**CITY OF TIMMINS NEWS RELEASE**

As construction season comes to a close, City of Timmins officials are happy with all the progress made to the Hollinger Park to date.

“We understand that the work in the park has been a slight inconvenience to some of our residents and visitors, but the end product is sure to satisfy park-goers for many years to come,” said Director of Community & Development Services Mark Jensen. “Interpaving, the contractor who is completing the work at the park, has done a phenomenal job in rehabilitating and updating the well-used gem in the heart of the city.”

While there will still be some finishing touches requiring completion in the spring, the park will be useable this winter for the City’s Community Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and winter skating.

Jensen explained that while intentions were to complete the entire park work by mid-November, the unfortunate late delivery of the concrete forms for the central plaza and unfavourable long-term forecast which would not permit the pouring and curing of concrete and pavement have caused a slight delay.

“The central plaza represents a major investment and a key focal point for the park and both the contractor and City agree that there is too much risk with proceeding given the current and anticipated conditions,” explained Jensen.

For this reason, the central plaza and parking lot will be deferred until the spring of 2020. Despite this, Interpaving has done a great job at furthering this project along in relatively short order. I was truly impressed with the worker resources and equipment operating on site.”

Jensen anticipates approximately four weeks will be required to finalize the park in 2020. Fencing will remain on site protecting the hydro seed and sod from damage due to public use. Once the grass takes, the fencing will be removed from the site.

A position of the fencing will be relocated to allow access for snowmobiles adjacent to Highway 101. Fencing will be installed around the central plaza to protect the rebar and insulation that has been installed. Tarping will cover this feature to protect it from the winter elements. An opening will also be provided in order to accommodate the winter skating activities.

In addition, the contracted works for the Grandstand is now complete, and the historic facility looks great. The replacement of planks at the rear of this structure will be completed in the spring of 2020. Marco Clay has been delivered and spread on the infield and baseball will return to the park in 2020.

Filed under: Local News