Park to become arts spot

A group of merchants and arts leaders hopes to transform Five Points Park.

“We want to change the park’s image from a homeless hangout to a place where arts are enjoyed,” said Brenda Terris, executive director of Season of Sculpture.

Terris and a group of merchants are working on what they call “Sundays in the Park,” which will consist of various performances, such as operas, symphonies, plays and lectures.

“Sundays are ideal, because there’s little programming elsewhere,” Terris said. “It would bring added business to downtown restaurants and shops on a normally slow day.”

Although she’s still working on her budget, Terris plans to present a proposal to the Downtown Improvement District Aug. 11 to see if the group is willing to provide some funding.

The proposal includes installing a small, temporary stage, or band shell, for the performances.

If approved, the first season would begin the third week of November and run through the end of May.

“The goal of the first season is to make this a habit,” Terris said. “You know that if you come downtown and bring a blanket, you’ll be educated in the arts.”

If “Sundays in the Park” makes it to a second season, Terris said she might want to install a more permanent stage.

“My goal is to make Five Points Park an arts destination,” Terris said. “I think the surrounding condos and community want Five Points Park to be something better.”