City council paves way for major Krug Park renovations

By Cameron Montemayor

Major renovations to Krug Park are now clear for takeoff after city council members signed off on a multimillion-dollar project contract Monday, one of several items focused on heavily-utilized parks in St. Joseph.

The city council unanimously approved a $11.7 million design-build contract with E.L. Crawford Construction, Inc., for the renovation of Krug Park, part of a near $13 million project funded by park sales tax and Capital Improvements Program funds.

“The real visible work will probably begin next spring sometime. So we’ll have all winter long to work on kind of, you know, finishing up the design work, making sure everybody’s happy that I assume there will probably be a couple of work sessions with City Council once we get some more specific designs in place,” said Chuck Kempf, director of Parks, Recreation and Civic Facilities.

St. Joseph’s 122-year-old Krug Park will see a host of improvements carried out during that time, from replacement of the amphitheater support building and stage to the renovation of castle restrooms, the children’s circus area and construction of an ADA solution for the castle.

The project also includes the replacement of park shelters, the upper playground, restrooms and renovations to the upper tunnel.

If early-phase work is carried out this construction season, Kempf said it will focus on upgrading the park’s key utility infrastructure.

“We’ve got to restore the water service to the amphitheater. We’ve got to restore the sewer service to the amphitheater, and then electrical service will be upgraded throughout the park,” Kempf said.

Items impacting St. Joseph’s parks and recreational facilities largely took center stage at Monday’s meeting, where members also approved a $1.6 million contract with Lee Grover Construction Company for construction of restroom facilities at Hyde Park, Corby Grove, Eagles Complex and Hochman Park.

Lastly, council gave the green light to an agreement with GGA Architects to provide $75,000 worth of design services for the renovation of Coleman Hawkins Park at Felix Street Square.

Monday’s meeting also saw Mayor John Josendale appoint four new members to sit on the Industrial Development Authority. New members include former presiding commissioner Lee Sawyer, Mosaic Life Care Foundation President Julie Gaddie, Ron Barbosa and Joe Houts.

Other resolutions for adoption passed:

Purchase and installation of kitchen equipment for the Joyce Raye Patterson 50+ Activity Center from various vendors in the total amount of $91,998.

Replacement of shade structure for the Bill McKinney Softball Complex at Heritage Park using $37,143 in general fund 2011 transient guest tax program funds.

Execution of small business exterior improvement grants in the total amount of $21,824 for the installation of exterior entry doors and masonry repair at 6223 King Hill Ave.

Purchase order not to exceed $309,000 for the clean-out of an anaerobic digester at the water protection facility.

Council OKs numerous funding agreements

Agreement with St. Joseph Community Alliance for $20,000 to assist with operation and implementation of the Imagine St. Joseph 2040 plan.

Agreement with St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce to provide funding in the total sum of $10,000 for the St. Joseph Workforce Development Alliance for the purpose of improving the skills and training of the workforce and providing career opportunities with an additional sum of $5,000 in January 2025 contingent upon funding.

Contract with the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce for economic development services for the total sum of $200,000 with an additional sum of $10,000 in January 2025 contingent upon funding availability.

Agreement with Missouri Western State University to provide funding in the total sum of $40,000 for the operation of the Center for Service.

Agreement with Innovation Stockyard to provide funding in the total sum of $20,000 to assist with operating and providing support with business start-up and growth operations.

Agreement with MO-KAN Regional Council to pay the annual membership fee in the total sum of $25,000.

Agreement with Allied Arts Council of St. Joseph, Missouri to provide funding in the initial sum of $30,000 to assist with operating and providing a variety of fine arts and entertainment experiences with an additional sum of $2,950 in January 2025 contingent upon funding.