For may years, this view from the south side of Gordon Davis Park looking northwest was quite a bit different. But the old swimmng pool is gone now and a new project will be undrway soon; one that promises to give a fresh, new look to the area and includes an amphitheatre and historic plaza to commemorate the community’s role in the Oregon Trail and Pony Express. Funding for the project was given final approval from the State Loan and Investment Board Thursday in Cheyenne.

Guernsey’s downtown area near the city park and visitor’s center will have a new look by this year’s Fourth of July celebration if weather and work schedules cooperate.

Funding for the project is just a matter of paperwork now that the State Loan and Investment Board has given their final approval for the distribution of the funds. The grant will provide $112,594 toward the construction of a historical plaza that will celebrate the role of the Oregon Trail and the Pony Express in the community.

Written by Bruce Heimbuck, coordinator for Guernsey’s Economic Development and Tourism Corporation, the grant asked for a total of $112,594 through the Business Ready Community program, administered by the Wyoming Business Council for the project that will include an amphitheater, historic plaza and lighted walkways in Gordon Davis Park and the Visitor Center, and a lighted sidewalk from the west river bridge south to West Park.

Heimbuck attended Thursday’s meeting in Cheyenne when the Board voted for final approval.

The Town of Guernsey will match the grant with $113,341 in cash and in-kind labor, equipment and supplies.

Heimbuck said once the final paperwork is received, the project will be underway and he expects the work to be completed in time for the July Fourth celebration this summer.