Private fundraising is at, or near, the goal set to partially finance construction of a new stage at the Winfield Fairgrounds that will be dedicated to the late Rick Meyer. Construction is set to begin in late spring or early summer and be completed by July, according to city manager Taggart Wall.
Two recent fundraisers have helped to put the city near a private-donation goal to raise 25 percent of the $125,000 project costs.
The has selected Morton Buildings to provide the roof structure. City work crews will complete much of the concrete work including footings, flat work and the upright supporting columns for the stage structure.
The project is a shared vision of The City of Winfield, Walnut Valley Festival and Cowley County Fair Association. The stage, located on the midway of the Fairgrounds just south of Barn 4, will be used to accommodate smaller acts not suited for the larger grandstand space.
Last Aug., fair officials announced the project and the accompanying fundraising campaign. Meyer died in September 2023 after years of service both organizing and working for the city to set up countless fairground events. He was also very active in various other community activities and events.
A plaque dedicating the stage in honor of Meyer will be in place.
Design of the stage includes an enclosed ceiling to prevent insect and bird related issues, equipment tracks for the mounting of performance speakers and lights and a free flow water design to accommodate fairgrounds flooding.
ROOF REPLACEMENT PROJECT
The new stage isn’t the only improvement planned at the fairgrounds. Work is set to begin Friday to reroof buildings 1 and 2 under the grandstands.
Because the roof has numerous penetrations due to the structure of the grandstands above, there has been an ongoing issue with leaks in the roof, Wall said. City staff requested quotes to replace the roofs, flash and seal penetrations, and insulate the roof since a portion of the areas are heated.
Two quotes were received with Ark City-based Hartley Roofing determined to submit the low quote of $93,507.82.
Work should be completed by March 27. Scheduling was meant to avoid impacting any scheduled events at the fairgrounds.
“As we continue to see increased use at the site, it is important for us to keep up on maintenance items,” Wall said in response to email questions from Cowley Post.
