Tuesday, July 25, 2000
Oxford renovations jazz up city
Construction slated to end in early September
By Randy McNutt
The Cincinnati Enquirer
OXFORD — Uptown Oxford should return to its old self by the beginning of September, when renovations in two community parks are expected to be finished.
For about seven months, workers have been transforming the adjacent parks, Martin Luther King Jr. and Memorial. The $1.9 million project will be lined with trees and special features.
Martin Luther King Jr. will include concrete farm animals “that will be reminiscent to the 1800s, when animals used to come uptown to graze,” said Darren D. Owens of the city engineer's office. “It will also include a fountain and children's play area. There will be a memorial wall with a timeline to show events in the city's history.”
Though originally scheduled to open Aug. 18, the work is behind schedule. Mr. Owens said the probable opening will be in early September.
In Memorial Park, former home of the Oxford water tower, workers are building a canopy to cover an amphitheater. “Bands can set up in there,” he said. “It will be nice.”
Susan Blasi, executive director of the Oxford Chamber of Commerce, said people are looking forward to the parks reopening. She said they will become a focal point of city life.
“I think there's been a little bit of frustration with the parking situation, but it will be worth the trouble,” she said. “Before, the old parks were just there. The new parks will be different.”
At a recent council meeting, Mayor William Snavely said the most frequent question he's asked is: When will work on the parks be finished?
The contractor, Dursco Inc., was told to finish as soon as possible, although the original Aug. 18 completion date can't be met.
Workers must finish two brick kiosks. The performing stage is nearly complete, as are the sidewalks. Granite must be added for the memorial walls, and trees must be planted.
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