Editor
For several decades, city leaders have proposed many plans to revitalize and expand Old City Park in downtown Greenwood. Old City Park, one of Greenwood’s most historic public places, is being re-imagined by second-term Mayor Myers during his eighth state-of-thecity presentation. Myers outlined a plan to transform the park that currently features a small shelter, tennis courts and a footbridge across Pleasant Run Creek.
“It will serve as an example for future generations of what’s possible in our great city,” Myers stated. “Old City Park will once again become a central cornerstone of Old Town, with connectivity to the Greenwood Amphitheater and Craig Park, the soon to-be-redeveloped, 19-acre middle school property, Greenwood Public Library, the new Madison Avenue trail and more.”
Expansion of the park will feature an 18-foot wide promenade adjacent to Pleasant Creek, a custom climbing wall, a climbing net for younger children, more open space for nonstructural developmental play; a new pedestrian bridge, urban porch swings, bocce ball courts and more.
A 20-foot cube play tower, first of its kind in Indiana, will be the centerpiece of the park. The park expansion is part of his administration’s goal of revitalizing the “heart” of downtown Greenwood. Residents already have seen the completed first-phase of refashioned Madison Avenue, new facades for downtown businesses, amphitheater park enhancements, new justice center and new Surina Way connector.
Redevelopment of the former Greenwood Middle School property into a multi-purpose project is the focus of the city’s plans for a more vibrant and expanded Old Town. Myers emphasized the connection between economic development and quality of life so that the city becomes more attractive to future residents.
“Being born and raised in Greenwood and having lived here nearly my entire life, I cannot remember a more exciting time for our city,” said Myers. “Pride and progress, the standard on which Greenwood was built, has never been more relevant. Together, we are guiding a revitalization that will impact Greenwood for generations to come.”
Myers also emphasized: business growth with plans for an $80 million Amazon operations hub and opening of a Pitney Bowes center; record attendance, memberships and revenue for Freedom Springs Aquatic Center and the Greenwood Community Center in 2018; Indy South Greenwood Airport as the future home of the state police’s aviation section; and continued cost-effective efficiencies of all city leaders.
Myers made his remarks at the event hosted by the Greater Greenwood Chamber of Commerce at Valle Vista Golf Club and Convention Center. Chamber president and CEO Christian Maslowski praised the city’s momentum.
“Business owners and leaders recognize the city’s efforts to improve our community, and it gives them confidence to invest and grow with us,” Maslowski said. “Greenwood is financially sound, flourishing and poised for a prosperous future.”
(Note: Chad Mertz, strategic director of communications, Hirons, contributed to this article.