Visitors to Washington Square Park on Syracuse’s north side are likely to notice the brightly painted and newly renovated playground. The additions are meant to get more people to use the park, and make playing there safer. Mayor Stephanie Miner recognized community leaders at an on-site dedication today for their involvement in the project. Maureen Dore helped with fundraising efforts and says the playground is attracting newcomers.
“People have come to the park now that haven’t been to the park in years, and people have made comments about how beautiful it is as they go driving by it, said Dore. It’s really made a difference for the neighborhood.”
Parks Department Supervisor Glen Lewis agrees. The first impact he’s seen is that grandparents are coming to the park. More people and more supervision leads to a safer environment. He says police are also planning more perimeter surveillance and the installation of crime cameras. Parks are a part of the infrastructure of an urban neighborhood. Dore has worked on other local park projects… and has seen the changes they can bring…
“You can see the impact on the neighborhood when kids have a nice, challenging, safe place to play.
So when I saw this here I thought they could really benefit from a new playground.”
Part two of park improvements is underway, which includes renovations of the basketball court, pavilion and spray fountain. Lewis notes the playground upgrades are just a part of a series of neighborhood improvements.
