Janice Casteel, her family, Cleveland city officials and employees celebrated the Casteel Connector to the Cleveland/Bradley County Greenway at Tinsley Park.
Cleveland added a new section to the greenway system on Tuesday.
The Casteel Connector links North Ocoee Street to Tinsley Park and the Cleveland/Bradley County Greenway.
The new section is named to honor retired City Manager Janice Casteel.
City Council members and others spoke of her 40 year career with the city in many capacities during a ribbon cutting ceremony at the park.
Vice Mayor Avery Johnson praised Mrs, Casteel for “going above and beyond” her duties. “That’s what it takes to run the city,” he said.
Councilman David May said, “I don’t think I have ever worked with anyone as positive as Janice.” He praised her hard work on the city’s budgets over the years.
Councilman Bill Estes said Mrs. Casteel always put others first as city manager and her influence was felt across the city.
Councilmen Tom Cassada and Charlie McKenzie also thanked Mrs. Casteel for her devotion to Cleveland, city employees and citizens.
Current City Manager Joe Fivas thanked her for her work. The connector name, he said, “is a small token of appreciation for your enormous contribution to the city.”
Bradley County Mayor D. Gary Davis told Mrs. Casteel “it was great working with you all those years.”
Retired Cleveland Utilities CEO Ken Webb recalled her spirit of cooperation with the city utility.
Members of the Greenway Advisory Board, city government department heads and city employees joined Mrs. Casteel and her family attending the ceremony.
The Casteel Connector becomes part of an expanding greenway and sidewalk system.