Ash Street to close on March 7

The City of Sisters hopes that residents and tourists will be flushing toilets downtown by Quilt Show Weekend.

Although funds are still needed, planners of the Barclay Memorial Park recently set dates for its completion.

The city will close Ash Street on Friday, March 7. A groundbreaking ceremony will happen that same day at 3 p.m. Street removal starts the following Monday.

Located downtown between The Gallery Restaurant and The Jewel, the park will feature much-needed bathrooms, drinking fountains, street lamps and power for entertainment purposes.

A walking path will meander through existing trees, past a water feature that will be constructed. Several angled parking spaces will be provided in the park, increasing the number of spaces in the city by two or three.

Open bidding for the project begins February 25. The contract will be awarded on February 27. The chosen contractor will have 120 days to complete the project, making the final date for completion July 12, which also happens to be the day of the Sisters Quilt Show.

Although the project is allowed 120 days, the city hopes construction will be completed by Rodeo Weekend, which occurs one month earlier.

There is already talk of the park being used for events. Harvest Faire has shown interest, as has the Sisters Quilt Show.

According to City Administrator Eileen Stein, the project still needs $50-60,000 in general community donations.

Approximately $110,000 has been raised through local donations and grants. Local businesses are supplying building materials and man hours to the project.

Peter Storton plans to put a "thermometer" graphic on the site, letting citizens know what progress is being made on raising funds for the project. Donations may be deposited in the Harold and Dorothy Barclay Park Fund at Bank of the Cascades.

For more information call City Hall at 549-6022.