Curry commissioners vote to upgrade county fairgrounds

The Curry County Fairgrounds will be undergoing improvements. County commissioners on Tuesday voted unanimously to upgrade lighting, parking lots and fencing.

County Facilities Maintenance Superintendent Ben Roberts presented the requests. Costs are estimated at $89,472.30, with the negotiation of also adding more concrete sidewalks within the fairgrounds.

Commission Chairman Robert Thornton advocated for more accessibility at the fairgrounds so residents with disabilities can enjoy the annual carnival as well. He suggested the project establish a 10-foot sidewalk that will stretch throughout the location.

“We’ve had several requests from people that have disabilities, that are not able to get their wheelchairs and have a little bit of difficulty walking if they’re with a cane,” Thornton said.

Another proposal for conceptual design services for the existing Indoor Pavilion building was approved by the commission. That cost will be $16,000 plus tax. The proposed project will include limited exterior improvements within the east and west patios.

The proposal is from Formative Architects.

Commissioner Dusty Leatherwood said the plan would expand the existing pavilion so the county can host several venues there for the community. The patios will allow for the sale and consumption of beer and alcoholic beverages.

In other items of business at Tuesdaoy’s meeting:

• The commission approved the proclamation of declaring October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Cybersecurity Awareness Month. The commission also declared Oct. 8-14 as Fire Prevention Week within Curry County. Under a unanimous decision the commission approved supporting “Operation Green Light” to recognize the importance of veterans during Nov. 6-12.

• The commission voted unanimously to approve a $267,000 award from the fiscal year 2023 COPS Technology and Equipment Program grant. The funds will be used to purchase equipment for virtual reality training simulators.

• The commission approved two fire hydrants to be replaced at the fairgrounds for $8,874.38. A project to relocate water lines that feed into the fairgrounds was also approved for $86,105.38. Roberts said the relocation would let the water lines tap into the 8-inch water line that is connected to the Events Center.