Oct 4, 2002 By Patty Shultz 3 min read

CONNELLSVILLE – A former city clerk’s goal to renovate the city’s historic East Park for future generations was fulfilled Thursday with the dedication of the landmark and a permanent tribute for his contribution to the improvements. “It will be here forever,” said Councilwoman Chris Wagner as the William E. Hughes pavilion plaque was unveiled before a gathering of 50 county and local officials, business leaders, members of the Hughes family and residents. “If it weren’t for Bill, this wouldn’t have been done.”

Hughes, who served more than two years as city clerk before departing in October 2000 for a

township manager’s position in a community near Altoona, died in May.

Before his departure from his hometown, Hughes secured for the city a $225,000 state grant that served as the benchmark for other contributions to complete the renovation work at the park.

“East Park is where Bill and I met and began dating 35 years ago,” said Hughes’ tearful wife, Glenna Hughes. “It was a place very dear to Bill, our children and grandchildren.”

Ralph Wombacker, Connellsville Redevelopment Authority executive director, said it was during a 1999 League of Cities meeting in Philadelphia that Bill Hughes learned of cooperative financing of recreational projects, and after attending a DCNR workshop, he incorporated the knowledge he had garnered through the two seminars and began pursuing the needed funding.

“I’m sure if Bill was here today he would be very proud of what has taken place,” said Wombacker. “Bill was not one to accept mediocrity or the status quo. He always strived for the very best.

“The improvement of this park stands as a tribute to his hard work and will stand not only for this generation, but generations to come.”

The renovations included the stabilization of the stream banks, restoration of stone work around water fountains and the castle lookout and softball field, construction of new basketball, tennis and bocci courts, installation of new fencing and playground equipment, construction of new restrooms and renovation of the existing amphitheater.

The park was built in the late 1930s through the Works Progress Administration and was dedicated Oct. 12, 1940, with picnics, parades and concerts.

Over the years, the city has made other improvements, including building additional pavilions and installing playground equipment.

Wagner, who serves as director of parks and recreation, recognized the work done by D&M Contracting Inc., the general contractor for the project, Newco Mechanical Inc., plumbing contractor and Pyramid Power Specialist Corp., electrical contractor, along with Widmer Engineering Inc., which prepared the designs and oversaw the implementation of the project. “Everyone did a wonderful job,” she said.

William Hughes Jr. said while his father would be proud to be a part of assisting in the East Park improvements, he would not want to be lauded for his efforts.

“He didn’t do it for the recognition. He never cared about having his picture in the newspaper or the acknowledgment,” he said. “He did it for you, the people of Connellsville.”