Local community breaks ground on new park construction project

EAST PALESTINE, Ohio (WKBN) — A promise made nearly a year ago is finally in its beginning stages.

Norfolk Southern’s CEO Alan Shaw was in East Palestine Saturday morning at the city park. He was announcing the first phase of the park’s remodeling.

In June of 2023, he pledged $25 million to help remodel and improve the park after the train derailment .

Shaw and other leaders broke ground for the park upgrades,

When Shaw asked how to help, he says city leaders brought him to the park.

“I got a real sense of pride that community leaders have in this facility,” Shaw said. “They asked for some help in enhancing the community, and we worked with the community and a design firm and really came up with some wonderful plans.”

The new park will have an upgraded pool and pool house, an upgraded community center and playgrounds will be enhanced.

Shaw also shared his thoughts on the National Transportation Safety Board’s final report on the train derailment.

There was a protest at the groundbreaking made up of citizens concerned about ongoing safety and health issues.

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