Portions of the roadway that encompasses the inner circle of the East Palestine Park remains closed while work continues on the $25 million project to revamp the park . (Photo by Stephanie Elverd)

EAST PALESTINE — Progress on the $25 million East Palestine Park project took a major step forward, as Norfolk Southern finally got its hands on permits to begin construction of the new pool.

According to the railroad, the Ohio Department of Health issued the permits needed for “all three pool features” at the end of last week. Construction of the aquatic center with its olympic-sized pool and a new pool house was delayed through the permit-process. The permit application was initially submitted in September, according to NS.

The issuance of the permits is finally good news regarding the beleaguered project that is one year behind schedule and $3 million over budget. The aquatic center is the major project within the project and the bulk of Phase 2. Phase 2 also includes demolition of existing sport courts and construction of a new pool house driveway.

According to Norfolk Southern, Phase 2 can begin as scheduled, keeping the tennis courts open until completion of the high school tennis season to not interfere with the Bulldogs’ schedule. Phase 2 contracts are currently being finalized and the phase is projected to be complete in spring of next year.

Phase 1 remains on track for completion by the end of May.

Last week, crews poured foundations for volleyball net supports and sand volleyball court, installed backstops, poured curb and sidewalk for large runs, paved sports courts and storm sewer trenches and pulled wire for the electrical panel.

In the next 30 days, progress is expected to include pouring of the stage cap, filling in gaps in sidewalks, complete electrical service connection, completion of volleyball area, installation of patio pavers and grading for dog park parking. Sports courts surface sealing will occur 30 days after paving is complete.

There is still no anticipated start or end date for Phase 3 which will include playground reconstruction, brick pavilion renovations and enhanced parking lot construction. There also have not been any official decisions made regarding where and what to trim from the project to keep the renovations at or under the $25 million cap. Village council said public input will be gathered and considered before making any cuts to the plans.

The multi-million dollar park overhaul was announced by Norfolk Southern in spring of 2023 with a groundbreaking ceremony held last July. Work began shortly after local officials broke ground. The project later became a part of the village’s settlement with Norfolk Southern to release the railroad of all liability owed to the Village of East Palestine related to the 2023 train derailment and chemical spill.

The park project can be tracked through a link on nsmakingitright.com under a “Park Updates” tab on the top of the website.