Johnson City Park is Getting a Makeover

Construction crews are working on a long-awaited park improvement in downtown Johnson City.

The goal of the Jenison Park revitalization project is to create a "memorable public space" that will celebrate "the village's past and future."

The site is at the northwest corner of Corliss Avenue and Willow Street. It's located across the street from the building housing the Binghamton University College of Nursing and Health Sciences.

Crews from Boland's Excavating and Topsoil of Conklin have been doing preliminary work at the park.

Johnson City Mayor Martin Meaney said a small amphitheater will be constructed as part of the project.

Meaney told WNBF News he expects the Jenison Park improvement job will be completed by next summer.

The mayor said the site will be "a nice gathering space" and a "little performing space" with some art structures. Benches, lighting and connective pathways are included in the project plans.

Binghamton University is planning to develop a "green space" to connect the Health Sciences Campus on Corliss Avenue with the Main Street business district.

The university acquired several properties and demolished buildings to clear land for the project. The owner of an 11-unit apartment building - the only structure that remains on the site - has refused to sell his property.

VIDEO: Excavation work at Jenison Park in Johnson City.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.