HENNESSEY — The first phase of the John Dutchendopth Memorial Pavilion project has been completed, marking a major milestone in the effort to create a new community gathering space in downtown Hennessey.
Premier Utility Services LLC of Kingfisher recently poured a new concrete floor for the pavilion, which is being developed under the direction of Discover Hennessey.
For decades, the Cow Palace on Arapaho Street served as the community’s largest event venue, but the facility was closed about a year ago due to mold and is expected to be removed. The new pavilion is intended to fill that gap.
“Having a large event space near downtown is an important part of the long-range convention and visitors master plan,” said Jack Quirk, Director of Discover Hennessey.
The project has been made possible in large part through private donations, which have helped reduce the financial burden on the town. Contributors and contractors include Hennessey Metal Buildings, F5 Construction, Lightle Sand & Construction, Dollar Trucking, Daniel Construction, Thurmond Gas Measurement Co., and Richard Simunek.
With the foundation now complete, fundraising is underway for phase two, which will expand the structure to 100 by 100 feet. Later phases will add walls, restrooms, and a commercial kitchen, transforming the pavilion into a full-service event center for the community.
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