by Logan Gruber
On April 24, the City of Sauk Rapids notified residents surrounding the water tower of work to be performed between now and approximately July 7, which requires the closing of Tower Park. The work began a little more than two weeks ago and includes surface repairs, cleaning, sandblasting and painting on the interior and exterior, according to the notice.
“A portion of the playground [at Tower Park] is directly under the bowl of the water tower,” said Pete Eckhoff, director of Public Works, during the April 27 city-council meeting. “We started looking at their equipment and decided to close the park . . . I wouldn’t want someone to drop a wrench.”
Eckhoff said the painting which will be done includes a little update to the colors, as well as “Sauk Rapids” being drawn in a different font. The basic design will remain the same, though, he added.
The notice said the tower would be fully contained during sandblasting and painting to prevent particles drifting into the surrounding neighborhood. Workers will be on scene from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Saturday, with some Sunday work possible with prior approval from the city council.
Eckhoff also noted they will be adding a mixer to the interior function of the water tower, which will help prevent the build-up of ice during the winter.
This, and other notices, can be viewed online by navigating to the city website at ci.sauk-rapids.mn.us. Notices are listed on the right-hand side of the page.