Ray Smucker Park scheduled to fully reopen in a few months

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - After around two years of construction, Ray Smucker Park is getting closer to fully reopening.

According to the county, the park is scheduled to re-open in late September or early October of this year.

The $15,000,000 project has suffered multiple delays, including contractor issues meeting the requirements set forth by the Arizona Department of Water Resources.

Frank Sanchez, a Yuma County engineer explains why the project is worth the wait.

"It's going to take in storm water that currently goes into that area, and it's going to be large enough so that it can also bring in additional storm water from the surrounding neighborhoods of the City of Yuma," Sanchez says.

Since a portion of it has been closed, and some of the plants and grass have died, Gloria Florez, a Yuma local, is excited to get the park back fully.

"It's better that they open it, one can go to walk and enjoy themselves, and take their grandkids so they can go and have a good time," Florez said.

However, for those that are worried about the lost and dead vegetation, the county says there is already a plan for that.

"As part of the contract, the contractor is required to re-stabilize the park, take care of the trees, reseed the grass if needed, and make sure the irrigation system works," Sanchez says.

The county also has a message for the locals who are eager for the park to reopen.

"Thank you for their patience, it's been a long two years and so we understand the need for having that park back so we're very excited to be able to deliver that and open it up back to them," said Sanchez.