TOLEDO, Ohio — As people fished, walked and boated on Tuesday at Cullen Park, they got a first look at the changes at the Point Place locale.
One of the upgrades is two restrooms with flushing toilets. The park used to have portables.
Len Syrek has lived in Point Place for decades and said years ago, the park wasn't as developed as it is now. But over the past few years, there have been new additions and upgrades like a kayak launch.
"There are flushed toilets, there are people that are fishing, there's a lot of activity out here," Syrek said.
Toledo City Council member Theresa Morris said the recent upgrades are just the beginning and the city is working to add a kayak locker. Those who don't own a kayak can rent one and then return it to the locker.
The changes to Cullen Park come as Point Place continues to rebuild after a tornado swept through the community last year.
The damaged trees in Cullen Park serve as a reminder of the damage.
But Morris said if a similar severe weather event were to happen in Point Place, the new restrooms at the park serve as a storm shelter.
"It was in the path of the tornado and now it stands there strong to be able to help individuals in case we have another storm again," she said.
Syrek says he's glad to see the improvements to a park he visits quite often.
"It's just small things, it's building blocks," Syrek said. "Fortunately, we made it happen and the city has been right on it."
Cullen Park is open to anyone seven days a week from sunrise to sunset.