Many Snoqualmie residents have asked why the city of Snoqualmie had a grand opening celebration for Jeanne Hansen Community Park back in September, before the park officially opened. The park was anticipated to open on August 1, and by choosing September 6 for the event, the possibility of a few days’ delay would not interrupt the schedule.

But, by the time city staff learned that park construction would still be underway on September 6, the event was almost finalized. The company who supplied the tents, bouncy houses, and other equipment was already committed and unable to reschedule until later in the fall, when there is a much higher chance of rain.

Another challenge was that the dignitaries and speakers who were invited for the ceremony had already made adjustments to their schedules so they could be at the event to honor former Mayor Jeanne Hansen and recognize the near-completion of the Snoqualmie Ridge development.

The contractor hired to construct the park has encountered issues that need to be addressed and completed before city staff and engineers will accept the park into city operations. All park features—a long checklist —must be fully addressed before the city takes full ownership. Accepting the park without completion would put the city at risk for inadequate construction and the public at risk for injury. So, it is important for residents to not go beyond the construction fencing.

Construction of several park features is still underway. Not all asphalt has been laid. Some sidewalks throughout the park have cracked. They are being replaced. Along the north side of the lower synthetic field, there are slide slope issues that could cause tens of thousands of dollars in damage to the field.

The growth on the sod field is not complete. Although the city prefers to wait for 100 percent completion, there is a possibility of accepting the two synthetic fields and the playground prior to the third field completion.

The rain garden is not complete. The developer had to excavate dirt in excess of nine feet to ensure the performance requirement for rain garden standards are met.

According to the city, administrators and staff are working very hard to have the contractor expedite completion. With luck, Jeanne Hansen Community Park will open in mid-November, although no specific date can be guaranteed at this time.