Hopedale moves forward with park upgrades and new $3.2 million water tank

The village of Hopedale is nearing completion on several improvement projects, including upgrades at the village park and installation of the new water tank. Mayor Mike Pelegreen said during a recent tour that the $3.2 million tank is currently being filled in slow increments and is expected to be fully operational within the next two weeks.

The total cost covers demolition of the two old tanks — the one beside the new structure and another located at the nursing home — as well as paving leading up to the site and fencing around the new tank. Once filled, the tank must undergo chlorine testing before receiving approval from the Environmental Protection Agency.

Pelegreen said the project has been about six to seven years in the making, with delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Border Patrol served as contractor, and engineering was completed by W.E. Quicksall and Associates Inc.

Several upgrades have also been made at the park, including refurbished swings and a children’s boat feature, which were restored with help from Kendall and Joe Johnson, Ed Stringer, village employees and other volunteers. The tennis court will receive new nets, and picnic areas have been refreshed with new benches.

At the Oct. 15 village council meeting, Village Administrator Don Writesall reported that electrical work has been completed at the storage tank, and additional work is scheduled at the chlorine building. Pelegreen said the baby swings have been installed at the park but noted that the placement of old poles at the tennis courts is temporarily hindering installation of the new nets. The board approved a motion to purchase new parts.

The village building also received a new roof, and work inside included replacement of ceiling tiles, upgrades to the entrance door and other small improvements.

“So, everything is pretty good here now,” Pelegreen said.