Ribbon cutting celebrates Waddell Park renovation project

A major milestone in Niles Friday. With help from former Congressman Tim Ryan, Niles Mayor Steve Mientkiewicz cut the ribbon on a new and improved Waddell Park.

Upgrades to the park include a brand new splash pad and playground, gazebo, turf baseball fields and infrastructure improvements.

A big chunk of the $4.6 million renovation project was made possible thanks to a $2.5 million grant secured by Ryan when he was still in office.

"It's pretty surreal," Ryan said. "I used to play baseball here, hit a few homeruns, had a few strikeouts, left this park really happy and really sad and to be back seeing a whole new facelift to this is really amazing, its surreal."

For Parks and Recreation Director Mark Pallante, who grew up in Niles, the project hits close to home.

"I've lived in Niles my whole life and its fantastic to see something like that," Pallante said. "Hopefully the community comes out and supports it, treats it like it needs to be treated and everyone can enjoy it all year long."

Kids like 8th grader Vincent Dennis are already impressed with what's new.

"I think it's good, I think it's going to help a bunch of younger kids to come here and have fun and it's a new improvement to the park," Dennis said.

Local leaders hope the renovations will help the park become a vibrant hub of recreation for generations to come.