YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -

There is still time to submit ideas for what you would like to see included in a new improved Kirkmere Park. 

 At a third meeting next month folks who live on Youngstown's west side will have an opportunity to discuss potential improvement at Kirkmere Park.

 

The park is near Kirkmere school, but many people don't realize the park is a public park. 

 

Councilwoman Lauren McNally wants to name the park so it has a strong identity,  so people know that the park is there for them to enjoy.

 

McNally tells 21 News the park has not had any upgrades since the early 1990s. So a combination of American Rescue Plan dollars along with grants will help pay for the improvement project.

 

McNally has been taking surveys and holding meetings in the community to find out what folks who live in the fifth ward want. 

 

Suggestions call for replacing playground equipment, adding benches for parents to sit and watch their kids play. And adding multi-generational activities.

 

"A lot of the suggestions were to incorporate some type of yoga, summer programs like a regular art program. Those were all things listed under suggestions," said McNally.

 

A labyrinth may also be built to encourage meditation, positivity and peace.

 

"The Laybrinth is a 5,000-year-old meditative tool that's found all over the world. My dream is to bring it to urban centers to help counteract some of the negativity. A circular pattern is meditative and mindful when people do that walk they feel more connected to the center of themselves. We want a grid of peace in response to trauma, blight, an epidemic of drugs which is counter indication for health and wellness," said Dr. Kellie Kirksey, Director of Urban Labyrinth Project.

 

You can find out more about the Labyrinth project at www.drkelliek

 

McNally hopes to have the project plan in place and shovel ready this year, however with supply chain problems there is no way to tell when the project will be complete.

 

You can call the parks department or find the survey of what you would like to see take place at Kirkmere park. 

 

The parks department also has social media pages, YNDC has also been helping spread the word.