Return of fountain at Fort Steuben Park a symbolic event
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STEUBENVILLE -- If all goes as planned, the fountain at Fort Steuben Park will be up and running today.
Mayor Jerry Barilla, president of Historic Fort Steuben and the Steubenville Visitors Center, said he planned to flip the switch around 10:30 a.m.
"It's the beginning of summer and it's especially important now," he said.
"It's symbolic of the outdoors and freedom to move around, the happiness of summertime and outdoor picnics and concerts. It's opening the door to the summer season, that's the best way to put it. Whether it's summer concerts, festivals or the Fourth of July celebration, it's the beginning."
Of course, what happens next will depend on Gov. Mike DeWine, who is managing the return to normalcy for Ohioans who've been under a lockdown order for the past seven weeks. Hospitals were greenlighted to resume procedures not requiring an overnight stay on Friday, while manufacturers, distributors, general offices and construction companies can return to work today, but with social distancing.
Barilla said they've also put some tables, chairs and red and blue umbrellas out.
"It really makes a nice place to sit and relax," he said.
"One woman said it's a beginning, an example of hope and happiness, togetherness." Barilla said.
"I'm optimistic we can get back to some normality in the near future, I hope. We have concerts still scheduled, the Fourth of July -- all of those things are in place, it just depends on what the governor says we can and can't do. That's what we're waiting for."