While remediation work at Hollinger Park isn't quite finished yet, it will still be used for events this winter, according to the City of Timmins.
Much of the park has been closed this year for upgrades. Improvements were made to the splash pad, a walking path and lighting is being installed, the Grandstand is being refurbished, work has been ongoing on the ball field, and more.
The work was expected to be done mid-November, however director of community and development services Mark Jensen expects there's about four weeks of work to be done in the park in 2020.
In a City of Timmins news release, he explained the delay is due to the late delivery of concrete forms for central plaza and weather, which doesn't allow for the concrete to be poured.
“The central plaza represents a major investment and a key focal point for the park and both the contractor and City agree that there is too much risk with proceeding given the current and anticipated conditions,” he said. "For this reason, the central plaza and parking lot will be deferred until the spring of 2020. Despite this, Interpaving has done a great job at furthering this project along in relatively short order. I was truly impressed with the worker resources and equipment operating on site.”
The park will be useable for the City of Timmins' Community Christmas Tree Lighting Dec. 8 and for winter skating.
The Timmins Community Park Association has partnered with the city for the the outdoor skating path at the park this winter.
As they wait for the winter weather to set in, they are fundraising and looking for volunteers to help monitor the concession, ice and bonfire. They are also collecting skates for people to use.
The fencing at the park will remain up at the park to protect the hydro seed and sod from damage. It will be moved, however, to allow access for snowmobiles next to the highway. Fencing and tarping will also be put in around the central plaza to protect the installed rebar and insulation.
At the grandstand, the city said the contracted works are complete and the planks at the back of the structure are slated to be done in the spring of 2020. The Marco Clay has also been spread on the infield and baseball will return in 2020.
