A Sunday morning, which was supposed to be an ordinary day for the residents of Sharon-Circle, turned into an unexpected alarm: a car crashed into a newly built gazebo — a central element of the park's reconstruction, which cost taxpayers more than a million dollars.
According to local police reports, a white passenger car was driving south on Highway 94 when, for unknown reasons, it went off the road, crossed the park's lawn, and crashed into the new gazebo, which was still under construction.
The driver was a 68-year-old woman, who was taken to the hospital with minor injuries. According to official reports, neither alcohol nor drugs were factors in the accident. The driver was charged with loss of control over the vehicle and not wearing a seatbelt.
The pavilion, which was supposed to be the centerpiece of the renovated public space — a venue for summer concerts, fairs, and community gatherings, — is currently damaged. The structure was not yet fully completed, and, according to a source in the city council, an assessment of the extent of the damage is underway. It is possible that some parts will need to be completely dismantled and reconstructed.
"This is a regrettable delay, — sighs one official who wished to remain anonymous. — We invested not only funds but also a lot of enthusiasm into this space. And now we have to start all over again."
It is not currently known whether the structure was insured. If not — recovery could be financially difficult. The community hopes that by the beginning of the active summer season, the park will be restored.
