Youngstown CityScape has received a $200,000 grant from the Howard & Jeanne Karr Foundation to refurbish the exterior of the Wick Park Recreational Center and support its operations. The donation is part of CityScape’s “Next Chapter” capital campaign.
The project will create the Karr Pavilion and Gardens, recasting the heart of Wick Park to provide an attractive setting for the main hall and a welcoming new attraction for park visitors. Wick Park is located on the North Side of Youngstown.
“The Karr Pavilion and Gardens will create a lovely, useable outdoor setting for the community, and complement the significant investment that has been made in the main hall,” said Sharon Letson, CityScape executive director.
The new garden beds – Karr Gardens – will set off the Rotary Club of Youngstown’s 2016 renovations to the main building. The project also involves upgrading the picnic area, new concrete work, and shrub removal.
Work will begin this fall with garden planning, site preparation, and the selection of features. All work is expected to be completed next year at the end of the planting season.
“We visited other cities whose lovely central parks had dazzling landscaping and could envision such improvements for Wick Park,” said Letson. “We know that our community values public park space, and know that it is time for creative, attractive urban landscaping here in Youngstown. We are so grateful to the trustees of the Karr Foundation for recognizing that our city is worthy of this investment!”
Since 2008, CityScape projects have encouraged the use of Wick Park, its remodeled pavilion, and all its amenities.
“At CityScape we believe that every newly created feature in Wick Park generates a positive impact, and every added public feature shows commitment and caring for the whole community. We thank the Karr Foundation for its continued commitment to our city and its residents,” said Letson.
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