GREENVILLE, N.C. — The Greenville City Council now has a blue print to work from when making future decisions about the Greenville Town Common after approving a $19 million long-term development plan for the 25-acre park.

Council's approval came during its November 10 meeting following a presentation by representatives from Rhodeside & Harwell, Inc., a landscape architecture firm in Alexandria, Va. The master plan recommendations took into consideration public input gathered earlier this year and Council feedback during an April presentation by the firm.

The approved plan includes recommendations for a structure honoring the Sycamore Hill Missionary Baptist Church's original location, a kiosk for kayak and canoe rentals, a civic building, a relocation of the park's amphitheater to increase seating, an interactive fountain, a reconfigured parking concept and vendor and retail space along First Street, public restroom facilities, a pedestrian bridge, and a living shoreline along the river. The plan also includes the Trillium inclusive playground that will open on November 19.

"This is a beautiful vision for this community, and I'm really excited about what has been produced," Greenville City Manager Barbara Lipscomb said.

After approving the plan, the Council will now look to prioritize which elements of the plan should be completed first. Additionally, the Council will explore funding opportunities such as capital funds, grants, and public-private partnerships. Council members and staff noted that some features could be completed sooner than others if donors were willing to assist with funding.

A rendering of the master plan and the proposed Sycamore Hill monument are included below. To view the full presentation from the City Council meeting, click here.