EAST PALESTINE — After sparking both criticism and frustration among East Palestine residents with an inability to stay on schedule and under budget, the $25 million project to renovate the village park as park of the village’s settlement with Norfolk Southern in the wake of the 2023 chemical train derailment can now be tracked through a link on nsmakingitright.com.

Under a “Park Updates” tab on the top of the website which was created by Norfolk Southern (NS) in the months following the derailment, the public can view the current status of the project, a week-in-a-review, a 30-day projection and any significant news related to the park’s progress.

The latest post states that the “current phase” is still Phase 1 and “includes the installation of new pickleball and sand volleyball courts, relocation and renovation of the tennis and basketball courts, improvements to the field areas, including grading the oval infield for youth soccer, additional parking around the dog park, lighting, sidewalks and constructing a raised amphitheater near the new sport courts” with construction still on track to be completed on or before May 29.

As far as the start of Phase 2, which includes the aquatic center and demolition of the existing sports courts, that remains dependent on the issuance of a permit from the State of Ohio Health Department. Pool construction cannot begin until the permit is received and could potentially cause a delay. The permit application was initially submitted in September, according to NS.

The latest comments from the state regarding the permit were received on March 13. Those comments were addressed and resubmitted on March 28. NS anticipated a state response earlier this week. Also, the railroad reports that NS Sourcing is working with the Phase 2 bidders to clarify several items in their bids.

The third and final phase will include playground reconstruction, brick pavilion renovations and enhanced parking lot construction. No start or finish date has been projected for that phase. Cuts will have to be made from the final phase to keep the project under the $25 million cap. Council has said public input will be gathered and considered before making any reductions or changes to the existing plans for Phase 3.

Progress made

According to the week-in-review for March 27 through April 1, the following progress has been made:

— Poured first half of the stage walls for amphitheater, sidewalk on the south side and curb and sidewalk on west side.

— Formed remaining stage walls and tied rebar.

— Installed drainage for the volleyball court and breakers in the electrical service panel.

Progress projected

In the next 30 days, crews working on Phase 1 expect to:

— Pour remaining concrete stage walls and stage cap.

— Backfill stage walls.

— Continue pouring sidewalks.

— Complete electrical service connection.

— Pull the remaining wire.

— Install electricity to the stage.

— Install volleyball curb, net and sand.

— Install patio pavers

— Pave sports courts the week of April 14.

selverd@mojonews.com