News : Weather may delay completion of Celebration Park

The Cedar River level continues to be a concern; flooding may delay completion of Celebration Park.

Standing on the newly-poured concrete that will serve as the floor of the Celebration Park band shell, Vinton Parks and Recreation Director Duane Randall looks toward the river, and the mud between the concrete and the water.

“I wish the river would go down,” said Randall.

Water from the Cedar River nearly reached the band shell during flooding three weeks ago. The impact of the water has made the ground too soft for the heavy equipment needed to build the trail that will wind around the borders of the park.

“We may have to delay the opening until next summer,” Randall said.

Randall and project fund-raising committee members Jeff Peterson and Mark Mossman had met at the site Tuesday morning to discuss where to place the wheelchair ramp. The three discussed the required length of the ramp (up to 30 feet) as well as its placement.

The main entrance to the band shell will face south, and those performing there in the future will face south as they sing.