickleball courts, for the same reason. Work stoppage left the park with piles of dirt and temporary ditches dug for concrete pavers. Soon that will all be gone, Totten said. Last week, the city hired another contrac- tor to complete concrete work around the play- ground. “We actually poured con- crete this morning,” he said on Friday. JOLENE GUZMAN/Itemizer-Observer Mounds of dirt and ditches at Gala Park will disappear soon as work finishes within two weeks. It’s fall, when the vines are heavy with ripening grapes. Vintners are pay- ing careful attention to the weather and to the fruit, ready to harvest as soon as they’re ready. Meanwhile Left Coast Cellars wine club members are gearing up to re- ceive their twice-yearly shipment of selected vintages — some limited edi- tions. Wine club members get special access to wineries, including library wine tastings and special club-only bottlings. To sign up, one commits to purchasing two cases of wine a year and receives free wine tastings for themselves and a few guests, 20 percent off all wine, and 15 percent off logoed items in the tasting room, as well as discounted special promotions. Founders — members of the wine club — also are invited to complimentary monthly barrel tastings at Left Coast. Once you’ve experienced the vari- ety and quality of wine at Left Coast, joining the club is a great way to sup- port your favorite vineyard owner and winemaker — not to mention guaranteeing a well-stocked wine supply. The holidays are around the corner, and having a good supply of local wine is important for guests or to take as a gift to a host. If you’re not ready to jump in and sign up for the club, stop by for tast- ings. Left Coast is open year-round, seven days a week, noon to 5 p.m. and always has something great to offer guests. This time of year, watch for the vineyard to change colors with the seasons, or enjoy the crisp air while sip- ping a sparkling varietal. Join us for High Street Band at Legacy Estate Vineyard on Sept. 15th! Concert doors open at 6 pm. Concert from 7 pm – 9 pm. CUBANISIMO VINEYARDS 1754 Best Road NW, Salem, OR 97304 503-588-1763 • vino@cubanisimovineyards.com Thank you to these sponsors. Please make it a point to visit these wineries while exploring our great region.
