BUCYRUS–An eyesore on the city’s north end is being demolished beginning Thursday, finally paving the way for what’s being called Norton Bicentennial Park.
The park, a tribute to the city’s founders, is a legacy project of the Bucyrus Bicentennial Commission. It is being developed on land previously occupied by the old Ice Plant and Freddie’s Restaurant, both abandoned, on North Sandusky Avenue.
Using sledgehammers, Commission members, city leaders, and community members took ceremonial swings at the building Wednesday afternoon during a “pre-demo” event. The latest architectural site plan for the park was also displayed.
“This is a symbol that we’re serious about this project,” said Commission member Randy Fischer, who heads up Norton Bicentennial, Inc., a private, non-profit corporation. “It’s been a long time coming.”
Fischer told those gathered that while replacing hardscape with grass is an ambitious project, replacing the dilapidated buildings was never an option since a good portion of the land lies in a flood plain area just north of the Sandusky River.
The four-acre park, Fischer said, will feature a pavilion, playground, dog park, restrooms, and parking for food trucks. Its prime location along a busy thoroughfare should also attract those heading to and from Lake Erie during the summer, he said.
Bucyrus Mayor Jeff Reser lauded the vision and tireless work of the Commission in finally acquiring the land for the park. Communities the size of Bucyrus, he said, typically have eight parks, and Norton Bicentennial will be the city’s fifth park.
Bruce Heinlen of Felty-Heinlen Architects in Mansfield gave an overview of the “conceptual plan” to those gathered Wednesday, noting that the design also designates space for an apple sculpture – already in the works – as well as a monument to the Nortons.
“The year is all ready to end, but this is going to be a big springboard for what’s to come in the next 200 years,” said Kelli Patterson, coordinator of the city’s yearlong Bicentennial celebration. “This is what our community does. This is what we are.”
