Revelers gather for ribbon-cutting for Black Fork Commons Plaza in downtown Shelby

SHELBY — Marilyn John remembers the naysayers.

Now a state representative, John was formerly mayor of Shelby, when plans were underway for a park in the downtown.

She remembers a conversation from back then.

"Downtown Shelby is dead," John recalled the person saying. "Why would you put a park there?"

Wednesday evening, she provided the answer.

"This is why," John said.

John was among the speakers at the ribbon-cutting for the Black Fork Commons Plaza.

Funding for the $1.7 million project came mainly from private donations. The enhancements include a three-season use community fireplace, café-style tables and chairs, and an indoor/outdoor pavilion.

A splash fountain has yet to be completed.

Plaza will bring people to the heart of downtown Shelby

The Black Fork Commons Plaza is designed to bring consistency to the downtown's public space and transform the center of the city into an active place for entertainment and gathering.

The goal of the plaza is to beckon residents and visitors to the heart of downtown, where they can spend quality time, support local businesses and encourage further investment.

Already the Community Improvement Corporation of Shelby (CIC) has seen investment in the form of new stores and shops opening.

"This is a momentous occasion," said Cody Albert, vice-chairman of the CIC. "Black Fork Commons Plaza is more than just a beautiful space. It is the perfect blend of Shelby embracing its historical roots and its eagerness to evolve."

A number of dignitaries were on hand Wednesday, including Richland County Commissioners Darrell Banks and Tony Vero and new Shelby City Schools Superintendent Michael Browning, along with candidates for Shelby Municipal Court judge and school board.

Guests enjoyed a large spread of cheese, bread and vegetables from Buehler's Fresh Foods, kettle corn, and mocktails while waiting for the ceremony to start on a warm fall day.

'What a beautiful night for celebrating'

Several pots of mums added splashes of color. Downtown traffic was blocked off for the occasion.

Jake Penwell, CIC president, welcomed the crowd of more than 100 people.

"What a beautiful night for celebrating," he said.

Penwell encouraged those in attendance to look around.

"This work is years in the making and completion," he said. "This is only the first chapter ending of a long and beautiful story."

Mayor Steve Schag, who was not able to attend, echoed Penwell's thought in remarks read by Carrie Kemerer, CIC secretary.

Schag said the Black Fork Commons Plaza would be the gateway for future development.

"On days like these, we think of aspiration," the mayor wrote.

John walked the Black Fork River in waders

As she took the podium, John said she was feeling a "little overwhelmed." She said the plaza looked like pictures from the early days of the project, which John said went back to former Shelby Mayor Bill Freytag.

"In this community, there are way more visionaries than naysayers," she said.

When John became mayor, she said one of the first things she did was walk the Black Fork in waders. She said it should be known for more than occasional devastating floods.

"The early settlers embraced the Black Fork and we should once again," she said of early plans for the plaza.

John recognized Joe Gies, the city's project coordinator, for being a constant in the project.

"He's been in every meeting, at the table, every time," she said.

She noted many people were involved in the Black Fork Commons Plaza becoming a reality.

"Thank you to everybody who participated," John said. "My heart is full."

Kemerer called the occasion a "red-letter day."

Groundbreaking took place in September 2022

Groundbreaking for the plaza took place in September 2022. In 2019, the Shelby Foundation board of directors awarded a $250,000 grant to the CIC.

Kemerer also recognized those who donated at least $50,000 to the project.

In her closing remarks, Jessica Gribben, economic development manager for Shelby, noted the plaza required the removal of blighted buildings and houses from the floodplain.

Penwell told the crowd to stick around for a "surprise," which he accidentally gave away. It was fireworks.

After the ceremony, revelers stayed to groove to the music of local group Conne.

mcaudill@gannett.com

419-521-7219

X (formerly Twitter): @MarkCau32059251

This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Downtown Shelby boosted by dedication of Black River Fork Plaza