Commissioner talks road projects, Gage Park and Founders Fest

TOPEKA (KSNT) - Shawnee County Commissioner Bill Riphahn discussed road work and upcoming events on the 27 News morning show on Friday.

Riphahn talked about 45th Street in north Topeka; he said the county is working on road improvements for the area east of the retail businesses going towards Rochester Road. He thinks the main feature would be the roundabout construction near Northwest Green Hills Road.

"I think that will be a nice addition [the roundabout]," Riphahn said. "It'll slow traffic down a little bit, yet keep it moving."

Riphahn also talked about the Gage Park Playland construction. Riphahn said a lot of the play equipment at the park needs to be refreshed. He said a lot of the old equipment will be replaced. Riphahn highlighted the main feature, which will be a walkway that's built in the trees. Work on the project is expected to be finished by next summer.

"You'll be able to go down tube slides from that area," Riphahn said. "It's just going to be fun, its going to be a destination playground. People will come in from all over just to see this."

Riphahn also talked about the upcoming Founder's Fest, which will feature free activities, entertainment and educational opportunities for all ages. He said there will be a historic presentation on the Gage family, who gave the property to the county.

The Gage Park Founders Fest will start by presenting on Guilford Gage from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Aug. 29 at 700 Southwest Zoo Parkway.

The Topeka Zoo, Kansas Children's Discovery Center, Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library and other partners kick off the two-day event on Aug. 30. For more information on the Gage Park Founders Fest, click here.

You can watch the full interview with Riphahn above.

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