Mayor Craig Ford said construction of a parking lot for the Gadsden State Sports Park is delayed because a covered bridge that connects the lot with the adjacent softball and baseball fields has not yet been installed.

"When we designed this in the beginning, we went in partnership with Gadsden State on a parking lot...The issue is there's a covered bridge that connects that parking lot to the Gadsden State men's and girls softball baseball field. That cover bridge is behind schedule," Ford said. He added that the city cannot finish the lot, then tear it up to install the bridge, so both partners are coordinating the schedule.

Ford said the site has expanded beyond initial plans and that he expects additional announcements about a partnership with Gadsden State involving post-secondary and sports-related activities. He did not give firm dates for the bridge installation or the new announcements.

The mayor emphasized the need to provide safe, adequate parking as tournament activity at the Sports Park increases.