Wait’s Mill Project Moves Forward

WAITSBURG - Two new steps have been taken on the path to memorialize the site of the former Wait's Mill, which was de- stroyed by fire in September 2009. At Waitsburg's June 19 City Council meeting, city administrator Randy Hinchliffe noted that debris from the W. 7th Street Project was being transferred to the mill site and that a contractor had been selected to build an informational kiosk at the mill.

Opp & Seibold has con- tracted to build an informa- tional kiosk, incorporating the brick vault at the mill site, at an estimated cost of $6300. "I was hoping they'd get the job," said Historical Society President Jeff Broom, when he learned Opp & Seibold would be constructing the kiosk. "I've worked with them before and they do a great job."

Concept drawings of the interpretive kiosk, received from Jones & Jones last May, depict a large steel roof, supported by beams, overhanging the vault. The overhang will allow space for informational panels commemorating both Lewis & Clark and Wait's Mill.

It is anticipated that the kiosk will be constructed by the end of the year. Broom is eager to talk with Opp & Seibold regarding their rec- ommendations for the infor- mational panels. It's possible that building the boxes and commissioning a graphic designer to create the display may require additional funds but, "We'll take it a step at a time," said Broom.

Debris from the W. 7th Street project has been de- posited at the mill site and will be used to level the ground in preparation for a possible outdoor perfor- mance area near the kiosk. The conceptual drawings by Jones & Jones include plans for an outdoor stage which can be viewed from a grassy hillside above. While that would require "push- ing around more dirt," the possible addition of stairs and considerations for ADA compliance, taking advan- tage of the debris while it is available is a logical step in that direction, explained Broom.

The long-term plan is for Preston Park to loop around the bridge in a crescent, flowing over to the north side of the river. While the kiosk is the only specific project currently in the works, there are many possibilities for improving the site in years to come, including that of the performance area.

Broom is storing turbines, pulleys and other metal piec- es salvaged from the mill in the hopes that they can be incorporated into a sculpture to be commissioned by Waitsburg's Public Arts Commission.

It is also possible that the City could someday al- low camping, fishing and family activities along the north side of the river. The addition of bathrooms could potentially allow the area to be designated as a rest stop and historic attraction, with appropriate D.O.T signage pointing the way from the highway.