CANFIELD — A small crowd of Rotarians and city officials gathered Thursday morning at the village green to witness demolition of the gazebo, making way for a larger, more user-friendly structure.

“We were looking at this project before COVID hit,” said Rotarian Sam Boak. “COVID just put the project on hold.”

This year, the project was set to happen prior to the Fourth of July. But that turned into another delay when applying for a permit.

According to city Manager Wade Calhoun, the permit required signatures for the right-of-way. When the village green was created, Canfield was a part of Trumbull County, and the state of Ohio held the right-of-way. The issue delayed things for more than a month, but the needed signatures were obtained and the project was rescheduled for demolition.

Rotarian Anthony Nacarato said Rotary is the main thrust behind a new gazebo. He said funds are being sought for the construction of the new structure, estimated at $250,000.

“We are accepting donations of any amount,” Nacarato said. “We do have a major donor at this time who has committed to a large amount of money to help us with the project. We are currently slightly over $100,000 in funding.”

He added that some donations have come in the form of donated work or materials.