Time Capsule Opening to Highlight Occasion
City officials announced on Tuesday that it will celebrate the 30th anniversary of Pioneer Frontier Park, which will include the opening of a time capsule that was encased in a structure at the park’s entrance when it was built.
A ceremony will take place at 4 p.m. on Thursday, November 14 at the beloved park on Tombras Avenue.
The structure at the park, made from the bricks of the previous City Hall building, houses the time capsule that the Pioneer Committee filled with several things, including letters to their future grandchildren. East Ridge city staff, former pioneer committee members and their families, and members of the community are invited to the celebration to witness what was secured in the capsule for the community to remember.
East Ridge Mayor Brian Williams will open the celebration followed by the staff giving a short history of the park. Once the time capsule is opened, former committee member, Debbie Colburn, will go through its contents. Guests will be encouraged to enjoy the park after the ceremony and take a look at the time capsule items.
The Pioneer Playground quickly became an East Ridge icon after its opening on November 14, 1994. Many citizens have shared special memories at the park which could not have been true without the hard work, care, and dedication of those 30 years ago. A group of citizens sought out funding, resources, and even spent time learning aspects of the construction trade, then helping to build the playground.
After nearly two years of preparation, neighbors spent five days laboring to complete the project, and even when those final hours got tough because of rain, they carried on. They worked into the night with the site being illuminated by the lights of fire trucks that came and surrounded the park to ensure they were able to complete the project.
For years after its construction, the Pioneer Frontier Committee used the invested funding received to care for and manage the playground. Volunteers would pick up litter, make repairs to the equipment, and ensure that the park was a beautiful and safe place for their neighbors to enjoy.
In 2007, the city took over the repairs and maintenance of the park, and 15 years later, the city received a grant that allowed a million dollar upgrade to be done to the park. The project incorporated the existing track, restrooms, and pavilion with the playground being completely updated to current safety and ADA standards. A splashpad was added to the site several years ago.
After years of planning and delays due to COVID-19, the Pioneer Frontier was reopened in March of 2022. Today, the beautiful park remains an East Ridge icon.
If it’s the first time on the monkey bars, a birthday party at the pavilion, picking a fresh tomato from the Pioneer Patch Garden, flying high on the Tri-Spinner, riding your bike on the track, or that one big splash at the Splashpad, rest assured you can count on leaving Pioneer Park with a big smile on your face.
For more information on the 30th Anniversary Celebration of Pioneer Frontier Park, contact Hannah Spear, Community Center Supervisor at [email protected].
