If you haven’t visited or driven by the pocket park in the 2300 block of South Eighth Street in Ironton, I encourage you to do so.

It is a little gem we can all be proud of. An Eagle Scout project organized and led by Eagle Scout candidate Matthew Williams and Scoutmaster Dave Lucas of Troop 106 completely preserved and repainted the gazebo.

The gazebo was procured by the Ironton Port Authority some years ago to provide shade for parents taking their children there to play on the beautiful playground equipment provided by the Ironton-Lawrence County Port Authority and assembled by Ironton city employees.
Part of the original costs were defrayed by the city, using a grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

The Scouts also re-mulched the park and generally spruced up the landscaping, much of which was originally paid for by the Ironton aLive organization and is now maintained by the city recreation department.

The Scouts put in a lot of effort into the project for several days. I’m sure you will applaud the job they did.
Contributions by myself, Bill Dickens and Mike McKee established a fund at Troop 106 to provide for continuing upkeep of the gazebo. We didn’t want this little gem to suffer the same fate that Beechwood Park has suffered since the municipal swimming pool closed.

This park is an example of what can be done to improve the appearance of a neighborhood and the quality of life for those living here. It only takes some leadership and a bit of money (and not a lot).

The value such projects add to the neighboring properties surely will offset the investment and be something we can all be proud of.

Paul Woods
Ironton