By 1808Delaware
Adventure Park has seen steady investment over the past two years, and two major efforts continue to push toward completion. One focuses on the long-planned pedestrian tunnel under the CSX rail line, while the other expands parking and improves access for everyone using the park, pool, and downtown area. Both projects have passed important checkpoints and are moving into their next phases.
Updates from the City of Powell Public Service and Engineering Department were shared in a report to City Council on Tuesday night.
Progress Continues on Adventure Park Pedestrian Tunnel
The pedestrian tunnel at Adventure Park has inched forward through another round of technical steps, though it’s still early in a long process. After completing structural façade inspections in late 2023, the city recently wrapped up the hydraulic and drainage reviews. These pieces help shape what kind of repairs will be allowed under federal and railroad rules, but they don’t finalize a design on their own.
Because the tunnel sits under CSX tracks, every move must go through the railroad’s formal review pipeline. Powell submitted the required Project Initiation Form last spring, received approval in May 2024, and followed up with a PE Agreement and a roughly $25,000 deposit in November 2024. Those items let the city and CSX start comparing engineering options rather than just trading preliminary information.
A third-party engineering team working for CSX plans to complete a site inspection, and Powell has asked to be there if one takes place. Benesch, the railroad’s consultant, has already given broad comments on the planning memo prepared by GPD. City staff are now pushing for a meeting with both groups to nail down what CSX will actually approve.
GPD has submitted a full design proposal, and the city plans to have an agreement ready so design work can begin as soon as CSX and Benesch clear the way. For now, Powell is staying in close contact with both entities to keep the project moving.
Adventure Park Parking Expansion Nearing Finish Line
The parking expansion at Adventure Park is essentially complete, with only a few lighting pieces still in transit. The project grew out of the steady rise in park use, the addition of new pickleball courts, and the seasonal crush of pool visitors. It also gives downtown businesses another nearby option during busy hours.
Powell hired EMH&T to design the project, completed the plans and bidding documents, and opened bids on March 7, 2025. City Council approved the low bid from Decker Construction — $656,350.76 — at its March 18 meeting. A preconstruction meeting followed on March 26, and work began shortly after.
Construction wrapped up on schedule, adding about 98 new spaces and a path connection through the N. Depot Street extension that links the lot directly to downtown. Light poles have been installed, and the city is waiting on shipment of the final three fixtures before the system can be fully energized.
The lot is expected to serve a mix of daily park users, pickleball players, and pool families, while also easing pressure during downtown events.
