Work is progressing on two local park projects – the renovations of Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park on Bouchelle Street, and the construction of the new skate park behind Collett Street Recreation Center.

Last month, City workers started removing the old playground equipment at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park in preparation for grading. Grading of the site will be done in conjunction with the grading for the new Mountain View Elementary School.

“Once grading is finished, the park designs can be finalized, and construction can begin,” Parks and Recreation Director Rob Winkler said.

Workers also did a soil test for the new skate park behind Collett Street Recreation Center. The soil test will determine whether the ground can hold the weight of the new skate park without sinking. Winkler said the preliminary results of the soil tests looked good, but he’ll receive the final analysis next week.

Winkler expects the City Council will approve a contract with Pillar Artisan to build the new skate park during the March 6 City Council meeting.

The following photos show playground equipment being removed at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park to prepare for grading the site.

The following photos show contractors performing soil bores on the lower ball field behind the Collett Street Recreation Center. The soil bores will determine is the site can handle the weight from a concrete skate park.