Residents from all over Greenwood came to the 2nd annual party in Greenwood Park. The band Pickled Okra played lively blue grass tunes and a barbecue featured donated food from eight local restaurants and grocery stores. The event celebrated the expansion of Greenwood Park to include two new lots along Fremont Avenue. Mayor Michael McGinn told the crowd, “When I go around the City and see the parks and projects going on in the neighborhoods, they are driven by committed volunteers. Volunteers are what make neighborhoods great. It is all of your time and talents that will make this park and Greenwood one of the best in the City.” The party in the park was organized by Vision Greenwood Park, a neighborhood group that has formed to lead the community effort to expand the park. Cassandra Allen and Joanna D’Asaro co-organized the event. They were supported by a crew of twelve volunteers who procured donations, cooked burgers and hot dogs and staffed the event all afternoon.

The park expansion project includes a community garden, barbecue grills, and a multi-sport courtyard for basketball, soccer, street hockey, and skating. “We are happy to announce that Vision Greenwood Park has received a $60,000 grant from the Neighborhood Matching Fund,” said steering committee chair Michael Stringer. “As part of the matching contribution for this grant, we are raising money today, and will organize volunteer work parties to help build a community garden.” The first work party is scheduled for Saturday, September 25, from 10 AM to 2 PM. The first task will be to remove old fencing that currently blocks views across the park will open space for future garden plots.