ARLINGTON The second layer of asphalt is down on the final section of the Olympic Avenue street project and the final tweaking will be done by the end of September, said Paul Ellis, the citys capital projects manager.
As of press time on Monday, there were a few gaps in the sidewalk, which were scheduled to be done by midweek, including sidewalks around the gazebo in Legion Park.
Some light posts have been installed in the final two blocks, and the iron has been raised. Ellis explained thats the process of hooking the infrastructure to the human access on the street, through the manhole covers.
Blake Nance, of the Glass Doctor, said that the project has been moving along very smoothly at that end of the street.
We have seen progress every day, Nance said. The foreman comes by a couple of times a week and they all have been very professional.
The intersection at Second Street has been closed since paving started and that is scheduled to open Thursday, Sept. 27 after the final asphalt cap is laid down on Wednesday.
The crosswalk crew was due back Tuesday, Sept. 25 and will stay on the job inlaying thermal plastic in an elaborate pattern on all intersections along the street until they are done.
Trees that dont uproot sidewalks will be planted where tree grates are located. The city parking lot is all prepped and ready for paving and will be paved as soon as a crew becomes available, Ellis said.
In Legion Park, the hydroseed will not go in until after the celebration. The hydroseeding is scheduled for Oct. 10, Ellis said. The plan to cover the dirt with cloth for the grand opening celebration, which is set for Saturday, Oct. 6.
All merchants and customers are invited to join the walking parade departing after a ribbon cutting at 2 p.m. at Division Street to gather in Legion Park for another ribbon cutting at the gazebo. There will be lots of speeches in Legion Park at
2:30 p.m. followed by live music in the gazebo by the Old Time Fiddlers, The Gryffyn Band and Real Folk. There will be dancing, too, with performances by the Harbinger Dane Company and the Arlington School of Dance. High school drama students will add a bit of South Pacific flair to the event, from their upcoming fall musical.
Downtown restaurants will be selling samples and tastes in the Bite of Arlington and Angel of the Winds Casino is sponsoring the Poker Walk with three big cash prices, $250, $150 and $100. There will also be live music at several locations around town.
Were planning to bring our Glass Doctor Go-Kart for the parade, Nance said, adding that they are also contributing glass for the gazebo, which will overlay the art glass to be installed by glass artist Kurt McVay soon.
I cant wait until its done. Its going to be awesome, Nance said.
Ellis agreed.
This project has gone smoothly because of all the cooperation among everyone, from us at the city and the contractors, to the merchants and the customers. Its been a great team effort, Ellis said. Ellis has already started his next big project planning the new fire station in Smokey Point.

Helpers wanted
A work party will begin at
9 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 29 to rake the dirt and plant landscaping shrubs and trees at Legion Park. For information call the city of Arlington at 360-403-3504.