Construction workers erect a pavilion this week on the city’s waterfront at Melton Lake Park.
A few weeks after the old pavilion was removed, construction workers have started erecting a new pavilion at Melton Lake Park.
The Oak Ridge Recreation and Parks Department has hired Rich Construction of Lenoir City to build the 2,300-square-foot pavilion at the Oak Ridge Marina.
The pavilion is in the same spot as the old 880-square-foot picnic shelter that was between the playground and the Melton Lake Greenway. The picnic shelter was torn down in late September.
The $159,000 pavilion could be used for rowing and community events. The Oak Ridge City Council awarded a construction contract for it in May.
It’s the second major step in a waterfront development plan approved by City Council in December 2009. The first was the paving of the parking lot at Elza Gate Park.
Rich Construction began site work for the new pavilion in early October. The pavilion itself has arrived and is now under construction on the city’s waterfront, offering “exceptional views of Melton Hill Lake and the Oak Ridge rowing course,” a city press release said.
Construction could be completed sometime in late November, depending upon the weather, the press release said.
The city asked the public to use caution in the park while the pavilion is under construction.
The hexagonal, prefabricated picnic pavilion will include a metal roof, ceiling lighting, and a low stone wall with electrical outlets. It’s designed to serve as a “signature facility†that sets the theme for future waterfront development.
Funding for the proposed pavilion comes from a $140,000 donation from UT-Battelle, which manages Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and from savings that result from staff turnover in the Oak Ridge Recreation and Parks Department, the city staff said.
The park is used by rowers, runners, walkers, bikers, and families.
For more information, contact the Oak Ridge Recreation and Parks Department at (865) 425-3450 or visit the city’s website at www.oakridgetn.gov.
Bill Issell says
What a nice addition. I wanted to say something nice before all the grumps start complaining.
John Huotari says
Well, thank you.
justicehurd says
It does look nice! Are they keeping the other covered area out there too? That one has grungy looking tables at it.
J Martin says
The older covered area has been torn down.
John Huotari says
justicehurd, I think you’ve usually or always posted positive comments here, but can you use a real name when you post? You can e-mail me if you have any questions. Thank you.
Jake Morrill says
I keep seeing signs of progress throughout Oak Ridge. Grateful for thoughtful city leaders. –Jake
John Huotari says
It does seem like there are more developments in Oak Ridge now than in any of the eight years I’ve been covering the city, including a handful of new restaurants (some recently completed and some not yet built), a Weigel’s, a hotel, a Kroger Marketplace, the conversion of the Alexander Inn, and the state grant for Jackson Square.
J Martin says
John, If you take Fairbanks off of the Turnpike you’ll see new construction as well. The building across the street from the TN Career center has been torn down (it used to house a sports bar) and a new building is going up. The sign says it will be the new home of Pittsburgh Paints. I believe Rick Chinn is the builder. Also, there appears to be work going on where National Electronics used to be. And there is a new medical supplies business (Caremax?) going in next to Oak Ridge Locksmith
John Huotari says
Thanks for letting us know. I talked to Rick Chinn tonight at the football game. He said Pittsburgh Paints is moving into that former sports bar space in January. They’re now on Melton Lake Drive.
John Huotari says
I have to agree with the commenters who said the new pavilion looks nice. I drove out there today, and I think it’s going to be a great addition to the waterfront and should add visual appeal.
Matt says
Proud of my City and encouraged for things to come.