Willis Park in Avondale Estates. Photo by Dan Whisenhunt

The Willis Park gate in Avondale Estates will be closed longer than the city initially expected.

The gate closure began Friday, Jan. 8 for construction and will continue until Tuesday, Jan. 26, according to a city email.

The city had initially planned for the gate to reopen on Monday, Jan. 11.

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A city email said, “Due to inclement weather and unforeseen construction circumstances the Willis Park gate will be closed starting this afternoon, Friday, January 8, until end of day on Tuesday, January 26. Those utilizing this gate for passage to and from The Museum School are advised to utilize another route. The gate will be fully operational on Wednesday, January 27. Thank you for your patience during construction at Willis Park.”

Renovations on Willis Park began last fall. The city said construction would last about five months.

Willis Park, named after town founder George Francis Willis, is located off of Dartmouth Avenue and across from the Museum School on Forrest Boulevard. After renovations, the park will have a new entrance, pavilion, and new playground equipment.