Three months after the Fulton City Council approved plans for renovations at Memorial Field, construction has begun on the new park planned for the space.
"We've put in electricity, water and sewer, the concrete performance pad and the street department has started to put in the sidewalk along Second Street for the walking trail loop (around the park)," said Parks and Recreation Director Clay Caswell.
Plans for the new Memorial Park upgrade include new sidewalks, a shelter, playground equipment, restrooms and a small concrete pad next to the bleachers that can serve as a performance space. At one time - based on a community survey regarding residents' desires for the space - the city had considered building a small spray park at the site as well, but that turned out to be cost-prohibitive at this time.
"It was just too expensive, that would have taken our entire ($100,000) budget," Caswell said. "In the end we decided to go with a gazebo, a shelter with a restroom and concession area and benches and water fountains throughout."
The adjacent Hensley Baseball Field also will remain.
With the playground equipment scheduled to arrive next week and the gazebo set to arrive the first week of April, Caswell said he is hoping to have the upgrades completed by the end of the summer, although he could not commit to a set date.