Narkewicz is aware that the project is a big ask for the CPA, but he puts the pr

oject on par with the Forbes Library renovation, which received a nearly $1 mill
ion grant in 2007. He strongly believes the park project is a worthwhile use of
the money the city collects from a surcharge on property taxes.
Honestly, this is what CPA dollars are for
open space, parks, recreation, he said.
I think it s a good use of CPA dollars, which is based on the feedback I ve heard fr
om people.
Meyer also said he thinks the project has community support.
I think this is a good project,
g about for a while.

he said. I think this is one people have been askin

Plans for redesign

The 1.1 acre redesigned park would include a large green area in the center, rep
lacing the concrete pathways and steps now in the middle of the park. This would
serve as a multi-function space including a stage that would allow for concerts
and performances. There would be gardens and other greenery, trees
what Stimson
called a restored canopy
and an educational water garden and a nature play area f
or children. The park s iconic evergreen tree in the center would be taken down, b
ut replaced with another tall evergreen at the back of the park.
There would be an entry to the park from Main Street, and near that would be a c
afe space with tables and chairs surrounded by trees, an area that at night woul
d be illuminated by twinkly lights, Stimson said.
The hope is with movable tables and chairs and topiary this could create a very v
ibrant street edge, Stimpson told CPA members and about 25 residents who turned o
ut for the presentation.
The first phase of the project would be the main park area, referred to as the gr
een, while the second phase, referred to as the overlook, would take back a steep e
mbankment at the back end of the park by regrading it and replacing it with diag
onal paths that cascade down, allowing it to become a functioning part of the pa
rk, as well as offering vistas.
He said the project will remove some of the park s trees that are near the end of
their life span, but in the end,