Crystal City officials have moved one step closer to building a new Darrell “Hickey” White Park to replace the one that closed a decade ago.
The Crystal City Council voted 7-0 Jan. 22 to award a $251,000 contract to Jokerst Paving and Contracting in Festus to build the park, which will include two asphalt basketball courts, concrete sidewalk and a new asphalt parking lot. The contract also calls for Jokerst to complete grading and related utility improvements (water, sanitary sewer, electric) and add lighting.
Ward III Councilperson Taylor Massa was absent for the vote.
Jokerst’s bid for the project was $366,000, the lowest of four the city received, and included construction of restroom facilities. However, the city decided to pause plans for the restrooms and excluded it from the contract with Jokerst, which decreased the cost by $115,000.
City Administrator Jason Eisenbeis said the city is in the process of applying for a $110,000 grant from the Jefferson Foundation for pavement and lighting for the basketball courts. If awarded, the grant money would then free up funds for the city to approve a change order and add back the restroom for Jokerst to build.
Eisenbeis said the city will know the foundation’s decision in May, adding that if the city is not awarded the grant, then portable toilets will be used at the park on a seasonal basis until the city finds the funds to install permanent restrooms.
The new park is to be built on 2.22 acres along Little League Drive south of the Twin City Little League ballfields in Ward 1. The Twin City Levee Commission owns the property, which is on the south side of town, and has given the city permission to use it for the park.
Eisenbeis said work on the park is expected to be completed by July 31, 2024.
The original Hickey White Park, which was prone to flooding, closed in April 2014 after it had fallen into disrepair. The park was named for a Crystal City High School basketball player, Darrell “Hickey” White, who died in 1977 of a blood disorder at age 18, shortly before graduation.
Eisenbeis said he’s glad to see plans to replace the park coming to fruition.
“The history of the Darrell ‘Hickey’ White Park is an important part of this community. A lot of people have put in a lot of time and effort to make this happen, and I’m extremely proud to have played a small part in seeing this come together. I’m excited for the memories that generations of families will make in this park for years to come.”
Mayor Mike Osher said he’s also looking forward to the new park being completed.
“Creating the new Hickey White Park has been a long time in the making,” he said. “The park board and the city have really come together to make a positive impact for our community. I’m excited for the update to our city and look forward to upcoming events at our new park.”