David Chill, left, takes a walk with his granddaughter, Addison Chill, 2, and daughter, Karen Chill of Meridian, through Preston Park following a reopening ceremony Tuesday morning.

BUTLER TWP — While the barricades were removed and visitors returned Nov. 7, the reopening of Preston Park off South Eberhart Road officially was recognized Wednesday morning.

Leslie Osche and Kevin Boozel, county commissioners; Fred Vero, Sam Zurzolo and James Lockhaiser, Butler Township commissioners; state Rep. Marci Mustello, R-11th, and state Sen. Scott Hutchinson, R-21st, attended the reopening ceremony.

Also in attendance were the volunteer members of the park's Monday Morning Maintenance crew, who help the township public works employees keep the property neat and accessible.

David Chill; his daughter, Karen; and his granddaughter, Addison, 2, walked the park's trails as the reopening ceremony occurred.“You are what this park is all about,” David Chill told Addison.The park closed Aug. 2 to add restroom facilities and additional parking.Four single-stall unisex bathrooms plus water and sewer lines were added, and the number of parking spaces was increased.The main entrance to the 100-acre park was moved to the original site of the Preston family's driveway between the brick pillars opposite the intersection of Highland Avenue and South Eberhart Road.The new entrance is paved and will serve as the sole entrance moving forward. The former entrance to the south now is used as the park's exit.The park is the former property of early Butler County conservationists Frank and Jane Preston, who contributed heavily to the creation of Moraine State Park and Jennings Environmental Education Center.Jane Preston left the property to the township upon her death in 2008.Preston Park contains several wooded trails and a pond where visitors can fish.

Karen Chill and her daughter, Addison Chill, 2, race through the field at Preston Park during a re-opening ceremony Tuesday morning.