East Palestine City Park Updates
Norfolk Southern is partnering with the Village of East Palestine for a $25-million renovation of the East Palestine City Park, investing in the park’s future as a social hub for the local residents and an attraction for regional community gatherings, sporting events, fireworks and more. Designed to preserve the park’s history and natural beauty, the project includes essential upgrades and aesthetic improvements and will be completed over several phases.
Footage as of: Sept. 2024
Project Timeline
Current Phase
Phase 1 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.
Target completion: Spring 2025
Next Steps
Phase 2 plans for the state-of-the-art swimming facilities include an Olympic-size pool area and pool house, as well as demolition of existing sport courts and construction of new pool house driveway.
Target completion: Summer 2026
Phase 3: Playground reconstruction, brick pavilion renovations, enhanced parking lot construction, and more.*
* Construction is ongoing, and plans are subject to change. We are working closely with Village leadership on all decisions.

Some images are renderings for illustrative purposes and may not be exact replicas of the final product.
Project Updates
East Palestine Park Weekly Updates
Week in Review 3/20 to 3/26:
- All tennis court light poles set
- Set pedestrian light poles & fixtures south of courts
- Poured stage footings
- Formed approximately 50% of stage walls & tied rebar
- Poured next section of sidewalk on east side
- Formed sidewalk on south side
- Removed existing light poles on south side
30-Day Look-Ahead:
- Form and pour concrete stage walls
- Continue pouring sidewalks
- Complete electrical service connection
- Start installing drainage for volleyball court next week
- Continue installation of light poles & fixtures
- Install patio pavers
Highlights/Significant Information:
- Target completion for Phase 1 construction remains end of May
- Waiting on permit from State of Ohio Health Department regarding new pool construction
- Received latest comments from the state on 3/14. Still working to address comments, with target resubmission of 3/28
- Phase 2 can begin as scheduled
- Pool construction cannot begin until permit is received
- Permit application initially submitted in September
- NS Sourcing is working with the Phase 2 bidders to clarify several items in their bids
Questions?
For questions about progress on renovations in the park, please contact the Norfolk Southern Family Assistance Center at 330-426-8400 during operating hours.