EAST PALESTINE — Village residents will be happy to learn that not only will the East Palestine Park be open for activities in 2026, but also to celebrate America’s 250th birthday complete with fireworks.

Village Manager Antonio Diaz-Guy shared the good news with those attending East Palestine council’s meeting Monday night.

The village has scheduled its fireworks for Saturday, July 4 and is finalizing details on other activities for the celebration.

With phase two almost complete on the pool, Diaz-Guy said that plans are to open it for this year, although he doesn’t have a concrete set yet. However, the village is hiring lifeguards and concession workers in anticipation.

The majority of the park currently is open or anticipated to be open; however, the previous playground has been torn down in preparation for erecting a new all-inclusive playground courtesy of Norfolk Southern in the park’s final phase.

Diaz-Guy said that he doesn’t anticipate learning how Norfolk Southern’s bids came in for the final phase for several weeks, but doesn’t anticipate a new playground being open before this fall potentially and more conservatively spring 2027 at the latest.

The final phase includes the playground, electrical upgrades to the baseball field as well as paving throughout the park.

The village also will hold a electronics recycling event from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 20, at Centenary Methodist Church, 40 S. Market St. All small electronics are accepted at no cost except $20 each for TVs and monitors as well as $10 for printers.

In other action, council approved:

— A cybersecurity policy, which was updated to meet all new state requirements for the village that is in the process of switching to Office 365 software.

— An one-year contract with Unity Township for fire protection. Diaz-Guy explained that while Unity Township usually splits their fire levy 50/50 between New Waterford and East Palestine, amounting to around $80,000 each per year, this year the township only paid $30,000 as they are being credited for an over distribution. Both the township and council now have approved the one-year contract.

— A 15-year Community Revitalization Agreement, awarding a 75 percent tax abatement for the train depot property owners for any upgrades made to that real estate.

— Updates to the headstone policy at Glendale Cemetery, loosening restrictions.