Another Elm Creek Park South amenity is nearly in place.
Iola city crews were on hand Monday afternoon to assist with the latest park attraction, a small walking bridge that spans a slough near the southern banks of Elm Creek.
The project was made possible by donations from several Iolans, noted Donna Houser, a member of the Iola Community Involvement Task Force/Pride Committee, including:
— Iolan Jim Smith, who paid for the metal for the bridge’s frame and the yellow paint. Smith worked with Iolan Don Britt in surveying both sides of the slough to ensure the bridge was level after it was placed.
— Steve Kinzle donated custom horse panels affixed to the bridge’s side. The span was fabricated by workers at General Repair.
— Payless Concrete provided the concrete pads, on which the bridge will be mounted.
— Josh Oberley, Modern Woodmen of America agent, will provide the wooden planks to serve as the bridge deck. The organization also paid for seven more trees recently planted by Smith throughout the park.
— Iola Parks Department employees used the boom of a backhoe to place the bridge across the span.
A SMALL HICCUP with the bridge placement may delay its opening to the public. The concrete pads were about a half-inch too thick for the bridge to be affixed perfectly.
“The goal is to have it so a person in a wheelchair could cross easily,” Smith said.
Smith and Britt planned to modify the concrete pad soon so the bridge can be firmly attached.
IOLA CITY Council members have taken notice of the work to develop the park.
At the council’s meeting Monday, Councilman Ken Rowe suggested the city open the park to campers. The city also should consider relaxing its open fire ban to allow campfires in the park, he said.
Councilman Kendall Callahan said that as the park is developed, the city also should consider placing restroom facilities.
“That cottonwood tree in the corner doesn’t cut it?” Councilmen Steve French jokingly asked.
Opening the park to campers, or allowing campfires, would require the city to adopt special ordinances or waivers, City Attorney Chuck Apt told council members.
