By BJ Austin, KERA News
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-852940.mp3
Dallas, TX –
Construction on the Woodall Rodgers "deck park" in downtown Dallas will start next month. KERA's BJ Austin says the contract to build the deck has been awarded, and groundbreaking is set for September 14th.
The 100 million dollar park OVER the freeway lanes of Woodall Rodgers is a public, private partnership. Banker Jody Grant, Chairman of the Woodall Rodgers Foundation, says it has raised more than 20 million dollars, so far.
Grant: We have probably about 25 million to go. Beginning of the construction will help us in that. Some improvement in the economy, of course, will help us in that. And we're beginning to see that.
It'll take about two years to build the five acre deck over the freeway lanes and all its amenities.
Grant: There will be a performance pavilion. There will be a great lawn where people can sit and enjoy entertainment that's taking place. There are tables for chess and checkers. And very importantly there is a children's park and a dog park. I think it's going to redefine downtown.
Jody Grant says 16 million in federal stimulus money has accelerated the construction schedule. The park should be completed in late 2011.