By Brenna Angel
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wuky/local-wuky-904246.mp3
LEXINGTON, Ky. -- – After years of sitting in disrepair and several construction setbacks, a new neighborhood building is now open at Coolavin Park.
Councilwoman Andrea James says the facility is a big boost for the park on West Sixth Street.
"Just minor things like making sure the dead trees are taken care of, picking up garbage, cleaning down the fence line that leads to the railroad tracks, things like that really to make a huge difference."
Parks and Recreation Director Jerry Hancock say the Coolavin building cost between 500 and 600 thousand dollars, mainly due to delays in construction.
Work on the center began in 2006, but was stopped when footers from a 19th century orphanage were discovered. A new site at the park was eventually chosen and work resumed last fall.