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Tourism-Related,Large-Scale Municipality-Owned Capital Project Narrative <br />1.Project Description:Please describe the project in detail.Indicate the major work to be <br />completed,any milestones that need to be overcome in order for the project to move forward, <br />and include a comparison of existing and proposed conditions. <br />The Ellensburg Rodeo started in 1923 and has a long and storied history.Since its founding,the <br />EIIensburg Rodeo has become a fixture in Central Washington and Kittitas County.It garners <br />massive support from the communityand is a source of great pride.The Rodeo is consistently <br />ranked as one of the top Rodeos in the county and draws competitors and fans from all over <br />the United States.It is the largest tourism-related event every year,occurring over Labor Day <br />Weekend and drawing thousands of spectators to Kittitas County. <br />This project will update and improve a significant portion of the existing EIIensburg Rodeo <br />arena seating and surrounding grounds.The project will provide additional capacity,additional <br />restrooms,increased accessibility,and enhanced public safety.The facilities included in this <br />project are the northeast grandstands (built in 1983),northwest grandstands (built in 1960 and <br />expanded in 1971),and supporting structures in both areas and the grounds.The following <br />principles were used to guide the design of these facility improvements:safe and enjoyable <br />experience,improved revenue potential,enhance the rodeo performance,destination event, <br />respect historic context,and easily maintainable. <br />The concept of this project includes demolition of the existing northwest and northeast <br />grandstands.In their place,new grandstands are proposed which will provide a safe and <br />enhanced viewing environment.Supporting toilet rooms,concession stands,a staging area for <br />riders,a bar,and gathering area for fans are proposed to replace the existing facilities and <br />support the new grandstands and occupants. <br />The new facilities are proposed to be located where the existing grandstands are currently. <br />Traffic flow of pedestrians will be enhanced by rebuilding the skywalk connection to the fair at <br />the south and by providing an accessible pathway for those in wheelchairs around the new <br />facilities from the northeast to the west end of the site.Also,pedestrian circulation will be <br />enhanced through an elevated connecting pedestrian walkway beneath the grandstands, <br />allowing flow from the stair connected to the fairgrounds at the south around toward the <br />Buckaroo Grandstand.The Buckaroo Grandstand will permit pedestrian travel up and over <br />animal circulation access from the north end of the site to the pens beneath the grandstand. <br />Support buildings make use of free space beneath the stands,and are organized to integrate <br />with the new grandstand structure. <br />The new facilities will be designed to coordinate with the surrounding structures and the <br />historic character of the arena and grounds.Additional improvements include enhance <br />lighting,paved pathways around the grounds for accessibility,the addition of sponsor boxes, <br />and improved electrical,water,sewer,storm water drainage,telecommunications,and digital <br />media infrastructure improvements.Construction materials proposed were chosen for low <br />maintenance costs and requirements over time.