St. Paul Park: Levee, Sittlow to get spiffed up this summer

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St. Paul Park residents will notice several upgrades to city parks this summer.

The city plans to clean up flood damage at Lion’s Levee Park and finish the improvements at Sittlow Park, according to Lee Flandrich, St. Paul Park public works supervisor.

During the 2011 flooding, Lion’s Levee Park was damaged because the Mississippi River had several flood crests when the island was submerged, Flandrich said last week.

Police Chief Mike Monahan worked hard to get funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, he said, securing 75 percent of the $98,000 needed with the remainder from the state.

Debris, including logs and other downed timber, will be hauled away for $12,000, according to Flandrich.

The biggest expense will be replacing the log boom that keeps river debris from damaging the floating foot bridge and the boat launch.

The new picnic tables are concrete because “they don’t float away,” Flandrich said.

The project Flandrich is most proud of is at Sittlow Park on First Street, named after Barry Sittlow, long-time city administrator who is greatly admired by Flandrich.

This summer, a 16-foot by 16-foot shelter will be installed at the park, in addition to a cement patio and benches. Landscaping, for $33,000, was installed last year.

When improvements are completed, Flandrich said Sittlow will be invited for a formal dedication and installation of a plaque on the granite rock found during road improvements.

The area under play equipment in Dingle and Abdella parks will be improved by adding fresh surface material, Flandrich said.

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