The Project EP Class in an innovative, locally curated program at East Palestine High School that integrates our students into real-world community development initiatives. With their concepts and design refined with feedback sessions and public input, and the project supported by the East Palestine Village Council and East Palestine Board of Education, Kealin Simon, Parker Rutledge, Peyton Rutledge, and Luke Kinkead have shaped the vision for a new Pocket Park located on North Market Street.
Pocket Parks are known for being a high-impact project in a small footprint. These parks deliver community engagement and benefit with minimal land, and turns underused spaces into multi-use beautification spaces. What the East Palestine Municipal Office currently uses for parking, will in time be a space to gather with friends, have lunch, play games, and even watch movies. These pocket parks assist with property values of neighboring businesses and buildings, local visual appeal, along with increasing pedestrian activity and dwell time. Not only does this project bring our students and local government together with the project partners, but the Project EP Pocket Park will support downtown business growth and expand outdoor seating for local dining establishments – strengthening the connection between existing and planned redevelopment sites.
With a hopeful construction start for Phase One in September 2026, the Project EP Class and the Village of East Palestine extend their immense gratitude to the following contributors to the Pocket Park Project: Anonymous Donor, East Palestine Community Foundation, East Palestine Aerie Fraternal Order of Eagles #1506, Swift Mart, East Fairfield Limestone, New Life Masonry’s Jim Mayhew, and TAPCO Electric. Their support for the Pocket Park has enabled the Project EP Pocket Park to move forward in next steps, and truly bring this vibrant location to our community!