Volunteers create handicapped access at rodeo grounds

A volunteer group of local contractors recently joined forces to improve accessibility at the Lovell Rodeo Grounds.

Pat Steed, a member of the Lovell Western Sports Arena and Motorsports Board, said it recently came to the board’s attention that the rodeo grounds could use handicapped parking and a ramp for access to the bleachers.

“It’s hard for old people and others to get through the gravel to the bleachers and use the stairs there,” Steed said.

Steed, of Workman Contracting, assembled a crew of volunteers to perform dirt work and pour and finish a concrete pad on the south side of the arena. The prep work was done April 4 with 20 yards of gravel donated by GK Construction, and 20 yards of concrete donated by Croell was poured April 8.

Cody Curtis of 4th Generation Concrete did the dirt and prep work, and five contractors joined forces four days later to form, pour and finish the concrete: Steed, Ernie Workman and Eric Welling of Workman Contracting, Wayne Curtis of 3rd Generation Concrete and Daniel Strom of Builds All Construction.

“We said we’d do it for free if they (Croell) would donate the concrete,” Steed said.

He added that Jacob Winterholler will paint the new concrete pad for handicapped parking designation, and the Town of Lovell will erect a sign.

Steed said a 38-foot aluminum ramp for handicapped access to the bleachers has been ordered and will be installed upon arrival.

Steed figures volunteers spent three to four hours to prep the pad and five to six hours to pour and finish the concrete.