Barry Isett & Associates (Isett) recently joined the City of Scranton for a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the completion of the Grace Street Playground Improvements project. The event marked the reopening of a revitalized neighborhood park designed to serve local families for generations to come.
Mayor Paige Cognetti led the ceremony and thanked the many partners who helped transform the beloved community space. The improvements provide new opportunities for recreation while supporting ongoing investment in Scranton’s neighborhood parks.
Revitalizing a Neighborhood Asset
Located in Scranton’s Plot section, Grace Street Park, often referred to as the “Purple Park,” has long served as a neighborhood destination for local residents. The completed improvements have transformed the aging playground into a vibrant recreational space designed for today’s families.
The project reflects the City’s commitment to enhancing public spaces and creating welcoming environments for residents of all ages. The improvements also address needs identified through the City’s parks planning efforts and replace playground features that had served neighborhood families for more than 30 years before reaching the end of their useful life.
Community-Informed Design for Grace Street Playground Improvements
Isett is proud to have partnered with the City on the Grace Street Playground Improvements project. The firm’s Landscape Architecture team provided community engagement and public meeting facilitation, site planning and design, construction documentation, bidding assistance, and construction administration services to help transform the aging playground into a modern community asset.
A key component of the project was public involvement. Through a community meeting, neighborhood residents, parents, and stakeholders shared input on desired amenities, accessibility features, safety enhancements, and play opportunities. That feedback helped guide the design process and ensure the completed improvements reflected the community’s priorities while balancing recreation, accessibility, safety, and neighborhood character.
The renewed playground features modern play equipment, upgraded safety surfacing, accessible walkways, and enhanced site amenities designed to serve children of various ages and abilities. Additional improvements include new walking paths, seating areas, and a bicycle and scooter course designed to encourage active recreation.
A primary goal of the project was to create a more accessible and inclusive experience for children and families. The updated playground offers a variety of opportunities for play, exploration, and social interaction while helping ensure visitors of different ages and abilities can enjoy the space in a safe and welcoming environment.
Supporting Neighborhood Revitalization
The Grace Street Playground Improvements project also contributes to broader neighborhood revitalization efforts. The renewed park enhances a valued community asset while providing a welcoming public space where residents can enjoy outdoor recreation close to home.
Projects like this demonstrate how thoughtful planning and design can positively impact quality of life for residents. Well-designed parks support active lifestyles, strengthen neighborhoods, and create lasting benefits for the people who use them.
Recognizing the Project Team
Isett would like to recognize the contributions of Scott Grundowski, RLA, and Clara Odhner, Landscape Designer, whose planning and design efforts played an important role in bringing the project to life.
Grundowski joined Bryan Smith, RLA, Landscape Architecture Department Head, and Chelsey Coslett-Traver, Regional Marketing Communications Manager, at the ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the successful completion of the project and its positive impact on the Scranton community.
Looking Ahead
As families begin enjoying the renewed park, the Grace Street Playground Improvements project stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, thoughtful design, and community engagement. By transforming a well-loved but outdated playground into a safe, inclusive, and durable recreational destination, the project will serve Scranton residents for years to come. Isett is honored to have helped bring this vision to life.
