Residents from all over Greenwood came to the second annual party in Greenwood Park Aug. 22 to support the planned expansion of the neighborhood park into two new lots along Fremont Avenue North.

“When I go around the city and see the parks and projects going on in the neighborhoods, they are driven by committed volunteers," Mayor Mike McGinn told the crowd. "Volunteers are what make neighborhoods great. It is all of your time and talents that will make this park and Greenwood one of the best in the city.”

The band Pickled Okra played lively blue grass tunes while partygoers enjoyed a barbecue featuring food donated from eight local restaurants and grocery stores.

The party in the park was organized by Vision Greenwood Park, a neighborhood group that has formed to lead the community effort to expand the park.

The events co-organizers Cassandra Allen and Joanna D’Asaro were supported by a crew of 12 volunteers, who procured donations, cooked burgers and hot dogs and staffed the event all afternoon.

The park expansion project includes a community garden, barbecue grills and a multi-sport courtyard for basketball, soccer, street hockey and skating.

“We are happy to announce that Vision Greenwood Park has received a $60,000 grant from the Neighborhood Matching Fund,” steering committee chair Michael Stringer said. “As part of the matching contribution for this grant, we are raising money today and will organize volunteer work parties to help build a community garden.”

The first work party is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 25. The first task will be to remove the old fencing that currently blocks views across the park, opening space for future garden plots.

The party raised nearly $2,000 in cash donations to support expansion of Greenwood Park.