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Phase 2, which will include an outdoor amphitheater, Millhouse event center, splash and spray park, a picnic area and more parking, will be completed mid-February of 2016.

Countless numbers of people have had the excitement of partaking in the diverse activities that came of this year’s March completion of Phase 1 at Philip S. Miller Park; amenities that – among other things – include the indoor recreation facility known as the MAC Center, the daring Castle Rock Zip line Tours and the all-ages Adventure Playground.

But that’s just the tip of the ol’ $7 million iceberg. Though slight delays have changed the timeline, Phase 2 is just around the corner. “Castle Rock had heavy rains from mid-April to mid-June that delayed the project,” commented Jeff Smullen, Castle Rock Parks, Planning and Construction Manager. “The current schedule for completion (of Phase 2) is mid-February of next year.”

The second phase will not only bring needed parking (470 paved spaces, 130 unpaved), but will likewise feature wet fun for the kiddos. “Ages for the splash park include anyone who would like to get wet! There is an area specifically designed for toddlers and the splash pad will include a variety of spray and fountains activated through push button foot controls,” Smullen added.

A new amphitheater has been sketched into the planned renderings as well. “The amphitheater will feature tiered grass seating – like Festival Park – separated by 18” tall, concrete seat walls…overall the amphitheater seating will hold 500 people, with the surrounding lawn accommodating an additional 1,500 people,” said Smullen. It will be similar to the seating at downtown’s Festival Park, only on steroids.

And because of the Town’s growth, the complex’s new events center, called the ‘Millhouse,’ will be a another welcome addition. At capacity, it will hold around 125 people and will provide a place for intimate weddings and serve as a VIP area for concerts, family reunions and other various gatherings.

Of course, the park would not be complete without the construction of bathrooms, tables and seating for picnics. Four covered pavilions are being added, with a capacity of 50 persons per each pavilion. However, for safety reasons, no charcoal grilling will be allowed. “The picnic pavilions will not have charcoal grills, but users will be able to bring their own propane grills,” he noted.

Until then, visitors to the park can watch the progress of the new facilities from the other side of the fence. It seems we will all be counting down the days for the next phase of fun.

To follow the progression of the project: www.crgov.com/PSMpark