Pinson’s new Bicentennial Park is closer to a firm opening date.

The park, which has been beset by construction delays stemming from weather and issues with Jefferson County inspectors, is now set to open in the first week of October, according to Gary Dean of Clements Dean Construction.

Dean gave the update on the park’s progress to members of the Pinson City Council at their regular meeting on August 20.

“We’ve had a series of obstacles from the county folks,” Dean said.

Some of those involve connections to sewer lines, while others have to do with the new splash pad that will be a main feature of the park.

“We’re two weeks away from permitting on the splash pad,” Dean said.

A display of new equipment was given by the Center Point Fire Department; much of the new gear was purchased with money from a grant by the council earlier this year. The new equipment includes a portable hydrant and a 5-inch hose, which can be drained, rolled and put away on the truck after a call without unloading and drying at the fire station.

The council also approved releasing funds from its annual allotment to Pinson Valley High School for two items: an estimated $1,600 for new outdoor trash containers for use in the parking lots and near the football stadium, and $3,500 for a part-time supervisor for in-school suspension.

Parks Director Mike Sullivan reported that Pinson’s youth football teams are “booming,” experiencing considerable growth in participants in the first season since the city took over operation of the youth sports complex. Sullivan said that 138 players were on six teams, a new record for the program.

Sullivan said the football field will also be used by the Lighthouse Warriors, a home-school team which will play eight-man high school varsity football.

Mayor Hoyt Sanders reminded residents of the special called meeting on Thursday at 7 p.m., at which a proposal by Councilman Joe Cochran for a new city police force will be discussed. The meeting will be held at City Hall.

The council also voted to annex two properties; one in Knob Knoster Estates and another in Saddle Ridge; and to enforce weed abatement at five other properties.