NEW PARIS — The property that housed a former abandoned school building known for being an eyesore in New Paris completed its transformation last week, opening as the village’s first community park.
But without the help of a Secret Santa in December 2019, this project might have not have reached the finish line.
Nearly two years ago, the village received an anonymous donation of $100,000 to help cover the cost of demolishing the vacant school building. That Secret Santa gift, combined with some state funds, helped the village bankroll the project to redevelop the land.
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“It was an ordeal. What should have been done you know it was about a year later than it should have been for everything. But we got it now!” New Paris Mayor Kathy Smallwood told News Center 7′s John Bedell Wednesday.
The construction and redevelopment hit a few roadblocks over the last 20 months, but construction wrapped up and the village held a grand opening last Friday.
“It’s like a jig saw puzzle. You dump the box and there’s this big pile in the middle and you can’t do anything — there’s nothing you can do until that’s all gone and sorted out. Then you’ve got the pieces you can see where they can go. You can see where you can put them. So now that that building’s gone, that big jig saw puzzle looks a lot better,” Smallwood said.
The park features new basketball courts, walking path, splash pad, and shelters. In the first few days of the park opening, Smallwood said she’s seen the community has welcomed the village’s new addition.
“It’s been pretty well received. We had some 89-90 degree days. And we’re going to have those again next week I think,” Smallwood said.
“It’s great to be able to see the possibilities now where you couldn’t really — really you couldn’t see. You knew how much land was there but it was difficult to tell what could work where and everything else.”
The village’s upcoming Apple Fest, scheduled for the weekend after Labor Day will be held at the park. Additionally the village is already planning on additions, including a new playground next to the splash pad. A master plan is also in the works by the village to continue to improve and made additions over the next several years.
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