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Thompson Park honors community champions with inaugural Betsy Wells Friends of the Park Award

Thompson Park Board in East Liverpool recognized two outstanding community contributors during a special ceremony Saturday, presenting them with the Betsy Wells Friends of the Park Award. From left, front row, Tamar Cooper, Mike Chronister, Amy Swoger, Betsy Wells, Scott Shepherd; back row, Bobby Smith, Mark Hissom and Bill Crawford. (Submitted photo)

EAST LIVERPOOL — Thompson Park, a beloved fixture of East Liverpool, recognized two outstanding community contributors during a special ceremony on Saturday, presenting them with the Betsy Wells Friends of the Park Award — an honor established to celebrate extraordinary volunteerism, generosity, and dedication to preserving and enhancing the park.

Park Board Member Mike Chronister said the award was created to spotlight individuals whose behind-the-scenes efforts have made a lasting impact.

“We just want to recognize the volunteerism and shine a spotlight on it because it’s something we’re proud of and something we want them to be proud of — and something we want to share with their families and the community.”

One of this year’s honorees was Scott Shepherd, a local architect whose professional guidance was pivotal in recent improvements to park infrastructure.

“It was a little bit of a struggle, and Shepherd was there handholding us through the entire process,” said Tamar Cooper, president of the Thompson Park Board. “He was the liaison for all the permits as well as the city… and was just instrumental for this even happening.”

Shepherd, who grew up just over the hill from Thompson Park, reflected on his deep personal connection to the space.

“This park is so important to our community, and I spent a lot of time here as a kid,” he said.

The second award was presented posthumously to former East Liverpool Mayor Jim Swoger and his wife, Amy Swoger, who were instrumental in keeping the Thompson Park Pool open.

At a time when the pool’s closure seemed inevitable, the Swogers stepped up — personally funding and maintaining the pool for nearly two decades.

“The plan was to close the pool, and he said at the first council meeting, ‘We cannot do that,'” Amy shared. “He wanted the pool to stay open for families, especially when there were so few things left for kids to do in town.”

Thanks to their generosity and perseverance, the pool remains a vital part of the community.

“I miss him and the park misses him, but the pool was something he loved and he cherished the time that he had to give. He would do it all over again,” Amy added.

The Betsy Wells Friends of the Park Award is named in honor of longtime park supporter Betsy Wells and will be awarded annually to those who demonstrate extraordinary commitment to Thompson Park and its mission of serving the East Liverpool community.

For information about Thompson Park or how to get involved, contact thompsonparkel@gmail.com.

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