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Fixings in the works for Firestone Park Stadium

By DEANNE JOHNSON

Staff Writer

COLUMBIANA – Those attending football games in Firestone Park next fall may see some improvements, according to Ron Detwiler, president of the city Park, Recreation and Cemetery Board.

Speaking before City Council last week, Detwiler said plans last year to replace the fence, ticket booth and entrance to the stadium are being resurrected after the Memorial Day holiday.

“Last year we started too late and were not able to finish by football season,” Detwiler said.

Once Memorial Day has passed this year, the old ticket booth and entryway will be torn down. Detwiler believes the ticket booth can be taken down in just a couple hours. The building project should be completed this year by July 4.

Detwiler said the project has received good support and the majority of the project is being funded by alumni and the school district. Additionally, a lot of the work will be done with in kind donations. Detwiler told council he does not anticipate having to ask the city for any money, although city equipment may be used for the project.

Thanking council for its support, Detwiler said the board is currently working on the regulations for the park. For instance, even with the lots, some people still trying to park in the grass. He also noted the new restroom facility is wonderful for the park’s visitors, but can also prove a maintenance nightmare for the employees. The parks board also recently had to turn someone down, who wanted to have an event in the park, because there was a conflict.

A new event coming will be a dog show by the Penn-Ohio Kennel Club.

Council members and Mayor David Spatholt thanked Detwiler and the park board for the job they do, as well as groups like Heartland Christian and Comcast, which both recently did some community service work in the park.

In other matters before council:

– Steve Bobolak of PNC Bank announced the bank will have a customer appreciation day on June 7. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will include games for children, grilled refreshments and a giveaway.

– Councilman Lowell Schloneger commented that a lot of the issues people have been attending council meetings to address could be more quickly handled if they simply called City Manager Lance Willard or Police Chief Tim Gladis throughout the week. Council only meets twice a month, but Willard is in his office on weekdays. Schloneger also noted Columbiana’s council is one of the few where people with concerns are given unlimited time to speak.

– Council had an executive session at the end of the meeting to discuss possible land purchase and personnel. No action was taken afterward.

djohnson@mojonews.com

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