The City of Center is announcing that the highly anticipated Mini-Park Grand Re-Opening and Dedication Ceremony is scheduled for Friday July 27, 2012, at 10:00 am. Children of all ages are welcome to attend and be the first to enjoy the City’s new splashpad.

"This park was the first project undertaken in our Parks Master Plan," reports Center Mayor David Chadwick. "The plans called for this park to receive a splashpad, new pavilion, playground equipment, a walking trail, restrooms and landscaping. You almost cannot recognize this as the same park."

"The work done on this park is dedicated to the memory of Mrs. Frances Oates," continued the Mayor. "Mrs. Oates served on the City Council for nearly 30 years and was instrumental in advocating for our community’s youth. A Center resident suggested that we dedicate this park in her memory and the Council agreed." Mrs. Oates passed away while in office in 2010.

The renovation of Mini-Park is but one component of the City’s Parks Master Plan. The City is already working on other parts of the plan such as the first phase of a trail and sidewalk system, an expansion of Center Park with additional softball fields, and a renovation of Community House. Center City Manager Chad Nehring explains, "All this work is in conjunction with the City’s annual Capital Improvements Program."

Construction at Mini-Park began in mid-April 2012 and took nearly 90 days to complete. All residents are encouraged to attend the ceremony and to bring their swimsuits. Mini-Park is located immediately behind the Fannie Brown Booth Memorial Library between Henrietta and Fair Streets.