Liberty Bell Park Getting a Facelift

Mayor Robert M. Palmieri unveiled exciting upgrades that will take place in Downtown’s Liberty Bell Park. The upgrades include a mosaic globe, an etched compass, multiple chess tables, new benches, a new tree-line and a signpost that represents Utica’s diverse cultures. Taken together, the upgrades represent a complete redesign of the park space.

The park improvements are a result of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and a State and Municipal Facilities Grant. The City contracted with a local engineering firm to help design a park that would be useful for people in Downtown, as well as a visual showcase in the heart of the city.  The new park is designed to be reflective of Utica’s history, but also practical for people that wish to spend time Downtown to use.

The announcement comes just days before the City of Utica and Munson will unveil four final renderings to replace the large mural in park. The iconic “Sun Mural” had to be removed in order to fix the structurally-unsound wall it was painted on. The public will have the opportunity to choose which mural will serve as a backdrop for the new park improvements and an anchor for downtown.

Last summer, the City repaired the fountain at Liberty Bell Park for the first time in more than a decade. These projects have joined several other improvements to Downtown, including:

• The city has redesigned the landscaping and resodded the grass at Mini Hanna Park and is refurbishing the sculptures in the park.
• The wall adjacent to Pizza Classic has been restored.
• The City will be constructing glowing “Utica” letters and a new facade at Utica Place Garage.
• Councilperson Katie Aiello has made Franklin Square alley the focus of her $200,000 American Rescue Plan expenditure and is currently working with an architect to make the alley an artistic, unique, and functional public space.
• The city has restored the dilapidated walls that run parallel to form Franklin Square alley.
• The city created a new parking lot adjacent to Bagg’s Square.
• The city ordered new planters along Genesee St. and is in the process of ordering new benches, bike racks and street accompaniments.
• Hanna Park at City Hall is being completely rebuilt, along with Chancellor Park.

Mayor Robert M. Palmieri said: “The improvements we’re making are going to have a strong impact on one of the most visible parts of the City of Utica. We want to make Utica into a memorable place that residents can be proud of. We’re celebrating our diversity, showcasing our culture and adding to the places to visit in a bustling downtown. I’m proud of the design, and I look forward to watching all of these investments come together for the betterment of our city.”