Work starts on new City Square

By Alan Carman
The Imperial Republican
    Work started on the new City Square development on Broadway, between seventh and eighth street, this week. City crews started removing the old blacktop parking area that was between the city offices and the library.
    In the first phase of the project, the city crew will be doing as much of the work as they are capable. This phase will include site preparation, new concrete, the new restrooms and other landscaping work.
    The City of Imperial received a $625,000 grant from the Civic & Community Center Financing Foundation (CCCFF), but must match that amount with funds raised.
    The city has secured funds in the amount of $200,000 from the Suzanne and Walter Scott Foundation, $250,000 from the Robert Dougherty Foundation and $50,000 from the Imperial Community Foundation. That leaves about $125.000, that will still need to be raised.
     The square will feature a large sign at the front of the property, facing Broadway with Imperial City Square on it.     
    Some of the features included in the project are a large gazebo that can be used for family gatherings, outdoor weddings and Smokin-on-Broadway.
    There will also be shaded areas with comfortable seating, so if you want to just chill-out and watch the world go by, you will have a spot to do it.
    There will be permanent restroom facilities built on-site for the convenience of everyone.
    The area will also feature something that no other rural community in the country has. The Lappset Memo is at the Forefront of Innovation. It is a unique interactive piece that offers a brand new way for people of all ages to engage and play with interactive pillars that have several different game options.
    The work at the site is expected to progress quickly, weather permitting. The paper will be running a picture each week of the progress that is made.
    The city asks for your understanding during the construction period. While regular City operations will continue, there may be temporary impacts due to construction.
     The public will be updated as the project progresses. The City also asks that if you have ideas for additional features or uses for the area, to reach out to the City with your ideas.