Sedalia Breaks Ground on New Fire Station, Fire Training Facility and Memory Lanes Bowling Alley
Under clear skies and cooler autumn air, Sedalia residents, city leaders, and project partners gathered Wednesday morning to celebrate two major milestones in the city’s continued growth — the groundbreaking of Sedalia’s new Fire Station and Training Facility, and the start of construction on the long-anticipated Memory Lanes Bowling Alley.
Speakers included Mayor Andrew Dawson, City Administrator Matthew Wirt, Fire Chief Matt Irwin, Parks & Recreation Director Amy Epple, Sue Heckart, and representatives from Nabholz Construction and Hoefer-Welker Architecture.
In his remarks, Mayor Andrew Dawson reflected on the years of dedication and vision that made this day possible.
“This project has been a long time in the making — the result of years of hard work, patience, and persistence,” Dawson said. “Former Mayor Kehde, our city administrator, and previous councils had the foresight to look past what this property was and imagine what it could become: something beautiful, something meaningful, something that serves the people. It took over a year and a half of negotiation and determination to bring that vision to life, and today we see the fruits of that labor.
This isn’t just about one building or one initiative. It’s part of a broader transformation on the east side of Sedalia, where new businesses, community resources, and opportunities continue to grow. With the Boys and Girls Club and Pettis County Community Partnership expanding nearby, and future plans for an aquatic center and the new Memory Lanes Bowling Alley, this moment represents the capstone of those efforts — a true symbol of what vision and collaboration can achieve.”
The Mayor also expressed deep gratitude to Sue Heckart, whose generosity made the new bowling alley possible.
“Sue’s $6 million donation to build Memory Lanes is nothing short of extraordinary,” Dawson said. “Her generosity has elevated this project to new heights and will provide families in Sedalia a place to come together and make memories for generations to come.”
The new Sedalia Fire Station and Training Center will expand coverage across the community, improve emergency response times, and provide firefighters with a state-of-the-art environment for hands-on region-wide training and professional development.
The Memory Lanes Bowling Alley, funded through Heckart’s donation and managed by Sedalia Parks & Recreation, will serve as a family-friendly destination featuring modern amenities, inclusive recreation opportunities, and spaces for community gatherings.
Representatives from Nabholz Construction and Hoefer-Welker Architecture noted that construction is expected to begin immediately following the groundbreaking.
As leaves rustled and shovels broke ground, Sedalia city officials reflected on what the day represents — continued investment in Sedalia’s quality of life and a shared commitment to the people who call home.
