Work continues on Heritage Park on the northeast corner of Fourth and Main streets in Sterling with preparations for concrete pours being made this past week.

When completed, the urban park will feature a fire pit and shade structure, small stage and a Community Fund Founders Wall honoring more than 350 people and entities to begin the Community Fund.

Artist's rendering of the ovrhead view of Sterling's Heritage Park.

Design work on the park was done by the Colorado Center for Community Development at the University of Colorado. The approved design is along the lines of an urban plaza.

The park is being built on a site formerly occupied by a filling station. Alan and Cindy Hoal donated the property and Cornerstone Construction cleared the old structures. Logan County waived the fee for disposal of the debris at the Logan County Landfill.

Pam Werner, co-chair of the Sterling Community Fund Committee, said much of the materiel and fixtures are being donated by local businesses; electrical materials and labor by Better Electric; metal work and benches by Industrial Welding Supply and Nichols Tillage Tools, and brickwork for the Sterling Community Fund Founders Wall by Japp Masonry.

"Heritage Park is a great example of what can be accomplished when the City and County work together with private business and citizenry for the benefit our community," Werner said. "Logan County was founded on the collaborative efforts of those who settled here. Our courthouse, city hall, fire department, libraries and hospitals did not simply appear. They were the result of the initiative and persistence of individuals who worked together to build our community. Heritage Park and the Sterling Community Fund are proof positive that their legacy is alive and well."

The cost of construction is being born by the City of Sterling, Sterling Urban Renewal Authority, Citizens Advisory Board for Lodging Tax and the Sterling Community Fund.