Lions planning new park picnic shelter

Grant’s city council approved a plan last week for a new Grant Lions Club picnic shelter in the city park.

City Superintendent Edward Dunn said the shelter will run just under $30,000.

The Lions’ previous shelter sat in the northeast corner of the park but was removed to make way for the new swimming pool. 

With that in mind, the council approved putting $18,000 toward the new shelter. 

Dunn said the shelter will be built by Martin Building Systems in Madrid. 

It will be a covered, open air facility measuring 40 feet east and west and 32 feet north and south. 

It will be located about 80-90 feet west of the current shelter. By going west, Dunn said no trees will need to be removed, expect for one that has already died and will be coming down. 

The shelter will have a concrete floor, a five-foot concrete apron all around the building and two serving bars. The apron will allow for picnic tables to be moved outside, if desired.

Dunn said sufficient electrical service will be run to the shelter to accommodate numerous roasters and overhead lighting. Electrical costs will be over and above the shelter cost.

Two large charcoal grills will be installed on the apron, with one being handicapped accessible. 

Two like grills will be installed at the existing shelter as well. 

Dunn, who is also a Lions member, said the club had been saving funds to renovate the shelter that was ultimately removed. 

The frame and roof of that shelter was re-purposed at the fair grounds.

He said the Lions plan to hold some fundraisers with a goal of raising at least another $5,000.

The completion date for the shelter has been set for May 2021, to coincide with the opening of the new pool.