Phase one of work should be done by the fall.

Cleveland City Councilman Joe Cimperman talks with Newsradio WTAM 1100's Ted Klopp.

(Cleveland) - Cleveland City Council has oked improvements to Ralph Perk Plaza, the downtown park at East 12th and Chester. Councilman Joe Cimperman has been pushing for the improvements for years – but funding has always been an issue.

The calls for renovations intensified earlier this year when two young men were shot in the park. One died, the other is recovering and has a bullet lodged in his head.


 See photos of the old and possible new design for the park.

The Cleveland Parks Director will solicit proposals for the improvements and city leaders will pick a design. Improvements will be made in two phases with the first part’s pricetag at about $1.2 million.

Councilman Joe Cimperman says plans call for a greener, more inviting atmosphere. Cimperman says he has saved more than $500,000 of his ward's general obligation bonds to allocate to the project. Mayor Frank Jackson is steering another $200,000 from bonds.

About $500,000 earmarked for another project that has changed scope because of the new Inner Belt Bridge construction will go toward the new Perk Plaza as well. Private donations will also be used.

(Copyright © 2009 Clear Channel. All rights reserved.)