Improvements planned at Anna Park

Another round of improvements are being planned at the Anna City Park.

In recent years, the city has made a number of improvements at the park, including construction of a band shell and installation of sidewalks and new lighting.

Last week, the Anna City Council approved plans to seek state grant funding for a major improvement project at the park.

The proposal was approved at the council's regular meeting on Tuesday evening, Nov. 19.

At the meeting, city administrator Steve Guined unveiled plans for a $744,458 improvement project at the park.

The city will be seeking $676,780 in state grant money to fund the project. The city would contribute $67,678 to the cost of the work.

Should the funding be approved for the city, plans would move forward with construction of a new swimming pool, a new concession stand and  restrooms at the park.

Guined said he was optimistic about the city's chances of obtaining the grant funds.

Pending approval of the grant money, bids for the project could be awarded in the spring and work on the project could start in the fall of 2011.

Work also is planned to improve lighting at Denny Field at the park.

The city received $50,000 in state grant funding for the Denny Field project.

The city will be contributing $25,000 to the project which is expected to cost $75,000.

Lighting has been an ongoing concern at Denny Field for some time.

The city expects to open bids in December for the project. Work is slated to be completed in time for the spring 2011 ball season.

Denny Field is used for softball and baseball games.

The city administrator also reported last week that plans are moving forward with a major improvement project along East Davie Street.

The project, estimated to cost $350,000, would involve a variety of improvements in an area from Freeman Street to South Main Street. Federal grant money would fund a good portion of the project.