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Portalcool Park is taking shape

 

The vision of Portacool Park is taking the last major step toward construction and becoming an improved attraction and asset for the entire community.  With representatives from Portacool, LLC in attendance, the City Council approved the maximum price for construction and authorized the acquisition of components to be acquired directly by the City.
 
Ben Wulf, CEO of Portacool, LLC presented Mayor Chadwick with the initial contribution for this facility upon reaching this project milestone.   "Our company's roots are steeped in Center, and we look forward to giving back to the city that is home to our work and community family," says Ben Wulf, CEO of Portacool, LLC, the naming sponsor of the park and funding partner.
 
This action is the culmination of over a year of project planning and coordination of funding from Portacool, LLC, a grant from Texas Parks and Wildlife, the City and the Street Improvements for Economic Development.  The park facilities will include a quarter-mile walking trail, restroom facilities, azalea garden, covered pavilion/basketball court, and a multi-purpose soccer/football field that will accommodate CISD athletics.
 
"The Council and our friends at Portacool, LLC, dreamed of making this location even more of a special place where our families have a beautiful place to relax and play," added David Chadwick, Mayor of Center. "We could not have made a project this grand without the assistance of Portacool and are truly blessed to have them in our community."
 
Not only are park amenities being improved, the effect is that nearby areas are also getting a facelift.  The City purchased property for the widening of Childs Street to improve traffic related to the school campuses.  Additionally, a new park parking lot with a new park entrance will be constructed at the end of Malone Drive.  The City and CISD were able to negotiate an exchange of this site for access to land at Center Park that has now become the Coach Leon Dykes CISD Tennis Complex.  
 
Childs Street construction is progressing and now that all utilities have been relocated, the street preparation and surfacing will begin, followed by the construction of the new parking area.
 
"It is amazing how much can be accomplished with shared vision, cooperation and community partners such as Portacool," stated Chad Nehring, City Manager.  "Their leadership in developing the standard for improvements and providing resources to make those dreams a reality for the benefit of the entire community is not only generous but exemplifies the ideals of Portacool and Center."
 
Construction on the park site should begin within thirty days lead by a great team of Berry & Clay Construction with project oversight by MHS Planning and Design and demolition starting immediately by City crews as a part of the TP&W grant requirements.

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