City Breaks Ground On Park, Pushes Bond To Finish Project

GREENWOOD, Ind. -- The first phase of construction at Greenwood's new Freedom Park got under way Wednesday amid ongoing controversy about how the city will complete the project.

The first area of the park -- at Averitt and Stop 18 roads -- was where city officials broke ground Wednesday, 6News' Ben Morriston reported.

Phase 1 will be paid for with money from impact fees on new homes built in Greenwood, city officials said.

"The purpose of the impact fees provide financial resources to add additional park land and recreation space to accommodate new people," said park board member Tom Bridges.

The second phase of the park has sparked some controversy among residents in Greenwood. Phase II -- which includes a large aquatic center -- will require an $11 million bond issue and higher property taxes to finish.

City officials said they would like to see the park fully developed within five years. Without the bond issue, officials said it could take closer to 20 years to complete.

A signature drive to determine whether the center will be included in the final park plans begins in September.