Crest Park, located on Missionary Ridge above the Brainerd tunnels, was created in the early 1960s to give visitors an unobstructed view of the city.
The area was cleared, shrubs and flowers were planted and benches were installed.
"People could see the view, and neighbors loved walking over to enjoy the sunset," said Janet Bean, chairman of the Missionary Ridge Neighborhood Association's beautification committee.
But by the mid-1990s, the park had fallen into a state of neglect.
Earlier this year, though, a campaign was started, spearheaded by the Neighborhood Association as well as the Missionary Ridge Garden Club, to reclaim the view and the park. Bean said about $1,500 has been raised so far.
Plant donations also have been welcomed to create a friendship garden overseen by volunteers. Anyone having plants they want to contribute or plant is welcome, Bean said. The garden features areas for sun- and shade-loving plants, she said.
The city's parks and recreation department has stepped in with help for the makeover.
"The state owns part of the park because of the tunnel, and the city owns the other part, so maintenance falls in the hands of the city Parks and Recreation Department," said Bob Saylors, director of the parks division.
He said a little more than $900 has been spent so far to revamp the park.
"We enjoy and love working with groups working toward beautification and cleanup for areas," he said. "We like to get the help and it benefits us."
The city will mulch the gardens and add another bench and picnic table.
"We'll also help with watering and install an irrigation system in the spring," Saylors said.
The city is doing the work because of the strong neighborhood interest.
"They've spent some of their own money to buy plants and even get a tree service in to do some of the trimming," he said.
"The area has needed attention for a long time, and we're happy that the neighborhood has shown interest. We don't want the neighborhoods to give up on the city or the city to give up on neighborhoods. We want it to be a partnership."
Park renovations are ongoing and will continue for months, Bean said.
"In another year, we'll tackle the back side of the park," she said.
"This group is working at their own pace," Saylors said. "But they're doing it the right way and, as long as they are moving forward and we can help them, wave the flag and bring it on."
Contact Anne Braly at abraly@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6285.