Greensburg plans major renovation at Spring Avenue Park

Greensburg officials say they want to bring new life to the city’s long-neglected parks, starting with the 1.4-acre park on South Spring Avenue

“The majority of parks in our city have been ignored, and not ignored on purpose,” said recreation facilities manager Trudy Ivory. “I went around and looked at those parks, and I was very disappointed.”

City officials don’t know how long the park on the corner of South Spring Avenue and Grove Street has been around. It consists of a playground, basketball hoop, and plenty of empty space.

City planning director Jeff Raykes said he walked by the park while exploring Greensburg after being hired last summer, but didn’t see any children playing there.

“Spring Avenue was screaming for investment,” he said.

The city is looking for consultants to pitch a plan to transform the park, turning it into a destination for kids and adults alike.

“I have such a vision in my head,” Ivory said. “It’s a wonderful piece of ground.”

She envisions playgrounds for different ages, an improved basketball court and a walking trail, but any new features depend on the final design, which is months away.

The city likely will hire a consultant next month.

Designing the park project will cost an estimated $50,000. Construction costs have been estimated at $250,000, though these could change depending on the design, Raykes said.

The renovation will be a three-year project, with design work complete by January 2021, according to city documents.

Residents who live near the park will be consulted during the design process.

“I think a good park can be transformative for a neighborhood,” Raykes said.

Greensburg has a total of nine parks, though some of them are tiny green spaces, Ivory said. Once the Spring Street project is completed, she plans to turn her attention to improving other city parks.