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Shawnee County approves $4.44 million cap for Gage Park carousel renovation
Summary
The county commission approved a $4,441,026 guaranteed‑maximum price amendment for the Gage Park carousel renovation, funded entirely from Gates Park sales tax revenues; the project is now nearly $6.9 million across three phases and includes year‑round facilities and restored carousel artifacts.
Shawnee County commissioners on July 9 approved a $4,441,026 guaranteed‑maximum price amendment for the Gage Park carousel renovation, bringing the three‑phase project to just under $6.9 million, Shawnee County Parks and Recreation Director Tim Lorett said.
Lorett told commissioners the amendment, funded 100% from Gates Park sales tax revenue, covers the work needed to make the facility fully functional: interior walls, lighting, climate control, restored carousel animals, a second mini‑train depot and an assembly/event space with year‑round restrooms. "This is really becoming sort of the main area of the hub of Gage Park," Lorett said during his presentation.
The project will house and preserve the historic carousel in a climate‑controlled building, relocate and add tracks for a second mini train, and create display space for Gage Park artifacts such as the Iron Horse mini‑train engine. Lorett said roughly two‑thirds of the total cost is conventional building construction and about one‑third covers specialty restoration work.
Commissioners asked about design cohesion with the rest of Gage Park, roof materials and acoustics for the new assembly space. Lorett said the design includes stone elements to echo other park features and insulated glass to reduce carousel noise in the event space; on the roof he said a metal roof was considered but proved more costly. "We did talk a lot about [acoustics], and you can sort of see these acoustic panels up there," he said, adding that insulated glass will help "reduce that sound."
Commissioner Kevin Cook and Commissioner Aaron Mays moved and seconded the motion to approve the amendment; the commission recorded the vote as 2 to 0 in favor.
Lorett said the renovated facility will be used for summer camps, community events, party rooms and exhibit space, and that the county expects it to be a long‑term centerpiece of Gage Park. The commission’s approval requires final plats to be approved and recorded where applicable before development continues. The county did not specify an opening date in the presentation.
