CANFIELD — A small crowd of Canfield 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,” Rotarian Sam Boak said. “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. One such company, American Construction and Dismantling LLC of Canfield, is handling the demolition.

“I just wanted to help our community,” said John Annichenni Jr., company owner. “I grew up here and live here. I wanted to give back.”

Nacarato said Annichenni’s donation means a lot to the overall project. He estimates the donation is valued at $18,000.

With the old gazebo down and gone, work can immediately begin on construction of a new, larger gazebo that is handicap accessible and has a new light and sound system. Nacarato said fences will remain in place around the site as general contractor Kenwood Construction Company starts by pouring new footers and piers.

Calhoun said the new gazebo will be the third one for the green.

The original one was built in 1893 and served the community until 1954 when it was taken down, he said. Canfield did without a gazebo for 13 years until the second one, demolished on Thursday, was constructed in 1967.

jtwhitehouse@vindy.com