THE SQUARE 2.0

Township Plans Updates to Community Square for 2025 Season

It was more than 15 years ago that West Chester celebrated its first concert on The Square @ Union Center. The sod was fresh. There was no library then.

The Paul Otten Band took the stage for the inaugural concert on a very windy Thursday night.

Since then, the Thursday night concerts, farmers markets and events like Food Truck Rally, Shamrock Shuffle and BBQ Bash have made The Square a focal point for our community. Described early on as the community’s “living room”, The Square has become a place for community festivals and simply enjoying a summer day.

The Square will get a bit of a re-boot in 2024/2025 as West Chester works to ensure the park’s relevance, safety and functionality for years to come.

“With all the new neighbors to The Square in the Clocktower apartments and proximity to the high school, the library and offices, the space should feel even more comfortable and engaging as a spot to sit for lunch or reading a book, or working remotely,” said Barbara Wilson, director of Public Information & Engagement.

The West Chester Board of Trustees hired McGill Smith Punshon, Inc. (MSP) to develop the design for The Square 2.0 project. MSP designed The Square initially.

A stakeholder group, which included representatives from MidPointe Library, the Fitton Center, the Police Department, Community Services, as well as local artists, event planners and staging experts, were gathered in February to pull together ideas and strategize about the best next steps for this high-profile space.

Some initial concepts explore the ideas of adding a stage that faces the clock tower – flipping the view –without blocking the view of the clock tower; adding small splash fountains, incorporating swing seating with shade; and incorporating more art.

The timeline is tight with construction hopefully under way in August and continuing through winter. A summer 2025 opening date is the goal. The Board of Trustees have budgeted $2 million in Tax Increment Financing funds for the construction.

Stay current on The Square 2.0 project by subscribing to our digital Community Report at www.westchesteroh. org and get updates to your email inbox.

TAKEOVER

THURSDAYS 6-9PM

MAY 23 TRAILER PARK FLOOSIES

MAY 30 NAKED KARATE GIRLS

JUNE 6 MY SISTER SARAH

JUNE 13 DV8

JUNE 20 2ND WIND

JUNE 27 EARTH TO MARS (BRUNO MARS TRIBUTE)

JULY 11 MICHELLE ROBINSON BAND

JULY 18 VINYL COUNTDOWN

JULY 25 RED (TAYLOR SWIFT TRIBUTE)

*No outside alcohol permitted*