Ground was broken on Harrison Commons Wednesday in the first step to bringing the Smoky Hollow neighborhood back to prominence.
"So, it's a first stake in the ground if you will about trying to bring energy and commitment back into this part of the neighborhood," said Paul Olivier, chairman of the Wick Neighbors Board of Directors.
The project is a collaboration between Youngstown State University, the city of Youngstown and Wick Neighbors, Inc., and can be found along North Walnut Street, across from YSU's parking deck.
Plans call for new lighting and landscaping plus plenty of green space.
"It's a pretty exciting design for creating a common play are or central park for the neighborhood," said Olivier.
Frank Worrellia and his wife have lived there their whole lives and have fond memories of the park.
"We played all kind of games in here," said Frank. "We played washers, horse shoes, right here. Everything in the field."
Other residents can't wait to see a comeback to the area.
"I saw this filled with all kind of swings and games with stores all around here," said Harold Whatley. "Stores there. Stores there. A farmer's market. We had everything down here. You could find it here in Smoky Hollow. Also, you can't wait for that to come back? It's coming back, and it's going to be better than ever."
"We love it," said Ruth Bolan. "And I do. I hope it's a good thing. I hope it's blessed.}
