Demolition of the old Homesteader rest area began this week as crews prepare the site for a new rest facility, revamped landscaping and other renovations.“It's significantly more than just a new building — it's the entire 11-acre site,” said Sean Christensen, city engineer.Stimulus funding will pay for $1.3 million of the $1.9 million project.

Another $200,000 will come from the Wyoming Department of Transportation through the federal Transportation Enhancement Activities–Local (TEAL). The city of Powell must provide $50,000 in matching funds for the TEAL money.

The city's portion of the Homesteader project — around $350,000, unless other grants are secured — will come from its reserve funding.

The renovation project spans nearly 11 acres and includes changes to the road system, landscaping, new picnic structures, walking paths and a new rest area that will be about 2,600 square feet. The old rest area was roughly half that size and was nearly 40 years old.

Christensen called it an aggressive construction schedule, with substantial completion expected by September. CK Construction is the general contractor for the project.

“By fall, all the construction crews will be gone,” Christensen said.

Over the summer, walking paths near the project and the RV area will be closed due to the construction. Christensen said the city has set up a temporary RV dump at the east end of Adams Street and Road 8 that has water available. Campers will be able to use the temporary site throughout this summer. The new RV area will be open to campers by the fall, Christensen said.

Once the construction is finished at the Powell Aquatic Center, Christensen said the walking paths near that site will be reopened.

Access to the frog pond, hill and playground will not be affected by the renovation, he added. However, the gravel parking lot that many residents use for the frog pond and playground will be closed. Christensen said that residents can use parking in other areas of Homesteader Park, such as near the parks department office.

Christensen added that the public's patience during the renovation project is appreciated.

The nearly-complete aquatic center and Homesteader renovations join several other projects on the east end of town in recent years.