Turning what was a longtime eyesore into an oasis in the middle of Ironton will use a portion of a grant acquired to upgrade three sites in the city into pocket parks.

The back lot at Memorial Hall will be targeted as a park area using materials left over from razing the main parts of the historic structure.

“We will be using portions of materials recycled from the demolition of the hall,” Ralph Kline of the Ironton-Lawrence County Community Action Organization, said. “There will be benches made out of the stone for a conversation area with shade trees. And hopefully, we will be able to utilize the rails from the jail for a flowing fountain to sit around.

Efforts are also under way to preserve the remaining parts of Memorial Hall.

“We are working on waterproofing the remaining sandstone structure so that doesn’t deteriorate more,” Kline said. “The city got some quotes.”

Part of the work to transform Memorial Hall comes from a $30,000 grant Ironton recently received. The two other sites are at Etna Street and Second and Railroad streets.

“We will have a resting area at the Etna Street Park with a set of swings and at Second and Railroad there will be a seating with a checker board on it, if you want to go out and play checkers,” Kline said.

Each park will also have a piece of exercise equipment.