In The News

from The Telegraph
August 7, 2005

City's commitment to park continues
Hellrung a work in progress

Our View
Editorial comment

Alton continues to flaunt the notion that communities can't put money into inner­city parks.

As a result, about a year from now, Hellrung Park will be a spectacular example of municipal planning that benefits a troubled neighborhood.

Topping the list of things to like is how many entities are coming together to make Hellrung's restoration a reality. The park, readers will recall, is centered in an area bounded by Central Avenue, Union, Brown and East Seventh streets - a neighborhood long known for attracting criminal elements. The park was in a depressed area, keeping much of it from easy view of passersby and making it the perfect target for such things as drug dealing and prostitution.

The city closed the park in late 2002 and subsequently brought in tons of dirt to level it out.

About the same time, the area came into direct focus as part of the federally supported Weed and Seed program, in which law enforcement, civic and government officials cooperate to crack down on crime and encourage investment and pride. The idea is that investing in a poor area is going to reap eventual rewards.

The investment is more than just money, which brings us to the second feature that attracts us so much. Alton has used minimal local tax money on restoring Hellrung, relying mostly on several hundred thousand dollars in regional and federal grants. A local developer and others have committed some private money. That's the kind of cross-the-board support that makes for more likely success.

During the next several months, observers will see construction of a skate park, a children's playground, basketball court, amphitheater/pavilion, a play fountain and a circular community garden. The latter will be coordinated by the Piasa Palisades chapter of the Sierra Club. And if you're interested in helping with the garden project, volunteers are meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the park to talk it over. For more information, call 462-6802.

An effort is also under way to raise more private money for the restoration, and we encourage people's support. Alton Park and Recreation Department has the information.

A lot of good people have come out of this neighborhood and gone on to success. We're sure they will have some feeling about investing in the next generation's enjoyment of Hellrung Park.

Alton Weed & Seed Strategy
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