CR Electric wires new life into park, Niles Public Square

Niles has a new spark, since CR Electric helped power improvements at Riverside Park, its canoe launch and the renovated Public Square.

Though different in layout and purpose, both sites were designed to create safer, more functional spaces for residents and visitors to gather, enjoy events and spend time outdoors.

CR Electric has earned the city’s trust through previous work – a relationship that keeps the contractor involved when new projects take shape.

“Niles Power and city leaders were awesome to work with, coordinating and getting us what we needed,” said Dale Barber, project manager, CR Electric.

Mayor Steve Mientkiewicz pointed to City Hall renovations as one example of the ongoing relationship with CR Electric.  

“They did a lot of the lighting and electrical upgrades,” Mientkiewicz said. “We use them for various projects throughout the city in general.”

Powering the park

Barber helped oversee and coordinate the electrical work at Riverside Park and canoe launch and Niles Public Square. Both jobs started in late summer 2025, with the park opening first at the end of May.

During the park’s excavation work, electricians had to carefully schedule around the other crews.

“It was great working with the general contractor, Integra. They were very communicative, and everybody was on the same page,” Barber said.

To accommodate the new power service, CR Electric had to make some adjustments.

“There were overhead poles originally, but the new service now runs underground from the transformer to feed the site.”

The space includes parking lot lights, string lighting around the pavilion and plenty of outlets for public events. Security cameras have been installed to help monitor activity around the park and canoe launch.

As for challenges, the most pressure came from the winter weather.  

“It was rough trying to meet the deadlines and battle the conditions sometimes, but the crew was amazing, and we got it done,” Barber said.

A surge for the square

Over the viaduct at the corner of Main and West State streets, CR Electric brought a different kind of visibility to Niles Public Square. It officially opened on the Fourth of July with a ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony.

Bob Thomas, foreman at CR Electric, had a major hand in energizing the Public Square.

“We installed low-voltage lighting for the Niles sign, decorative poles and seat walls, along with lighting for the stage area,” Thomas said. “It can be programmed by touchscreen, so the city can dim it or change the colors for holidays and special events.”

Like the park, cameras and fiber optic runs have been installed for safety and monitoring. Food trucks can also connect to power receptacles at the square instead of relying on generators.

According to Thomas, one of the most complicated parts of the job was the underground work.

“There was a lot of conduit needed for this, plus all the different elevations to work through. You’d never know it now, but that was challenging,” he said.

Keeping things underground allows for a cleaner, more open look while supporting all the power needs for Niles Public Square.

Electrical excellence shines through

Mientkiewicz said both projects were funded by $3.5 million through the state’s Appalachian Community Grant Program in partnership with Eastgate Regional Council of Governments. He wants these sites to increase recreational activities in the city, support events, economic development and beautification.

“It’s amazing to see the transformation from what it was to what it’s become,”  Mientkiewicz said. “The general contractor, the subs, CR Electric and everyone else did a phenomenal job. We hope the community is proud and respects it.”

For the electricians, it’s about professionalism and craftsmanship that makes everything stand out.

“Taking pride in the work and making sure everything is done right. This is what quality work looks like,” Thomas said.

CR Electric is a member contractor of NECA-IBEW Electricians, an association consisting of IBEW Local 64 in Youngstown, IBEW Local 573 in Warren and signatory electrical contractors throughout the Mahoning Valley.