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Washington Evening Journal
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Riverside celebrates 150 years, reopens park
RIVERSIDE — The city of Riverside celebrated its sesquicentennial (150th) anniversary last week — as well as the reopening of Railroad Park — with a ribbon cutting.
“This project is about two or three years in the making, and I think we broke ground in early April,” Mayor Allen Schneider said. “The goal initially was to put down a surface like this for safety and accessibility, and it’s really great to see how it’s turned out … I’m glad we’ve got some kids here because I didn’t want to be the first one to have to go down the slide.”
The renovations included a new soft fall surface (complete with a Starfleet insignia,) additional parking and handicap-accessible swings added to the playground.
The city thanked a large number of people for their role in the project, including the Washington County Riverboat Foundation, the Washington Economic Development Group, city staff and the project’s contractors.
“It takes a community, let me tell you,” City Administrator Christine Yancey said. “I’ve worked with every one of you on getting this going, getting it done so quickly … it just went like that, it was great.”
Yancey said former City Council Member Jeanine Redlinger also played a big role in the project.
“She’s been very instrumental in having this soft surface and having a safe place for the children to play,” she said.
Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com
Former Riverside City Council Member Jeanine Redlinger prepares to cut the ribbon at the newly reopened Railroad Park, surrounded by community members and financial supporters that made the park's renovations possible. (Kalen McCain/The Union)
Washington Chamber of Commerce Director Michelle Redlinger (right) presents Riverside City Administrator Christine Yancey (left) with a framed commemoration of Railroad Park's reopening. (Kalen McCain/The Union)
Riverside Mayor Allen Schneider speaks after reopening Railroad park, which had been closed for months to allow renovations like a soft fall surface and handicap-accessible swings. (Kalen McCain/The Union)
Photographer Lyle Moen takes a photo of Riverside city officials after a ribbon cutting at Railroad Park. (Kalen McCain/The Union)
