A two-year project to improve Emry Park is coming to a close.

One of the most used parks in the city, the improvements made allow for a safer and more aesthetically pleasing facility, Parks and Recreation Director John Simeon said today.

The project has been spread out over two years because of other demands on the maintenance staff and because it was a big project to tackle. “The goal was so you could see all the way through,” from the walking track and picnic area to the parking lot and playground equipment. “It was for safety purposes and to improve the aesthetics,” Simeon said.

Said Simeon: “We were getting some concerns about safety issues from park users and one of the concerns was the blind spot on the walking trail and picnic and playground area.”

Emry is one of the most used parks in the city.

Work is about three-quarters done, Simeon said. “One of the last things we need to do is limit low-hanging branches so that you can see all areas of the park and so people will be able to take advantage of all aspects of the park and its components. If parents are watching kids play baseball they can keep an eye on the kids at the playground.”

The work, which included seeding, created more green spaces, which Simeon said visitors are welcome to take advantage of.

The work also allows the volleyball court and horseshoe area to be seen. “It’s always been there,” Simeon said.

Some of the improvements at Emry mirror changes made at Chockoyotte, including new parking barriers.

The playground equipment has been spruced up with brighter colors. “In our master plan it calls for a second shelter to take some of the relief off the current shelter. When the timing is right we’ll be that much closer to finishing the master plan,” Simeon said.

Much of the credit in the improvements goes to the inmate work program. “We gained an open green space, safety for children and park users and increased overall aesthetics.”