The new sports courts at the East Palestine City Park have been paved as the $25 million project to revamp the park progresses. (Photo by Stephanie Elverd)

EAST PALESTINE — East Palestine Council met Monday and reported the $25 million park project remains on track with Phase 1 expected to be complete May 29.

The project, which fell a year behind schedule, continues to make strides with a Phase 2 pre-construction meeting now set for May 15. The park will remain open through the duration of the project with some changes made.

“Phase 2 will include the demolition of the existing sports courts. The initial plan was to have the lay down of materials in the parking lot of the community center. We have since then changed that,” Village Manager Antonio Diaz-Guy said. “The lay down area will now be in the existing parking lot between the pool and the tennis courts. So during the pre-construction meeting, we will be rerouting traffic in the park for the summer. The park will remain open as will the community center.”

Diaz-Guy also reported the village is considering two change orders for Phase 2.

“These are at the village’s request, to move the demolition of the existing pool structure and [playground] Rainbow Dreamland into Phase 2,” Diaz-Guy explained. “The reason for that is because all of the equipment will already be on site rather than have two mobilizations.”

Rainbow Dreamland is set to be demolished and replaced by three new playgrounds in the approved park plans. The fate of the memorial plaques that are on the fence that surrounds the playground has been a community concern. Diaz-Guy addressed those concerns.

“One of the constraints that we put in with a change order is that we be allotted a three-week advanced notice of the demolition of Rainbow Dreamland so we can save all the wooden planks,” he said. “What we are going to do with them, we don’t know. There have been a variety of suggestions thrown out. What we do know is the community wants to preserve them so we will pull those off.”

Concerns about the last two holes of the disc golf course, which draws a number of people to the village, were also addressed. Diaz-Guy said Hole 17 will remain as is; however, Hole 18 will be closed during the construction of Phase 2.

Diaz-Guy also reiterated that community involvement will be sought for Phase 3 once Phase 2 gets underway to determine what changes and cuts need to be made to keep the project on budget.

In other matters:

— Diaz-Guy reported that several cemetery projects are moving forward thanks to a Community Foundation and a secondary community grant. Quotes for those projects have been received.

— Council moved to rescind an ordinance capping the village’s exposure regarding indigent burial fees. Law Director Dave Powers said that since the village averages “less than one per year” indigent burials it would be better to handle the matter on a “case-by-case basis.”

— Council heard that the first round of street paving (an inch of asphalt) is projected to begin Thursday, contingent on the weather.

— It was announced that a stick-pickup will be held as part of the village’s annual day of volunteerism known as Dog Days. Dog Days will be held May 10 with registration at the park from 8 to 9 a.m.

— Mayor Trent Conaway reminded residents that the village is still seeking letters of interest for the vacant council seat. Letters of interest should be emailed to m.martin@eastpalestine-oh.gov. The deadline for letters is May 9.

— Council tackled four pieces of legislation. They were third readings of ordinances updating the village’s cemetery regulations and the CRA program and emergency ordinances regarding the 2025 paving project and the Supplemental Appropriations.

selverd@mojonews.com