By By JESSICA SIEFF / Niles Daily Star
NILES – The Ferry Street School Community Resource Center may consider itself "the little school with the big vision," but on Friday, May 30 the people at the center will be able to consider one of its visions -realized.
That is when members of the center along with local officials and Niles Mayor Michael McCauslin will be on hand for the dedication of the new Cass Street Park on the corner of Cass and Eighth streets.
The park's construction and subsequent dedication have been a goal for over two years, said Lisa Busby – director of Ferry Street School Community Resource Center. Most of that time was going through the red tape for the project. "There were obstacles, but we overcame all those obstacles," said advisory board member Al Walker. "We overcame everything." Walker added that once they were through the red tape, construction needed for the park took only a matter of weeks.
Both Walker and Busby had praise for the city – for helping the plan become a reality.
At the dedication on Friday, Busby said, "there will be a ribbon cutting ceremony." Mayor McCauslin is expected to speak, "he is going to say a few words, and I'll say a few words," Busby said.
Busby said the neighborhood children have been anticipating the park's opening. And at the Friday's dedication, they will be led in a very special pledge. "They're basically taking an oath," Busby said. "To have fun at the park, to use the park in a positive way and to tell anyone if they see negative things happening at the park."
Plans for Friday include getting 100 children to release 100 red, white and blue balloons into the air in what Busby called "a gesture of solidarity."
After a short reception, Busby says children will be able to stay at the park with their parents if they so choose. "The kids are really excited," she said.
As are area residents. "We have people that have volunteered," Busby said. "People in the neighborhood have volunteered to patrol the park." Those members of the community are keeping a watchful eye on the park and have already made calls to Busby to report of activity on the grounds of the yet to be opened park. "It has shown us that we have a concerned neighborhood," Busby said.
Still, Walker said, "I like seeing the kids use the park, because they're using their energies in a constructive way – rather than a destructive way."
The park, which features new play equipment including double slides, a rock climbing wall, a new basketball court and benches is "really a beautiful addition to the central side," Busby added.