Sketch by artist, Brad Cowsert

EAST LIVERPOOL — Since 1899, the tri state residents have enjoyed the nature and beauty of Thompson Park. The picturesque park offers swimming, playgrounds hiking trails, disc golf, walking areas and multi use pavilions.

The East Liverpool-Calcutta Area Garden Club has presented a plan to the park board about adding a set of stone stairs going from pavilion #1 to the upper walking loop, tennis courts and play ground. While the stairs design is intended to be functional and improve access to the upper walking loop area the size and scope of the project will include a “wow” factor. The project will feature 25 stone steps a landing area ideally suited for photographs and include professional landscaping.

Over the past year, the garden club has been working diligently to raise funds for the ambitious project. Thanks to generous donations from the community and grants from area businesses, the garden club has raised $9,500.00 of the $13,500.00 needed to complete the project. Despite the impressive fundraising to date, the club is still falling short of reaching the projected goal. The garden club is asking for the community to come together to support the Thompson Park project. Donations can be made by going to Go Fund Me by entering Thompson Park in the search area. In addition, the garden club is having an online auction. To access the auction, just go to Rallyup.com with user name and password garden club. Also, checks or money orders can be mailed to the garden club president Lisa Chronister, 903 Armstrong Lane, East Liverpool, Ohio 43920.

Generations of our families have used this park. The pavilion is used for receptions, graduation parties, company picnics, family reunions and much more. These steps being installed will provide an elegant pathway to the upper loop, tennis courts and playground. It is being installed by local masons and landscapers that will ensure to make it a magnificent site for generations to come.