While many areas like the downtown, intown and adjacent neighborhoods to the booming revitalization area have seen significant growth, those areas further from the city center  have witnessed lackluster investment and stagnant population trends. One area, in particular, is Childs Park in the south central area of the city. It has the largest concentration of youth in the county, a reputation for higher crime incidents, and low private investment. Mayor Rick Baker, members of City Council and city and neighborhood leaders launched a new initiative for Childs Park in 2006. Using a three-fold approach:

1)      The city conducted an inventory of all plans, program and projects in the area and presented this information to focus groups to obtain input and gain a future vision for Childs Park;

2)      The city evaluated the input and prioritized projects to create a manageable plan for future development in the neighborhood; and

3)      Returned to the community and gathered additional input to formulate a final plan for the Child’s Park initiative. The plan offers an overall vision for the area, defines its boundaries, and takes note of current perceptions and realities. It recommends future infrastructure, facility and other enhancements for the greater Childs Park study area.