We are very happy to see that progress is being made on rebuilding this historic rollercoaster:
With an eye on beating the winter frost, construction crews will start work Aug. 16 on pouring the concrete foundation for the Zippin Pippin roller coaster.
SMA Construction Services LLC is being paid $513,000 by the city to build the roller coaster foundation by Dec. 3 at Bay Beach Amusement Park.
“We’re on a tight time frame, obviously,” said Bill Landvatter, the city’s parks director.
City officials soon will select another contractor to assemble the Zippin Pippin’s wooden frame, starting in September.
The city is spending $3 million to recreate an historic attraction that previously operated in Memphis, Tenn., and was renowned as Elvis Presley’s favorite amusement park ride.
The 70-foot-tall coaster is scheduled for a grand opening in May.
SMA Construction, which underbid 10 competitors for the foundation job, now is seeking city approval for materials to be used.
Mike Abhold, owner of the Abrams-based firm, said his crews will begin site preparation next week and start the foundation on Aug. 16.
No delays or other problems are anticipated, Abhold said.
“Everything’s in good shape,” he said. “Everything’s in order.”
City officials, however, are keeping a close watch on the weather in the hope that recent heavy rains will subside.
Jon Mueller, a city engineer, said continuing rainfall could saturate the ground and make it difficult for crews to maneuver around the site.
“You’ve got to be careful with that,” Mueller said. “It slows down construction everywhere.”
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