EAST PALESTINE — Nearly one year after ground was ceremoniously broken for the $25 million East Palestine Park project, Phase 2 is finally set to begin on Monday.

The start of Phase 2 marks a major stride in the project that has been beleaguered with setbacks and fell one year behind schedule and ballooned to $3 million over budget.

The village announced the anticipated start of the second phase of the three phase project funded by Norfolk Southern via a press release on Thursday

“With Phase 1 nearing completion and permits secured from the Ohio Department of Health, this next stage marks a significant milestone in the transformation of the park into a modern, inclusive recreational destination,” the village said.

According to the press release, Phase 2 will focus on early site work for the park’s future aquatic center, beginning with the mobilization of crews, installation of safety fencing and demolition of existing sports courts.

“We’re excited to see this progress firsthand and continue moving toward a park that reflects the spirit and resilience of our community,” said Village Manager Antonio Diaz-Guy. “We know how much these spaces mean to residents, and we’re committed to preserving these memories while we update our facilities and build towards our future.”

The press release highlighted “key details for the public” as construction on Phase 2 begins. Those details included:

— The work schedule for construction will run Monday through Friday, approximately7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

— The construction area will be secured and off-limits to unauthorized personnel.

— Rainbow Dreamland playground will close on June 15 and remain closed throughout the duration of Phase 2.

— The parking lot between the current tennis courts and the existing pool building will serve as the primary work and laydown area.

— Some nearby facilities may experience brief closures during active construction.

— Despite construction activity, the park will remain open to the public throughout the summer, fall and winter.

— The Community Center and other amenities will reopen as demolition concludes.

— Weekly updates will be posted to the Village of East Palestine Facebook page and East Palestine Information platforms.

Phase 1 included the sand volleyball court completed, new patio furniture, final light poles, topsoil spread, sports courts fencing, sidewalk work, and dog park parking lot paving underway.

Construction of the amphitheater remains behind schedule due to material delays.

The village also stressed that memorial plaques, rocks, and Dreamland’s “cherished wooden memorial planks will be carefully preserved and respectfully relocated throughout the park once construction is complete.”

Phase 2 is expected to finish by Summer of 2026. A start date for Phase 3, the phase from which cuts will have to be made to stay within budget, has not been announced.

“While challenges such as material delays and budget revisions have arisen, the project continues thanks to the dedication of community partners and ongoing collaboration with Norfolk Southern,” the village said.

selverd@mojonews.com