Burlington asks for temporary easement of Winolequa Park

Recently the City of Winlock Park Board negotiated use of the Winolequa Park with Burlington Northern Sante Fe (BNSF) railroad for a temporary easement for use of the Park during construction. BNSF will pay the City of Winlock $75,000 prior to occupying the site as compensation for use of the park during the construction of the Olequa Bridge.

Many things were included in this temporary easement such as:
· BNSF will remove up to 4 alder trees
· BNSF will construct a new culvert and inlet on the north side of the ballfield to enable its access to the bridge
· BNSF will provide a Performance bond in the amount of $500,000 to the City of Winlock as surety that all work will be satisfactorily constructed and all conditions of the Easement document are met.
· BNSF will provide a Certificate of Insurance to the City of Winlock. The coverage of the insurance has been shown in the Easement.
· BNSF will repair all damages to the property. A condition survey will be made prior to BNSF occupying the site and after all work on the site has occurred. Any observed changes to the property between the prior survey and the final survey will be remedied by BNSF.

The agreement also includes that BNSF will refrain from using the park property between the months of June through September during the following events:
· Pickers Fest
· Little League practice and games during weekdays between 3:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. and for the entire day on Saturdays and Sundays. This restriction shall be in place between March and mid-June.
· Youth soccer practice and games from August 27 to November 5 and between the hours of 3:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. and for the entire day on Saturdays and Sundays.
· During weekend use of the picnic area and restrooms by park patrons

Mayor Lonnie Dowell stated "I think this is a good deal that was worked out on behalf of the citizens of Winlock. This will go a long way to pay for additions and upgrades. I would like to thank the Park Board and Rod Hudson for their hard work on making this happen."

The contract goes into effect on September 5, 2017 and will be completed by December 31.