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Groups transforming East Side field into park
YOUNGSTOWN
A property that sat vacant for years with high grass and overgrown trees on the city’s East Side is being transformed into a park.
A full basketball court recently was built at the location on Maranatha Drive in the Lincoln Knolls neighborhood, with plans to raise money for a handicapped-accessible playground, community garden and walking path.
Called the Lincoln Knolls Community Park, various groups will have an event from 2 to 7 p.m. Saturday with free food, games, entertainment and a basketball game to draw attention to the new court and help raise money for other phases of the facility.
Those wanting to donate to the park effort can contact Elsie Rhodes at 330-743-0502.
The park project is a joint venture of the Lincoln Knolls Community Watch group; Wee Can Move, Too Inc., a Canfield nonprofit that helps raise money for handicapped-accessible playgrounds; and Danridge’s Burgundi Manor, a 52-bed skilled-nursing facility next to the park.
“This park is a blessing,” said Rhodes, a community- watch-group member and retired teacher. “I love kids, and this is a good way for them to spend their time. It’s a great way to connect the generations. I couldn’t be happier.”
Lynette Brown, also a watch-group member who’s lived in the neighborhood for 31 years, said, “It brings a lot to the community. I’m so happy and proud. This is just the first step.”
The city donated the land for the park with the community-watch group and Wee Can Move working together to receive $45,000 in donations from various foundations and East Side businesses to build the basketball court, clear the lot and for drainage work.
The next step is the playground, which will cost $120,000, said Deborah L. Duffy, Wee Can Move’s chairwoman.
The final phase, costing about $60,000, includes a community garden, walking area and a parking lot.
“This community understands how important it is to have a place for the youth,” Duffy said. “The community is working hard together to keep this area in good shape.”
Kids using the court appreciate the effort made to build it.
“It’s really good, and it’s big,” said Shontre Terry, 15. “I play here every day. I’m a big basketball fan.”
P.J. Pardue, 18, who helps coach the kids, said, “The court is good. It’s great that they built this. It used to be an empty space.”
Annette J. Dendy, Danridge’s admissions director, said the park project is great for the community.
“I see the kids playing and hear their laughter,” she said. “Our residents love the youth. They come out here to watch the kids play. We love to hear them having fun. It’s great to see the kids playing together and interacting in a positive way.”
“This gives the kids a place to play, which is very important,” said Cynthia Davis, the watch group’s secretary.