McGuan park could be completed in August

Lynanne Vucovich, Norwalk Reflector, Ohio
·2 min read
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May 19—NORWALK — Council received an update on the timeline for the McGuan Park revitalization project.

Fire chief Ron Luttrell also announced Capt. Rick Perry will be retiring in June.

Perry is retiring from the Norwalk Fire Department after 30 years. He was hired in May 1991, eventually becoming a captain and overseeing fire inspection as the executive fire officer.

Perry stepped into the role of acting fire chief in June 2019 when the previous chief John Soisson went on medical leave until Luttrell was sworn in September 2020.

Luttrell thanked Perry and gave well wishes for his retirement.

"He helped keep the department stabilized and moving it forward through very difficult times, and I'd like to thank him for that," he said. "His leadership, knowledge and experience will be missed within the fire department and within the community."

The fire department will also be reopening to the public on Monday, June 2.

Park and recreation superintendent Joe Lindenberger provided an updated timeline on the McGuan Park project.

Lindenberger said they are tentatively planning for a grand opening event on Saturday, Aug. 28.

He said the full-sized basketball court, with six hoops, should be completed in early June.

Lindenberger said he's hoping the two pump tracks at the park will be ready for use by July 1.

The new playground equipment will not be open until later in the summer, he said, but the order has been placed.

"We have officially made the order. It's going to take a little longer than we anticipated," he said. "Although the basketball court and the pump tracks will open sooner, the playground will not be open until later in the summer."

Lindenberger said he's thankful for all the donors who have helped make the park possible.

In other business, council passed an ordinance to grant an easement on city-owned property on Taylor Avenue to John Field, to install a paved driveway. The city may reclaim the property if it's necessary for a government purpose and Field will pay $10 for the easement.