KERA reporter B.J. Austin passes along this report about the Woodall Rodgers Deck Park:

The $100 million park over the freeway lanes of Woodall Rodgers is a public, private partnership. Banker Jody Grant, Chairman of the Woodall Rodgers Foundation, says it has raised more than $20 million so far.

Grant: “We have probably about $25 million to go. Beginning of the construction will help us in that. Some improvement in the economy, of course, will help us in that. And we’re beginning to see that.”

It’ll take about two years to build the five acre deck over the freeway lanes and all its amenities.

Grant: “There will be a performance pavilion. There will be a great lawn where people can sit and enjoy entertainment that’s taking place. There are tables for chess and checkers. And very importantly there is a children’s park and a dog park. I think it’s going to redefine downtown.”

Grant says $16 million in federal stimulus money has accelerated the construction schedule. The park should be completed in late 2011.