Continuing the Legacy | News, Sports, Jobs – Morning Journal News

Early in our endeavors, I asked in a column, “Whose legacy is it?” Was it the town’s legacy to maintain it? Was it the Firestone family’s responsibility to help along the way? Was it so special because Harvey Firestone was, and is, an American icon, and he was our native son who, along with his wife, Idabelle, gave us this wonderful gift of an outdoor recreational park? Why was the Firestone Park’s significance not recognized and celebrated as it aged and needed care? It now enjoys a new perspective with the addition of the historic Legacy Trail through the park and the construction of the Idabelle Firestone Gathering Place and Garden glorious outdoor amphitheater. As the story has unfolded, many of us are of an age to recall the park’s earliest days, but all the newcomers who have adopted Columbiana as their home now share with us this rich heritage.

For all of the young people who grew up in the park, for all the future young people and families who will continue to use it and celebrate it, it is truly an American legacy and story, speaking to the small town values that have shaped much of America: the importance of family; the gift of nature with beautifully landscaped acres; the places of fellowship, learning and recreation; all are woven into the park’s notable history and design. The new chapters I mentioned earlier — Idabelle’s Gathering Place and the Legacy Trail — both deepen and add to the significant story of our beginnings.

Notable contributors along the way: Keith Kaiser, Jim Feath of Herbert, Rowlad and Grubic Inc.: John Hippley for Mirror Lake, Cindy Tyler, Anna Werle & Rob Thompson of Terra Design Studios; Chris Kline and the crew at Enviroscapes; Paul Hagert, the architect; the Bronson Company who did Idabelle’s Gathering Place; Lloyd Miller, who carved the beautiful historic new entrance signs; Rose Conrad and Josh Menning who recorded the story (stay tuned for the release of a documentary about the park’s renovation and a feature film about the life of Idabelle); Jay Brothers, project manager for the Tingle Foundation; the SunTrust/Truist staff in Atlanta, the park and city employees who cooperated with us, and all of the citizens who stopped along their walks through the park to encourage and thanks us. Big words of gratitude also to Tammie Mcintosh of the Morning Journal in Lisbon. Early on, her contribution on behalf of the paper, to my columns called “Postings From the Park” was generous and let us tell a story that needed to be told. Newspapers still play a special role in the life of communities. It was a delight for me and, hopefully, to many local readers, to pick up the morning paper and see in the front page corner: “Postings From the Park.” Thank you, Tammie!

Thank you, also, Firestones, for making us special with best wishes for the park’s future as you place it in the hands of another generation. And, thanks to each and every one who supported and helped us along the way. It was a noteworthy journey which we hope future citizens will maintain and build. Our hope is that citizens will provide the leadership and support to keep the legacy going and continue to add to it. It is an unfinished product, always growing and changing to meet the challenges and needs of the times. If history defines us, think how lucky we were ….. and how lucky we are. Our beloved park has indeed been restored and beautified. It belongs to you now. Enjoy it!

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A magnificent stone amphitheater amidst beautiful plantings honors the legacy of Idabelle Firestone’s love of music and flowers.

(For more information on the restoration of Firestone Park and its ongoing activities, visit restorecolumbiana.com.)

A Dedication to Remember

The Dedication of the Restoration and Beautification of Harvey S. Firestone Recreational Park was held on Sept. 11, 2022, at Idabelle’s Gathering Place and Gardens. To celebrate its completion, trustees were joined by seven members of the Firestone Family, Bridgestone Firestone corporate representatives, park board and city council members, donors to the project and representatives of the companies and firms responsible for the completion of the seven-year project. Retired Judge Mark Frost served as emcee, and the The New Firestone Orchestra played Idabelle Firestone’s songs, a medley from Les Miserables, as well as patriotic numbers. Over 200 people attended the ceremony which was held on the steps of Idabelle Firestone’s Gathering Place and the nearby hillside.

Speakers included Mayor Rick Noel, Park Board President Ron Detwiler, R&B President Tucker Cope Jr., trustees Vaughn Musser, Jan Rochette and Pat Tingle. Mrs. Gay Firestone Wray spoke on behalf of the Firestone family as did Bob Troyer, family representative. Brenda Bradley introduced the conductor of the New Firestone Orchestra and detailed its formation in honor of the special event. Cindy Tyler of Terra Design Studio shared the planning that led to the development of the Legacy Trail. Paul Hagert, architect for the new pavilion called Idabelle’s Gathering Place, spoke about the design of a really beautiful stone addition to the park and its ties to other buildings in the park and cemetery.

Following the ceremony, guests were treated to Restoration and Beautification wines brewed by The Winery and special cone treats from Back Home caterer. Guests were then invited to follow the Legacy Trail and read the interpretive panels sharing information about sites important to the history of Columbiana as well as Harvey and Idabelle Firestone’s gifts to the park. Deserving special attention also was the Tall Tree Lawn, the Donna Bekar Rose Garden and The Lilac Strolling garden. The plantings were done by our expert and generous horticulturist, Keith Kaiser. Although it was a cloudy day, the rain held off until later that afternoon.

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Retired Judge Mark Frost gave a moving speech about Firestone Park as the “heart of Columbiana” in his opening remarks as Emcee.

What remains to be done? A few projects need completion; the rail along the stone steps beside the spring garden needs installed, the Dog Park needs to to be finished, and a special swing in the Spruce Tunnel also needs to be installed. That, then will end the second phase of a three phase restoration that began in 2015. An important historic piece has been added to the story of Harvey S. Firestone Park. We like to think Harvey and Idabelle would be pleased and hope the residents of the town are appreciative.

The next big project is not an R&B project; it is the restoration of the football stadium and the entire complex which includes the field, the track, the Waldo Ward building and concession stand/restrooms. This project is the responsibility of the Columbiana School District. Someday, of course, the baseball stadiums will need to be replaced, and the interior of the pool house is much in need of updating. All in good time. The R&B committee has been proud to have initiated a major change, for the better, in our very special park. May the future hold a continuous caring effort to maintain and build on ever changing needs. We have a fine new park manager, Tim Reash, who loves the park as we all do, so the future looks bright and promising. As Harvey, himself, said “We have the finest little park in the state of Ohio”. We believe that to be so!

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Gay Firestone-Wray addresses the community gathered for the dedication and expresses her gratitude on behalf of the Firestone family. (Submitted photo)

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The new Firestone Orchestra was formed specifically for the dedication day of Firestone Park to perform the beautiful compositions of music-lover Idabelle Firestone, “If I Could Tell You” and “In My Garden.”

Submitted photo Informative and interesting Interpretive Panels grace the newly constructed and historic “Legacy Trail” all along the way as the path winds through the park.

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