Berryman Park renovation nears completion in Bridgeport

BRIDGEPORT—Berryman Park is sporting a new look as the final pieces of its facelift fall into place this month. The Quad City Herald spoke with Public Works Superintendent Stuart Dezellem last week as the safety mat was being installed around the new playground.

Paint stripes for the new fenced sports court and the ADA parking lot was on deck.

“I think the overall design will work well,” said Dezellem. “The community will get a lot of good use out of it.”

Dezellem said, freshening up the old stone fireplace turned out well.

“The contractor sandblasted the stone and grout, and we got new fire brick installed on both the fireplace side and the barbecue side,” said Dezellem. “It really came out nice. I’m glad we kept it.”

New sod is in place, and the remaining hydroseeding is scheduled for next spring, Dezellem said.

Earlier in the project, some park vandalism prompted the city council to establish a reward fund through the Chamber of Commerce to quickly stop further damage. City Clerk/Treasurer Judy Brown said that so far, about $200 has been donated by citizens. 

In Bouska Park across from city hall, a new gazebo is scheduled to be installed on a newly completed concrete pad. The previous deteriorating wooden gazebo served its purpose but needed replacement following a structure inspection.

Mike Maltais: 360-333-8483 or michael@ward.media