New pavilion construction in Sault Ste. Marie starting

SAULT STE. MARIE — The Sault City Commission has approved plans to build a new pavilion in Rotary Park. This park, located near downtown, is popular for various events but currently lacks a permanent facility. The city and local Rotary Club have been raising funds for several years to address this need. In 2013, significant improvements were made to the park, including upgrades to playground equipment and walking paths. Although a pavilion was part of those earlier plans, it was never constructed. Rotary Club members believe that the need for a pavilion and bathroom has grown since then. The new pavilion will be funded in part by a grant from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. It will feature water and sewer lines, a parking lot, and ADA accessible picnic tables. The old pit toilets in the park will be removed once the new facilities are complete. Construction is set to begin this spring, with an expected completion by the end of summer. The project has a budget of $369,246, which is lower than initially planned. The Rotary Club has raised over $100,000 for this initiative through donations and fundraisers. City manager Brian Chapman expressed excitement about the project moving forward during the commission's meeting on March 17.