By Jason Clay Jansky

Construction on Karnes City’s park is coming along well and project managers still are predicting a June 2007 grand opening date.

The restroom facilities have been constructed and about 80 percent of the fishing pond has been carved out of the ground.

The playground and water splash equipment are scheduled for installation in February next year. A fence will go up around the pond at park B some time next April or May, after which time the fishing pond will be filled with water.

City Administrator Larry Pippen said the pond could be filled sooner, but the risk and liability to the city would be too high.

"We’re going to hold off until we can come up with the additional funds to build a fence. I’m not going to leave it open full of water. It’s too much of a danger and too much of a liability to the city," he said.

Security lights will soon be going up around park A, the side of the park closest to the post office. Ten fiberglass poles will extend around park A and two concrete polls will light up the basketball and volleyball courts there.

"We’re still on schedule. To complete park B, they have to do a little bit more grating, then we’re going to lay the asphalt for the walkway," Pippen said. "Looking at the weather, we could be delayed for a while, but our expectation is still to open up for public use by June 9."