ELKHART, Ind. – The city of Elkhart will hold an open house in the Common Council Chambers July 9 at 5:15 p.m. regarding a placemaking project for the Civic Plaza and Central Park.

The purpose of the project is to improve how the space is used for daily and special events as well as to create a vibrant civic place.

The public meeting on July 9 will showcase the most popular features determined through public input, primarily focusing on enhancements to the green space.

The city will also unveil a preliminary design.

Representatives of urban design team Rundell Ernstberger Associates (REA) as well as City staff will be available at the open house to answer questions and collect feedback.

Feedback from the open house will have an impact on the final design concept, according to Rundell Ernsterger Associates.

The project is expected to be finished in three phases. Construction on Phase One should begin by the end of 2019.

The city of Elkhart has received feedback through public input meetings, online surveys, and various stakeholder meetings.