Kahle park to open later than anticipated

Despite early hopes by Douglas County Recreation officials, phase two of Kahle Community Park will open about a week later than originally anticipated.

County Recreation Superintendent Brian Fitzgerald said that while the Parks and Recreation Department had hoped for an earlier opening, construction is way ahead of the project's November deadline.

"(Phase two) is getting done before it was required by contract," Fitzgerald said. "But there were a lot of little things, like a smudge on this wall or that wall, that we wanted to fix. It was nothing major. We just feel it should be perfect."

Fitzgerald said the second phase of the three-phase project will open Sept. 18 but the grand opening celebration will not be until Oct. 21.

"Typically the grand opening is ceremonial," Fitzgerald said. "We plan to tie it in with a fall festival that will take place at the park."

He said the festival will include hay-wagon rides, scarecrow making and food.

The entire Kahle complex will close for two weeks on Saturday, so that all equipment can be moved into the second phase, according to Vicki Schussel, recreation coordinator.

The preschool and Kids Club programs will continue to be held throughout the move in the same rooms, she said.

Most of the more than 50 programs Kahle offers throughout the year will not be affected because the fall schedule won't begin until October, she said.

"Most of the classes are ending next week," Schussel said. "We just pretty much postponed everything until Oct. 1."

Fitzgerald didn't have a date when park passes can be purchased but advised that residents should come in any time during the first two weeks of its opening.

Phase two of the park features a 14,000-square-foot gymnasium with six retractable basketball goals, two volleyball courts and a gymnastics area. On the second floor there is a 400-square-foot suspended, indoor track with elevator access and a weight room.

There is also a 500-square-foot children's playroom with gerbil tubes. There will be men's and women's locker rooms with showers and a youth changing area.

Scott Morgan, director of parks and recreation, said the $2.1 million project, which also includes a free-standing concession stand with restrooms, is coming in on budget.

What: Opening of Kahle Community Park's phase two

When: Sept. 18

Pass prices for Kahle:

Children 9 and under get in free.

Youth 10-17 Adult residents* Adult non-residents Senior rate, 55 and up

one day $3 $5 $5 $5

pass

30-day $10 $29 $39 $24

pass

annual $59 $159 $259 $149

pass

*A resident is someone who can verify a Douglas County address with two valid forms of identification.

Non-residents 55 years and older will pay adult non-resident fees.