The Fairgrounds Project - How it Began, Where We Are Today
The Fairgrounds project was finally completed at the end of January. State officials came for a final walk-through and gave their approval and signed off that all the work was complete. This approval allowed for the city to receive the last grant payment of just over $138,000. The Fairground Project became one of the largest and longest-running projects the City of Park Hills has ever attempted.
The Fairgrounds project was finally completed at the end of January. State officials came for a final walk-through and gave their approval and signed off that all the work was complete. This approval allowed for the city to receive the last grant payment of just over $138,000. The Fairground Project became one of the largest and longest-running projects the City of Park Hills has ever attempted. The conception of this project dates back to the Easter/Whitwell Administration in 2014/2015. The idea of the project was to make a new St. Joe Park trail entrance near Hwy 67 for ATV/ORV riders as well as motorcycle riders and for a second trail to be constructed as a Hiking/Biking Trail connected to the existing Hiking/Biking Trail in the park. Construction began in late May/June of 2017 and was finished in a little over 3 1/2 years.
The Fairgrounds Project was built with the hope of creating a new economic area that would create much-needed sales tax revenue for the city. The City of Park Hills provided funding for the development, but never owned the land being developed. Three sections of the land were sold by the Drillmo Corporation before the completion of the project. Leadbelt Power Sports was the first business to open, with more to come. A few months ago, Drillmo sold all remaining land to a local developer.
The total cost of the Fairgrounds Project was much higher than projections from the 2014/2015 original plan. The cost of the project came in higher than anticipated for several reasons. Inflation was one of the contributing factors, as were cost overruns, and the cost of all the items that had been left out of the original plan and needed to complete the project. The entire cost for completion was $5,610,349.01. In August of 2015, the city borrowed $844,944 from the Missouri Transportation Finance Corporation and used this money to begin construction. The city has been making payments of $111,610 annually to pay back this loan. The loan will be paid off on October 31, 2024. The city did receive $455,184.03 in grants to help pay for the project.
The original planning of this project, along with many omitted necessities needed to complete the project, placed a financial burden on our city. Through budget cuts, a reduction in the city workforce, and finishing the project with city employees, we were able to complete the project. The city's finances were definitely bent but were not broken through the whole process.
So where is the Fairgrounds Project going from this point forward?
There are plans for a strip mall on one area of land. Hotels and major chain restaurants have shown some interest in the area, as well as gas stations, and a section has been set aside for the building of duplexes. Access to St Joe State Park is now open at the Fairgrounds entrance Thursday through Sunday. Additional days will be added as traffic into the park increases. People are allowed to drive their ATV/UTV directly into the park from their homes; there is no need to bring them in on a trailer. All that is needed is for the rider to go to the St Joe State Park website, purchase entry into the park, drive up to the booth, show the confirmation on their phone, and drive on in. The hiking and biking trail is also open. Bring your bike, bring your dog, bring your kids, or just come by yourself for a nature walk.
Fun begins at Fairgrounds
Mark McFarland
City Administrator
*Photo Credit: www.dailyjournalonline.com