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Nature Lodge is 1st Phase of Sunset Park Improvements
BOB LINDSEY PHOTO
Sunset Park may be one of the least utilized parks in North County. Florissant has big plans for the park that overlooks the Missouri River. The first phase would be a lodge that will be built by volunteer union labor.
BY CAROL ARNETT
Visitors to Sunset Park will soon be seeing some changes, as the city begins its ambitious revitalization plan.
The multiphase plan will begin with the construction of a nature lodge.
Material for the lodge has already been delivered to the park. Mark Behlmann, of M. J. Behlmann construction, is heading up construction efforts.
“We’re staying focused on the nature lodge, and doing one thing at a time,” he said.
Behlmann said the timeline for the nature lodge project is “as soon as physically possible.” The lodge is being built with volunteer labor. “It’s hard to put a definite completion date because we’re pretty well at the mercy of these donors,” he said. “It will more than likely be spring of “08, but I can’t say early or late,” he said. Sections and materials are on the parking lot ready for installation.
As for the rest of the park renovations, Behlmann said that when the nature lodge is complete, it will show potential donors what is happening. “People want to see something before they donate,” he said.
Mayor Robert Lowery said the nature lodge was being built with donated union time. Apprentices are working on it under the supervision of journeymen.
“The next phase will be the camping area,” Lowery said. It will include a dining hall and tent platforms. Lowery said the 5013c had raised approximately $500,000 to $600,000 in grants and donations. The complete park renovation is expected to cost approximately $5 million.
The city hopes to raise $3 million for additional park plans. These plans include a marina, scout camping area, footbridges, river overlooks, and new picnic pavilions.
The marina will include a ship’s store and boat launch. The camping area will be designed for Boy and Girl Scout camping, with wooden tent platforms and a mess hall/dining area. It will also include additional bathrooms.
Most visitors experience only a small portion of the 90-acre park. Currently, access to the river requires a fairly long walk on an unpaved trail. The new footbridges and river walk are designed to provide access to more of the park. New picnic pavilions will also be added.
The city has set up a non-profit foundation, called a 5013c. This foundation will collect money to renovate the park. The 5013c allows individuals and companies to donate to the park and know the money will be spent on the park. The board of the 5013c is legally obligated to spend all money collected on the park.
The city is seeking sponsorships and donations. They are offering naming rights for many of the parks improvements.
