The City of Oak Harbor is holding a ribbon cutting ceremony for two new picnic shelters at Fort Nugent Park.

The ceremony is at the shelters at 3 p.m., Friday, June 7, 2013 at the park on Fort Nugent Street.

The picnic shelters are located just south of the children’s playground, uphill of the park restrooms.

The new shelters are more than just a roof for picnic tables, according to the city.

They were designed in a craftsman architectural style with large exposed Douglas fir beams and Western Red cedar posts sitting atop masonry bases.

Deep overhanging eaves, exposed end rafters, projecting beam ends, and simple trim lines further develop the architectural style, evoking the look of early 20th century bungalow residences, the city said in a press release.

In addition to the classic architecture, the shelters have lights and electrical outlets.

The picnic shelters are a much-anticipated addition to the picnic area. They were identified as a community need in a 2004 Fort Nugent Park Phase II expansion plan, but construction was delayed pending funding.

In 2009, the community-built playground was completed in the picnic area and quickly became popular.

Since the playground opened, public requests for the picnic shelters increased significantly.

Community park impact fees, which are reserved for park expenditures, reached sufficient levels allowing construction of the picnic shelters to break ground in March.

The shelters can serve larger groups such as reunions, parties and sports gatherings, said city officials. They are available on a “first come, first served” basis, unless reserved through the City of Oak Harbor Utilities Office.

Fee to reserve a picnic shelter is $25.