The revitalization project focuses on the veterans memorial area, it includes tree removal & planting, landscaping, and a new water line

DANVILLE—A joint effort between the downtown business association, Danville Village Council, and American Legion Post #650 will revitalize Veterans Memorial Park.

Mitch Durbin, a board member with Main-Market & Beyond, said the project focuses on the veterans memorial area.

“Some pine trees planted in 1954 really are overgrown and the root system is out of control,” he said.

“We’ll replace them with sugar maples and evergreens.”

Volunteers will install new landscaping around the memorial and restore two picnic tables in the shelter next to the veterans memorial.

The project also includes a new waterline behind the memorial to provide water for maintaining the landscaped beds and new trash containers around the veterans memorial shelter.

“We’re doing this through a grant from the Knox County Foundation,” Durbin said.

Durbin said the $19,690 grant covers the total cost of the project.

Wallace Tree Service and The Greatest Scape will do the work. Weather permitting, Durbin expects tree removal to start at the end of February or the first week of March.

The goal is to complete the project in late April or early May.

The restoration project aligns with Strategy #2 in Danville’s 2020 strategic plan: Increase and enhance amenities at the local Memorial Park.

Previous park enhancements

In July 2024, the village received $125,000 from the state’s One-Time Strategic Community Investment Fund for new playground equipment.

The village used an earlier grant to install a water fountain that includes a bottom fountain for pets.

Danville awarded $125,000 for Memorial Park upgrades

by Cheryl SplainJuly 12, 2024

According to the Knox County Convention & Visitors Bureau 2024 annual impact report, visitors to the village increased by more than 7.1%.

2023 brought in 65,700 visitors. That number jumped to 69,800 in 2024.

Because constructing the Gambier roundabout closed Ohio 229 for six months, most visitors entered the village from the south on U.S. 62.

The report notes visitors frequented the trail and the shops within the Main Street District.

It also notes visitors are looking for more evening dining options.

by Cheryl Splain February 16, 2025