The proposed playground on the Idyllwild Community Center site is moving forward without any foreseeable problems, according to Dawn Sonnier, acting chair of the Idyllwild Community Recreation Council (ICRC).
Before the final permit approvals, Sonnier is awaiting completion of engineering drawings for the playground’s pavilion. Architect Jim Marsh, of Hemet, is preparing these in cooperation with local Robert Priefer.
Sonnier also pointed out that ICRC did obtain demolition permits in April 2007 when the buildings on the site were razed. Last week, the Riverside County Planning Commission asserted that the lack of permits was the reason it was requiring the fourth level archeological report.
However, County Regional Planner Wendell Bugtai acknowledged after the meeting that the demolition permits had been issued. Nevertheless county archeologist Leslie Mouriquand believes the report is still necessary because of the site’s near-pristine condition and potential for early Idyllwild and Native American artifacts.
Sonnier said the summer construction is still on schedule. Fundraising continues even though the original $100,000 goal was achieved. However, additional costs, such as the planning steps and requirements, have increased the project’s initial projected costs.