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Murphysboro's creates its new crown jewel

BY ADAM TESTA, THE SOUTHERN

Wednesday, July 9, 2008 10:28 AM CDT

MURPHYSBORO - While most passersby likely see a construction site outside the Sallie Logan Library, John Medwedeff sees a thing of beauty.

That's because in Medwedeff's eyes, the torn-up concrete has been replaced with green space, and a pavilion and small band shell sit in the middle of the site. Construction recently began on the new city park, tentatively named Towne Center Park, which Medwedeff designed.

The park carries about a $900,000 price tag. It was paid for by the Smysor Trust, which also funded the construction of Smysor Plaza, home of Murphysboro's already iconic fountain - also designed by Medwedeff.

When the latest project is finished, city representatives believe it will be another "jewel" in the city's crown.

"For a small community like ourselves to have two professionally designed green spaces is wonderful," said Mayor Ron Williams.

Medwedeff, a metalsmith by trade, has designed many works of art that have been placed in public places throughout his career, but this project was the first where he designed the entire public space.

"It was really quite an honor to be asked to do this," said Medwedeff, who's also overseeing the project with his wife, Cynthia Roth. Though there were some concerns from city council members during the planning phases, the project only had slight changes from its original design, he said.

When finished, the site will feature a small band shell pavilion with seating for about 100, a fountain and green space, Medwedeff said. He sees it as a venue for small events like the High Noon concerts and possibly weddings, but he does not want it to compete with the band shell at Riverside Park.

"I really see this as a venue for small performances," he said.

While there's no anticipated completion date set yet, Medwedeff said he hopes it will be finished by the end of the year.

adam.testa@thesouthern.com

351-5031