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.
Phase 2 Beginning June 16
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 5/29 to 6/4:
- Landscaping rework completed, infield & dog park seeding completed
- Court fencing installed, waiting for custom pieces around light poles
- Pavement complete and landscaping complete at dog park
- Stage top and steps poured
- Electrical service hooked up 6/2 – will require future adjustments with pole removals
30-Day Look-Ahead:
- Finalize court fencing with custom work around light poles — target 6/13
- Court equipment and coating — target start 6/9/25 (delayed due to weather)
- Pavement striping at dog park parking area — will be done with the coating (same contractor)
- Install stage wall panels — target start 6/9
- Final stage pours, ramp and walkway, and sidewalk connections, after stage wall & coping
- Install stage railings — following final concrete pours
- Install baffles in stormwater basin when weather allows and basin is dry
Highlights/Significant Information:
- Target substantial completion for Phase 1 construction pushed back to late June due to weather and material delivery delays.
- This includes stage completion except railing. After panel install and final pours, railing manufacturer will take final measurements, fabricate, and install. Completion planned for mid-July.
- Permits received from ODOH on 4/10-4/11 for all three pool features.
- Phase 2 can begin as scheduled.
- Phase 2 contract finalized between NS Sourcing and Kinley Construction.
- Kinley confirmed start date of 6/16/25.
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.