DES MOINES, IA (08/05/2015)(readMedia)-- Fairgoers this year will love the open green space and the easier walk between the William C. Knapp Varied Industries Building and the Robert G. Horner & Sheri Avis Horner Service Center. Be sure to make it a part of your "Fair Tour," August 13-23.
Thanks to a generous donation from John and Janis Ruan III, a three-phase pedestrian friendly walkway is being constructed to connect the Grand Concourse with the Richard O. Jacobson Exhibition Center. When completed, the project will feature a boulevard area with improved utilities and access for exhibitors and vendors, framed by 20-foot walkways. The completed project also includes paved parking and expanded sidewalks.
The plan to beautify the area and improve pedestrian traffic will be implemented in several phases. Phase 1 of 3 is complete for the 2015 Fair. The project will wrap from the east side of the Varied Industries Building south, eventually connecting to Gate 10. In addition to creating a more picturesque walkway, the project also includes improved drainage and water control for Fair time vendors and off-season events.
"The Ruan family's generosity will benefit all Fairgoers and we are grateful for their support," said Peter Cownie, Executive Director of the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation. "Ruan Plaza will be an area of the Iowa State Fairgrounds we can all be proud of and generations of Iowans will enjoy."
# # #
