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East Palestine City Park Updates

Updated: June 23, 2025

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 6/12 to 6/18:

  • Phase 1 – Installed masonry facing on stage walls (to be completed after pouring concrete ramp)
  • Phase 1 – Final grading and hydroseeding
  • Phase 1 – Working through landscaping punch list
  • Phase 1 – Installed post sleeves for court nets
  • Phase 2 – Removed court fencing
  • Phase 2 – Started demolition of basketball and tennis courts
  • Phase 2 – Started tree removal

30-Day Look-Ahead:

  • Phase 1 – Finalize court fencing with custom work around light poles – target 6/20
  • Phase 1 – Court equipment installation and court coating – weather permitting
  • Phase 1 – Pavement striping at dog park parking area – will be done alongside coating
  • Phase 1 – Complete stage: pour ramp, walkway, and sidewalk connections; complete masonry wall facing, install railings
  • Phase 1 – Install baffles in stormwater basin when weather allows and basin is dry
  • Phase 2 – Haul away demolition debris
  • Phase 2 – Survey and stakeout
  • Phase 2 – Pool excavation

Highlights/Significant Information:

  • Target substantial completion for Phase 1 construction pushed back 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 mid-July.
  • Phase 2 contract finalized between NS Sourcing and Kinley Construction.
    • Kinley mobilized 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.