EAST PALESTINE – In an effort to speed up construction on the new pool and an aquatic center as part of Norfolk Southern’s $25 million park renovation project, East Palestine Village Council agreed to close the park during day Nov. 3-7. The park will be closed during the day and open in the evening to allow for truck traffic and the competition of shotcreting the pool. 

The unanimous decision came at the request of Village Manager Antoni Diaz-Guy. 

“Phase 2 of the park project is going well which means we are shotcreting the pool on Nov. 3. The issue with this is that there are temperature constraints to how quickly you can lay shotcrete and how fast it has to dry and we are now approaching freezing temperatures in the morning,’ he said. “We are in a race against time. It’s going to require between five and 10 shotcrete tricks to be circling the park at all times.”

Closing the park during the day will “allow for a free flow of trucks,” Diaz-Guy explained. 

Diaz-Guy also confirmed that the tennis wall located behind the former Rainbow Dreamland area will not remain in the park due to the size of the new playground going in. 

“It’s my understanding, the new three-area playground will take up the space of Rainbow Dreamland and all of the grass area to the road,” Diaz-Guy said. 

Park and Rec Chair Erin Stauffer said punch items for Phase 1 are being addressed and plans for Phase 3 are at 60%. 

In other park updates, nsmakingitright.com reports that a sinkhole on the south hill was addressed by contractor Rudzik Excavating. The website also reported that a Crylaflor surface was applied to the amphitheater stage and handrailing installed, sanctuary swerve pipe was recently installed, excavation for interior plumbing was completed, wading pool rebar and plumbing was installed and plumbing work began on the splash pad.

Also related to the park project, fiscal officer Melissa Hiner requested a transfer into the park fund. Hiner said the transfer was necessary to get the park “to the end of the year” as revenue from rentals was reduced this year due to the ongoing construction. 

In other matters, Antonio Diaz-Guy asked for and received permission through a resolution to apply for a Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant for sidewalk and walking trail projects. 

Also at Monday’s meeting:  

— Village Clerk Misti Martin’s report focused on upcoming Halloween activities. Trick-or-Treat night is set for Thursday 5:30-7:30 p.m. and followed by a Halloween Parade. The evening will feature the first-annual Golfcart Decorating Contest hosted by the EP ACT Downtown Vibrancy Group and an afterparty at the Moose Lodge. Residents are encouraged to wear their best costumes. The Village expressed gratitude to local Police, EMS, and Firefighter staff who will support the festivities.

—  Council heard that stormwater drainage projects have been completed on Park Drive and near the East Clark Street Fire Department.

— Council heard the disc golf course renovation was finished ahead of a community tournament held on Oct. 25 that drew 72 participants. 

— The water department reported hydrant flushing and a water main break repair on Kemple Drive. In a partnership with East Palestine High School, students from the environmental science class will tour the Wastewater Plant this week, providing them with valuable hands-on learning.

— In legislation, council passed with a third reading and ordinance creating a marketing coordinator position and passing as emergency legislation for supplemental appropriations.

– Stauffer reported work continues at Glenview Cemetery, where the maintenance garage was cleared and building improvements are planned. 

— Martin reminded residents to check the Village of East Palestine Facebook page to stay updated on events and issues like water breaks and road closures. 

–Mayor Trent Conaway encouraged all residents to attend and cheer on the East Palestine Bulldog football team during their first-round OHSAA playoff game set for Friday at Reid Memorial Stadium.