Lt. Calvin Smith Memorial Park Revitalization
A collaborative project with the City of Beaver Falls
and guidance from the Beaver Falls American Legion Post #261
Several years back the City began the process of making plans to bring new life to the triangular park on 6th Ave at 10th St known as “Cannon Park”. This park, intended to honor those who served, not only lacked in functionality but had fallen into disrepair. As it stood, it was a sad representation of the honor that should be given to our local veterans.
In 2018 the City officially re-named the park after former City Council member Calvin Smith, who had served in WWII as one of the historic Tuskegee Airmen.
When plans for the revitalization began, the City partnered with the CDC in finding and securing funding, as well as the design plans. The American Legion was consulted in the design process to make sure the park would be fitting and functional for their needs.
The revitalization project included new and expanded concrete area, new pergola with electrical hook ups, new landscaping, monuments honoring the Tuskegee Airmen and the Beaver Falls American Legion, a fence and new coat of paint for the infamous cannon, and stone chess board tables for the community to enjoy.
On November 8th, 2025, just days before Veterans day, the City held a Rededication Ceremony for the fully revitalized Lt. Calvin Smith Memorial Park.
Thanks to the Beaver Falls Sherwin-Williams who donated all the paint needed to refurbish the cannon.
Among the attendees at the Rededication Ceremony were area leaders Congressman Chris Deluzio, State Rep. Roman Kozak, Commissioner Jack Manning and City of Beaver Falls Mayor Dr. Kenya Johns.
The son of Lt. Calvin Smith and representatives of the American Legion Post #261 and the Tuskegee Airmen also spoke.
Representatives from the City, the County Community Development, the Beaver Falls Police and Fire Departments, and Big Beaver Falls Area School District were also in attendance.
City Manager, Charles ‘Mick’ Jones, a veteran himself, led this project handling the details with care. From consulting with Lt. Calvin Smith’s family and the American Legion, working with the County Community Development office, to numerous design decision meetings with us.
The above picture was taken during the 2025 Memorial Day ceremony.
We were honored to be a partner in this project that not only helped in revitalizing an area of downtown but honors our community members who served their country.
If you would like to learn more about the historic impact of the Tuskegee Airmen, you can read more about them here.
Water-Quality Monitoring Stations in the Beaver River
in partnership with Geneva College and the Beaver Falls Municipal Authority (BFMA)
In the spring of 2024 we were awarded $288,010.54 through The Beaver County Environmental Mitigation Community Fund to install water-quality monitoring stations in the Beaver River to continuously assess key water metrics and improve response time to water quality issues by improving BFMA’s access to laboratory testing.
We wrote, submitted and received the grant on behalf of this project, and continue to oversee the funding payments for the continued monitoring.