Work wrapping up on 'new' McGuan Park

NORWALK — Work is wrapping up on the McGuan Park revitalization project on North Hester St. Workers were laying the new pour-and-play surface Thursday afternoon, while workers from Norwalk's general services department are scheduled to pour concrete sidewalks Friday. Once the sidewalks are poured, workers from Lake Erie Construction are scheduled to install new fencing. General services workers were on hand Thursday afternoon preparing the site for the pour. The project kicked off July 10 and a grand opening will be held once all of the work is completed. The new park will include an all-abilities playground, two pump tracks, outdoor basketball courts and restroom renovations. Park and recreation superintendent Joe Lindenberger said Norwalk is back on its way to being a "kids town" again at the ground-breaking ceremony. Along with all of the improvements, security cameras have been installed. "It's the biggest project I've been involved with in my 32 years with the park and rec," Lindenberger said. "We are a few weeks away from finishing it up and having it open to the public completely. "The reception has been awesome. The pump track is the biggest hit. I couldn't be happier." Lindenberger said it has been a couple of decades since the drop-off in group sports. "All you need is a bike, scooter, skateboard, basketball ... everything down there you can do individually. From adults to young children it has been a big hit." The project started with an idea of upgrading the playground equipment and blossomed into something for everybody. "The playground is the main part of this park," Lindenberger said. "It will be a big thing for Norwalk to hang its hat on. This really adds to the value of the community. (The park) is definitely unique ... provides something for people of all ages." Lindenberger said there has been more than $200,000 donated to the project, and with all of the grants and donated work the final total will be close to half a million dollars. "This has turned into a mega-park, which is awesome for the area," Lindenberger said. "I couldn't be happier." City workers have put in a lot of time, including installation of the equipment, which "cut the cost of that in about half," Lindenberger said. "It will be pennies on the dollar with the city's investment in the park. Mayor (Dave) Light has been a huge proponent to this park. It's been great working with the administration."