Youngstown City Council will be voting on setting aside $12 Million for the parks department, upkeep of the parks, and for juvenile diversion programs.
 
For the last 12 years Youngstown's sixth ward on the city's South side has had no park or playground yet since the last census it has had the most growth of kids and older adults in the city. 
 
Councilwoman Anita Davis who has been pushing for a park for folks in her ward says the park will be called Five Angels Park in memory of kids who died in a house fire on Parkcliffe in 2017.
 
She tells council members at the Finance Committee Meeting she wants a fire safety trailer, swings and other items children and adults can enjoy.
 
"Teeter totter, merry-go-round, sliding boards, picnic area and that it be handicapped accessible, and it also be senior accessible," said Councilwoman Davis.
 
Davis tells 21 News she would like to see a basketball court and climbing wall there. And that a few pocket parks are also planned for the 6th ward she represents.
 
Youngstown city council is looking to set basic standards for what should be included in every park in the city. 
 
That's because parks are so important to children and their parents and older adults in Youngstown.
 
This was the third and fourth priorities folks in Youngstown listed as how they wanted to see America Rescue Plan funds spent.
 
When businesses shut down parks became more important to families in Youngstown and across our state and country.
 
Councilman Mike Ray who represents Youngstown's fourth ward says many parks in other wards across Youngstown are rundown and need new equipment, so that's why uniform standards are important for updating the parks and upkeep.
 
Money for the parks and  juvenile diversion programs will be from the ARP funds.
 
"We know that recreation helps reduce violence and crime. People having access to educational opportunities we want to make sure our residents and children have access to that," said Councilman Ray.

 

 
Councilwoman Davis expects a ground breaking on the park project on Parkcliffe in her ward this year.
 
Councilman Julius Oliver expressed once the city replaces some of the old equipment, and update the parks, council needs to set aside money for up keep of the investment in the community.