Karr Foundation Donates $200,000 for Reimagining of Wick Park
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Youngstown CityScape has received a $200,000 grant from the Howard & Jeane Karr Foundation. The grant comes as part of the “Next Chapter” Capital Campaign for the reimagining of Wick Park Recreational Center exterior and support operations.
The nonprofit said it would use the grant money to create the “Karr Pavilion and Gardens,” offering a new attraction to park visitors and creating a new setting for the Wick Park’s main hall.
Changes to the park will include updated landscaping around the Wick Park pavilion, an upgraded picnic area and further gardens to compliment the Rotary Club of Youngstown’s renovations to the building made in 2016.
“The Karr Pavilion and Gardens will create a lovely useable outdoor setting for the community and compliment the significant investment that had been made in the main hall,” says Sharon Letson, CityScape executive director.
Letson says after visiting other cities with beautifully landscaped central parks, there were visions for improvements to Wick Park.
“We know our community values a public park space and that it is time for creative, attractive urban landscaping here in Youngstown,” she says. “We are so grateful to the trustees of the Karr Foundation for recognizing that our city is worthy of this investment.”
Additional shrub removal and creation of new beds around the pavilion will also take place. CityScape estimates the “Karr Gardens” design work will begin this fall and will be completed in time for the 2023 planting season.
“CityScape understands the importance of public green space, including Wick Park, and that gardens and parks help strengthen communities,” says Letson. “This park is part of our Streetscape program and brings the community together actively, each year, to help plant, clean beautify and create a sense of place that is unique to Youngstown.”
CityScape projects have targeted the improvement of Wick Park since 2008.
Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
