7/20/03 The next addition to the downtown revival effort could be a formal park that city Urban Forester Cindy McCall said will add a touch of sophistication to Old Town.

Although plans are only preliminary, and there is no firm timetable, the park on South H Street south of Art Alley could include bronze statues, reflecting pools, landscaping, shade trees, benches, colorful walkways and restrooms, McCall said.

"You usually don/t see formal parks anywhere but very sophisticated cities and towns. I think it will bring a level of sophistication to downtown that will tie everything that/s going on together,// she said. "It will be a wonderful focus for the downtown.

"It/ll really make our downtown more upscale."

The idea for the park started when Richard W. Negus donated a lot to the city in 1997. In 2000, the city bought the adjacent lot for ,31,500. When Cal-Poly students prepared designs for Old Town, pocket parks were included, said Sheryl McArthur, owner of McArthur/s Hardware, who recruited Cal-Poly for the project.

"It certainly would help with Olde Towne Market, being right there,// she said. "It would be a nice place for people to sit and enjoy the day.//

The City Council put ,50,000 in the current budget to get the park started. McCall said it could cost ,300,000, but would rely heavily on donations and volunteer help.

"It/s a great idea," said Mayor Dick DeWees. "It/s just part of the whole idea of making the downtown a pedestrian-friendly area. I could see it expanding in business areas throughout the city.//

Although McCall has ideas about what she wants the long, narrow park to look like, she also wants to hear what residents have to say about it. She plans to hold a forum at the park site to brainstorm ideas.

"I don/t want to be the driving force behind it,// she said.

Staff writer Bo Poertner can be reached at 736-2313, Ext. 126, or by e-mail at bpoertner@lompocrecord.com