Kinsman dedicates greenspace

KINSMAN -- Community members, trustees and county and state officials gathered this week for the dedication of the enhanced greenspace area of the township that now has sidewalks, lighting and other improvements.

Trustee Chairman Greg Leonhard said when he was first elected trustee more than 14 years ago, the property where the old Joseph Badger High School was located near the Kinsman Library "was little more than a drawing and a dream."

"The park committee worked hard to create a vision for this space. When COVID hit, the project was slowed. A few years later, the committee reorganized and renewed its commitment. The project soon began to take place," Leonhard said.

He said the first step was the transformation of old batting cages and park restrooms.

Leonhard said the Trumbull County commissioners approved $300,000 for the sidewalks that run through the greenspace.

"Without those two projects, we would not be standing here today. They became the foundation and springboard for everything that followed," Leonhard said.

He said with donations and volunteer hours from community members, the residents of Kinsman came together and "turned a dream into a reality."

Leonhard said Bart Gilmore of Gilmore Design provided landscape design plans for the greenspace project.

"There were many people in this community who were willing to give of their time, talents and resources for the good of others," he said.

Park board member Jeff Mathews, who previously served on the school board, said when the new Joseph Badger school building was constructed, it meant something had to be done with the old school.

"The old school building had long been the historical and architectural heart of the community and as a Badger graduate, there was a lot of emotional attachment to the school by many people who had attended school there. My grandfather was on the board when the old school was built in 1936," Mathews said.

He said the school stood for more than 70 years as the center of community activity.

"The intent of this project is to ensure that this site remains the hub of activity to the township as a community events space,'' Mathews said.

He said 15 years ago when the greenspace project was first discussed, he said those involved knew it would be a long-term project.

Mathews said the project will continue to benefit future generations.

Park board member Bob Nemeth said volunteers planted many trees in the greenspace.

He said there was a desire to preserve the property for the community.

"It is always very heartwarming to see children riding their bikes here with their parents, elderly people here, families together and people walking their dogs," Nemeth said.

He said in addition to enhancing the batting cages and new restrooms, there also was sidewalks, lighting, flag poles, benches, and trees and plants.

Nemeth said no township funds were used for the project and it was all done through donations and funding approved by the county.

"There were many generous people who gave their time and talents to help us make this possible," Nemeth said.

He said future projects include having multipurpose courts by summer 2027, an amphitheater for concerts and other events, nature paths, and a backstop area of a baseball field to become a memorial to honor military members of the community.

The county engineer's office did the design work for the sidewalk project.

During the dedication and ribbon cutting for the greenspace, the township hosted its annual SpringFest with lawn games, music, food trucks and information booths.