National Machinery helps bring a downtown park to Tiffin

By NICHOLE SCHALK-TIELL

National Machinery

Downtown Tiffin has made a major splash in its continuing renaissance. Thanks to the philanthropy and community activism of National Machinery LLC, its foundation, and its founding family, a stunning downtown park with a creative splash pad area has opened to the public. National Machinery, located in Tiffin since 1882 moving from Cleveland eight years after its founding, is a global leader in cold forming equipment and process technology, and also provides customer support worldwide. National is also proud to be one of the top employers in Tiffin with a long history of supporting the community.

Last year saw the completion of the Frost-Kalnow Amphitheater on the East Green, a uniquely designed outdoor performance venue that sports curvilinear tiers, perimeter walls, and open green space. A summer concert series has been organized to perform at the amphitheater with top quality music performances by musicians from the greater region.

In late August the companion urban park to the amphitheater was dedicated as National Corner. The park boasts the same curvilinear architectural style as the amphitheater, as well as a smaller pavilion for public restrooms that matches the large stage pavilion at the adjacent amphitheater. A high-tech splash pad is the main feature of the park with a repertoire of several programs and a colored light fountain display at night. The park is richly landscaped with various flower beds spread along the curvilinear perimeter wall, as well as a secluded garden with waterfall to be discovered and enjoyed.

Throughout the day over 1,200 people visited the East Green to partake in the ongoing events including the National Corner dedication and celebration, and music fest at the Frost-Kalnow Amphitheater. The East Green complex that includes both the new National Corner urban park and the amphitheater is owned and overseen by the East Green Foundation.

Nichole Schalk-Tiell is senior marketing specialist at National Machinery LLC, 419-443-2273, nschalk@nationalmachinery.com.