Projects

 Ultra filtraton units, new office, and laboratory space are housed in the latest addition to the plant, shown to the right of the flag.

The Mankato Water Treatment Plant upgrades are currently under construction. The project replaces aging infrastructure (lime softeners), incorporates improved water treatment technology (ultra filtraton membranes versus sand filters), and doubles the city's water generation capabilities from six million gallons per day to 12 million gallons per day. The plant will meet the city's needs clearly into the future and is ultimately sized for 24 million gallons per day. The upgrade included a high lift pump station with four lift pumps, two power generators, two wells, two reservoirs, and updates to the disinfection process. The new membranes will be on-line in the fall of 2008. The new softners are expected to be installed by the fall of 2009.

Ultra filtration membranes remove bacteria and viruses to a higer degree than sand filters providing safer drinking water.

Sibley Park Farm Project

The new improvements to Sibley Park include road repair, trail repair, landscaping and a farm. All designed to improve safey and a wonderful park experience.

Sibley Park farm has been designed to replace the current zoo. The concept is to offer an educational, interactive, and fun place for young children and their families to enjoy and to act as a regional attracton. The farm-like environment will include structures resembling a cow and horse barn, a farm theme playground and up close miniature farm animals which will include horses, cows, goats, alpacas, ducks and geese.

A future development of the project includes the construction of a Main Entry Building and will provide for interactive displays, educational programming, concessions, restrooms, gift shops, and offices.

A task force of 13 citizens, including two city councilors and three city staff, was formed in November of 2004 to make recommendations for the park design and future use. Damon and Farber Associates was hired to assist in futhering the design recommendations. Construction of the amphitheater-park began in the fall of 2008. The project was broken down into three phases.

• Phase one includes removal of the existing buildings on site, the relocation of Excel Energy high voltage power lines on the site, grading, water and sewer relocation and installation of the parking and curb and gutter and drainage system. This spring work will continue on the stage, final grading, asphalt work, and bench and sign installation. Public Works staff will participate in the project by installing the trail system, drainage system, irrigation system, landscaping and playground equipment. Phase one will be completed 2009.  A grand opening celebration is being planned for 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, September 16, 2009 at Riverfront Park.
• Phase two, which started in October 2008, includes the construction of a trailhead building and restroom. The footings were poured so that construction could begin in early spring and also completed in 2009.
• Phase three includes the installation of the Mankato piece sculpture, completion of the amphitheater premium seating and stage canopy.

Future possibilities will be the installation of the Hungry Hollow Bridge at the entry and more historical interpretation and signage within the park.

The festival space and the theater are being built to accommodate national performing acts and crowds of approximately 12,000 people.