NEO Soccer facility demolition begins in Parma Heights: Photos

PARMA HEIGHTS, Ohio -- The demolition of the dilapidated and nearly half-century-old NEO Soccer facility -- a growing eyesore over the last few years -- started last week.

“It’s going well so far,” Mayor Marie Gallo said. “The demolition should be completed by mid-March.

“At one time, the facility was a gem. Unfortunately, it got to the point of the cost of the roof replacement exceeded the worth of the building alone. So it made the most sense to demolish it.

“Although we hate to see this building go, we couldn’t just let it sit there any longer.”

The demolition is being completed by Baumann Enterprises Inc., which was awarded the $117,000 contract.

The city is paying for the work using grant money it received as a sub-recipient by the Ohio Department of Development.

Built in 1974 and last used in early 2020, the 37,194-square-foot NEO Soccer facility -- formerly an ice-skating rink -- recently came under hard times.

Issues included a severely deteriorated roof, corroded structural steel beams and steel roof purlins, as well as numerous cracks in the structural block walls, including a stress crack in the front entrance facade.

“Growing up in Brunswick, as a kid we came to the ice rink many times for open skates,” City Council President Tom Rounds said.

“Later on, I even watched quite a few indoor soccer games at the facility. It’s sad to see the structure fall into such disrepair, but memories last forever.”

As for the future of the land once the building is removed, Gallo said everything remains on the table.

“They’re going to make it green space for now,” Gallo said. “We’re having internal discussions about what’s going to be happening there.

“More than likely, there will be something that serves the community.”

Nathan Hale Park in Parma Heights. (John Benson/cleveland.com)

The other major project coming to Parma Heights is the long-awaited transformation of Nathan Hale Park.

The stormwater management plan includes converting one ball diamond and two soccer fields into a six-acre retention basin designed to provide flooding relief for more than 400 homeowners.

Originally estimated at $2.5 million, the project last year ran into a bidding issue.

After receiving bids of $3.4 million and $4.9 million due to rising fuel costs, Parma Heights had to rebid the project, which is expected to be awarded in March.

“All of the bids came in,” Gallo said. “Now the city is collecting additional information. Our city engineer, along with the engineer on the project, conducted interviews with the two low bidders.

“The contract will be awarded -- if all goes well -- at the March 13 City Council meeting. We hope to get started in April. The Nathan Hale project will take at least eight months to complete.”

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