Construction of The Elevated Park in St. Thomas is now complete. The most recent construction project involved proper railing and fencing installed across the entire bridge, allowing it to be open from one end to the other.
This will be the first time that the bridge is open from end to end since the project on the former Michigan Central Railroad Bridge began in 2013.
A 210 foot wooden boardwalk, 600 foot concrete sidewalk and a new public art sculpture were also included in the construction project.
President of On Track St. Thomas Serge Lavoie says that they now want people to enjoy the park year-round
Lavoie says that while construction is complete they are not done yet as they will be laying sod on the bridge this year. A children’s play zone will be installed in April of 2020. The Railway City Rotary Club is also sponsoring a music garden with steel musical instruments that will also be coming in April of next year.
Future plans also include a 75 foot reflecting pond, solar powered pedestrian lighting, additional benches and railway artifacts.
A ribbon cutting ceremony will be taking place on Saturday (Sept 14) at 5 p.m. which will also be accompanied by the official rerouting of the Great Trail (formally Trans Canada) across the park.
The Elevated Park is funded entirely through donations.
