Gregor Sports Park near completion; power energized, opening expected in late February

City staff told the Oakdale City Council that Gregor Sports Park is approaching completion after the park's electrical pedestal was energized today, allowing power to be brought to restrooms and courts and enabling final system checks ahead of public opening.

Project manager Karina said crews will run power through systems, verify lighting and restroom function, complete punch-list work and inspect drainage and parking. She said some surfacing repairs for courts require contractors who do not work in winter and will return in April; those repairs will not block public use once the park opens.

"We just got energized today, so we gotta run the power through everything, make sure everything's functioning, get our bathroom up and running, check all of our lights, and then we will punch walk everything," Karina said. Staff estimated a few more weeks of close inspection and work before opening and suggested a ribbon cutting in the first week of March.

Council members and staff discussed features intended to limit noise and increase safety: a planted berm provides a wind and noise barrier between courts and nearby homes, gates and a key system will regulate access similar to other Oakdale parks, and staff said cameras will be installed with Oakdale Police Department access. Staff said a community key system will include rules for users and that some shade structures and final court striping will be completed in spring.

Council members praised the project team and were told the city will set a public ribbon-cutting date once final inspections are complete.