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NILES -- Crews are still chipping away at the $4.6 million Waddell Park renovation, which a city official says is roughly 60 days from completion.
Mayor Steve Mientkiewicz said crews are racing to finish a splash pad, playground and three redesigned ballfields by Memorial Day weekend.
"We're about 60 days away from total completion," Mientkiewicz said during a walkthrough of the site, noting that despite earlier delays, the project is now "ahead of schedule" from its revised timeline. Two of the park's turf fields are already finished, while fencing and lighting installations continue at a third.
Originally slated to debut by July 4, 2024, the overhaul faced hurdles with grant approvals and design work, pushing the target completion date to this spring. However, the mayor said that key ingredients such as the splash pad, gazebo and LED-lit ballfields are now "totally completed" or nearing final touches.
The crown jewel of the city's park upgrades is the new splash pad, which replaces the former Waddell Park swimming pool that closed in 2014 and was demolished in 2021. Mientkiewicz cited fiscal responsibility as the driving factor behind the switch, noting that the long-term costs of maintaining a public pool -- including insurance, security and upkeep -- were unsustainable. The splash pad, now fully installed, is part of a broader redevelopment that includes a modern playground, gazebo, restrooms and an asphalt parking lot off Sharkey Drive.
Adjacent to the splash pad, three baseball fields -- Fiedor, Stabile and South -- have undergone major renovations, including full turf installations with dual striping for soccer and flag football. Two of the fields already feature Major League Baseball-grade LED lighting, with South Field's lighting set for installation this spring. Drainage systems also were overhauled to address long standing flooding issues, including the repair of a critical 18-inch storm line running beneath the fields.
"This will be the best baseball facility in Trumbull County," said Niles Parks and Recreation Director Mark Pallante. "The multi-sport functionality means we can host tournaments, bringing in visitors who will support local businesses."
The project, initially projected at $5.5 million, is being funded by a $2.5 million federal grant, supplemented by a $2 million city bond and additional $100,000 in park funds. Final work includes perimeter fencing, security cameras, playground mulch and a resurfaced Sharkey Drive with speed humps and a bike lane.
RIVERFRONT PROJECT TAKES SHAPE
While Waddell Park nears completion, Niles also is working on another major initiative in the form of a downtown riverfront revitalization funded by a $3.5 million Appalachian Community Grant. The project centers on creating an urban entertainment hub with green space, food truck accommodations and public seating. Renderings will be released to the public Tuesday, with construction expected to begin this summer and wrap up by 2026.
Canoeing and kayak launching sites will be located at the corner of Brown and First streets. The launch is designed to boost river recreation and tie into the broader Mahoning River Corridor revitalization effort involving neighboring cities like Youngstown and Warren.
"The goal is to drive economic development by making the river a focal point," Mientkiewicz said. "This isn't just about Niles, it's about attracting regional visitors who will spend money at our restaurants, shops and hotels."
ADDITIONAL PARK UPGRADES
Beyond Waddell Park, several smaller improvements have been completed across the city:
• Iowa Park -- New swing sets, basketball court and tree removal.
• Kennedy Park -- Repaved surfaces, new basketball hoops and dock staining.
• Stevens Park -- A disc golf course installed in 2024, with a 30-foot buffer from residential properties.
• Waddell Bowl -- Concession stand reroofing.
• Stump Removal -- 30 tree stumps cleared from various parks.
A separate, long-awaited Mauro Circle waterline replacement project is underway after delays. The failing line, which has caused persistent issues, is expected to be fully repaired in the coming months.
With Waddell Park set to open this spring and the riverfront project moving forward, Niles officials are optimistic about the city's trajectory.
"These projects align with our comprehensive plan," Mientkiewicz said. "The key has been securing grants that match our vision and executing them responsibly."
As construction crews put the finishing touches on Waddell Park, residents can expect a formal ribbon cutting by late May.