Not long ago, a reader sent me this picture of the Public Square, wanting to know why, given that a lot of money had been donated and earmarked for its renovation, the park looked so bad.
This post was inspired by that picture and the question.
Indeed, a lot of money has been raised--so far, more than $1.3 million--but more is needed. The restoration will happen in three phases. Phase 1 addresses park infrastructure; Phase 2 is the restoration of the fountain; Phase 3 involves streetscape improvements.
Re-bidding for Phase 1 is happening right now, and work on Phase 1 us expected to begin this year. The following improvements are included in Phase 1:
- New benches
- New lighting
- New pathways
- 11 new trees
- A temporary, flexible seating area at the center of the park (future site of the fountain, which is Phase 2)
- A repositioned and accessible Veterans Memorial
Friends of the Public Square (FOPS) has provided the following timeline for Phase 1--from May 2026 through March 2027. (Click on the image to enlarge.)
You can review the plans for the renovation and monitor the project here, at the FOPS website.
COPYRIGHT 2026 CAROLE OSTERINK
What always impressed me were the red-colored paths in this park, as well as the red entrance to Promenade. Unique and classy. Here's hoping that the new paths in the 7th street park -- if they ever arrive -- are not made of black asphalt, though they probably will be. Stones, bricks or pavers would be an awful choice as well. That leaves us with concrete, which can be colored. What we don't need or want is another surface that absorbs heat. Our asphalt streets do too much of that already.
ReplyDeleteUncommon question for FOPS and the Mayor, but gratitude first:
ReplyDeletethis is a labour of love, a transformation of the Square, and a boon to surrounding businesses.
Now the question.
How does the MOU between FOPS and CoH for the Public Square differ from the MOU between FOHY and CoH for Oakdale?
Does FOPS also close 7th Street Park for the summer?
Is DPW also on the hook for maintenance and repairs in perpetuity?
Does FOPS also hold a formal MOU mandated seat at the BEA budgeting table?
If not, are taxpayers served equally?