East Hills Park, East Hills: 2299 Wilner Drive
East Hills Park was a residential development built throughout the 1960s for moderate-income families. By the time the project was finished, there were over 500 units of privately owned homes and rental apartments, a nearby shopping mall, and a large park with a playground, athletic courts, and a public swimming pool. Residents enjoyed the benefits of “new construction” while remaining close to commercial corridors and industry.
That idyllic charm lasted a generation before the shopping mall closed, industry contracted, and on-site owners dwindled. What was once the neighborhood’s greatest asset, its quiet, almost secluded location, contributed to isolation and decline.
But in recent years, community activism in the East Hills has soared. Residents collaborating with local nonprofits have targeted abandoned properties, illegal dumping, and home repair. It’s no surprise that the condition of the neighborhood’s park also attracted their attention.
Last year, the activists scored another win. Plans are now underway for a new playground and picnic pavilion, as well as improvements to the athletic fields, spray park, walking paths, lighting, and stormwater management. The parkland is naturally spacious, with a mix of tall, mature trees, open areas, and undulating hills, so its potential for a successful restoration is high. Addressing the neighborhood’s living conditions is long overdue, and the recent enhancements highlight what’s possible with persistent and consistent community voices.
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