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City updates progress on Tuckertown Green, Fitzgerald Field, John’s Homestead and dam repairs; Fitzgerald Field to open Saturday
Summary
Staff reported progress on several major capital projects: Tuckertown Green construction proceeding (utilities undergrounded), Fitzgerald Field grand opening scheduled for Saturday, John’s Homestead dam replacement and amenity additions funded in part by a DNR grant, and Lake Heron dam replacement to begin in April with ARPA funding.
City staff briefed the mayor and council on ongoing capital projects at the March 24 meeting and confirmed public events tied to several completions.
Tuckertown Green: Staff said most horizontal work is complete and utility relocation has been expensive but largely finished. The project will include a stage, seating, restrooms, play spaces, art installations, arbor swings and water features; staff indicated the schedule aims for a September completion and said the project is now moving “vertical.”
Fitzgerald Field Sports Complex: The mayor and staff announced an official grand opening and ribbon‑cutting scheduled for Saturday during the Spring Fling; staff listed amenities including three new fields, two baseball fields, two concession facilities, restrooms, parking and walking areas. Staff credited the Tucker Football League for donating the land several years earlier and said the facility improvements were funded by the city and partner contributions.
John’s Homestead and Lake Heron Dam: Staff presented a multi‑year John’s Homestead project that will replace two dams, add accessible amenities (including a fishing pier and expanded parking), and add trails and bird blinds. The presentation noted the city was awarded a Department of Natural Resources grant (approximately $2.5 million) secured with help from a friends group; the full project budget was described in the presentation as about $4.9 million, with roughly half covered by the DNR grant and the remainder city funds. Staff said Lake Heron Dam replacement is slated to begin in April and that portions of parks and trails will be closed while work proceeds. The Lake Heron project received $1.4 million in ARPA funds from the county for dam repair.
Hugh Howell and Stone Intersection: A near‑term streetscape and safety project at Hugh Howell/Lower and Stone is nearly complete with crosswalk, ADA ramp and signal improvements, expected to finish by mid‑April.
Communication and neighbors: Council members pressed staff to improve on‑site signage and neighbor notification for projects, specifically asking for signs near playgrounds and trailheads for John’s Homestead and Lake Heron work. Staff said signs are being produced and will be placed at parking areas and trailheads and that the city will coordinate outreach with friends groups.
Ending: Staff said sidewalk work on Railroad and the city’s repaving award will proceed under planned budgets; council confirmed upcoming outreach events: the transportation/trails open house and Fitzgerald Field grand opening on Saturday.
