It’s usually paradise that’s paved over for progress – not the other way around.
But Bowling Green has managed to recapture a rare swatch of green paradise downtown. When Bowling Green
tore down the old junior high in 2012 and planted grass on the site, it was like a breath of fresh air.

One of the early options discussed for the land was the building of a new city building. But no matter
how cramped the current city building may be, the public had already fallen in love with the open space
at the corner of West Wooster and South Grove streets. They weren’t willing to give up the green to
brick and mortar.
So now it’s up to the community to decide what paradise will look like on the site.
On Monday evening, a task force was named and given the job of coming up with a recommendation for the
land. They have a big job ahead of them since some strong opinions have been tossed around of how the
land should be used.
The task force includes people representing several special interests – the city, Bowling Green State
University, downtown merchants, art, neighbors, the library, and people keenly interested in open space
in the community.
But they share a commitment to not squander the potential of the site.
The group has been charged with coming up with a plan that requires minimal operating and maintenance
costs for the city.
Consequently, the work doesn’t stop there. Then it’s up to the community to get behind the plan. Since
green space doesn’t grow on trees – or in this case, trees and other items don’t grow on green space for
free – a community-wide fundraising campaign is likely.
Seeing the value of the site, a group of citizens formed an organization more than a year ago called
"Green Space Matters." The group informally dubbed the site, "Wooster Green," and
set three goals of enhancing the quality of life in the community, attracting visitors to the city and
increasing downtown commerce.
Suggestions have been voiced at many public meetings and in Letters to the Editor of possible uses for
the open space. Ideas include open green space, a park or town square, with such features as a gazebo,
band stand, trees, playground, theater performance area, historical mural, sidewalks, place for art
exhibits, local food fair or farmers market.
Whatever it becomes, the citizens who spoke up to save the green space can pat themselves on the back for
preserving a little slice of paradise in downtown Bowling Green.