1990 Park Plans

September 10, 2008; 7:14 AM • by Oregon Hill

Still on the theme of plans. Last post was of a prospectus for a museum that never happened. This post is of something that did happen- the linear park along Belvidere. These plans (link takes you to .pdf file, which may take a little time to load) are dated 1990, but the idea for the park goes goes back much further. Before the new Lee Bridge was built and U.S. 1 was created, Belvidere was a one lane, tree-lined, residential street like Laurel St. Sadly, the last house that faced Belvidere was destroyed earlier this year. The park concept was thought of as something that would offer a buffer from the increasing traffic of Belvidere and also lead to peaceful passage to the river. The hope was also that it would extend north to Monroe Park and northern neighborhoods as a real greenway for the City. The river connection finally came into place with the help of grants and attention from resident Napi Ippolito. Although grant money and assistance has been sought for the northern extension from Idlewood, that has not yet happened. I know a lot of us were hoping that this small greenway could become part of the East Cost Greenway. Anyway, I am hoping others can add more in the comments on this post.