YOUNGSTOWN - When driving through Youngstown neighborhoods, you may notice construction crews and piles of dirt at multiple neighborhood parks. The construction is part of an effort to improve parks and neighborhoods across Youngstown.

Homestead Park, Crandall Park, Borts Field and Lynn Park are just a few neighborhood parks in Youngstown undergoing renovations. During the construction, some of the parks are closed.

While it may look like a mess now, Clemate Franklin, Youngstown director of parks and recreation, said it will make a positive change.

“The constituents will see new playground equipment, new additional lighting, new additional cameras, new additional picnic tables, trashcans,” said Franklin.

Multiple parks will also be getting walking paths and building renovations.

Youngstown mayor Tito Brown said the work going into the parks is part of a bigger project that will improve city neighborhoods.

“It's us investing into our neighborhoods, but investing into our next generation. I know growing up, the parks was big for me, and so we want to make sure that no matter what park you go to, the parks all have updated equipment,” said Brown.

Brown said the project will cost over $10 million. That money is made up of both public and private funds.

The construction is also one of the more visible ways you can see where the city's American Rescue Plan funds (ARP) have gone.  Nearly $6 million of the project comes from ARP funds that were approved by city council back in September of 2024.

“We're seeing both public and private funds for our parks and our assets. And going along with our development, and putting new homes in the neighborhood, and our parks are improving as well,” said Brown.

Franklin feels the improvements to parks can make an impact on the entire community. He also said reactions have been nothing but positive.

“We could build that community engagement. Just so we can bridge the gap from the community to the parks. A lot of kids are excited. A lot of kids are excited. A lot of the community is excited to see what’s next,” said Franklin.

Construction is expected to last  between 30 and 90 days.