Over 100 signatures & counting! SIGN PETITION • CHANGE.ORG

BREAKING: Special Meeting on Wednesday, May 28

5pm at the Public Safety Building, 401 Washington St. 4th floor
Calling all who support the SCAPE design! Show up when City Council plans to vote.

Central Park Transformation in Jeopardy

The process started in 2023 with the City of Johnstown hiring nationally-renown SCAPE Landscape Architecture to do the official design for our new park. After extensive community feedback and CoJ involvement, the SCAPE plan was approved and delivered in full in Summer 2024. The original plan was to begin construction right away but some delays ensued. Back on track in early 2025, some funny business started popping up and the expected Central Park Transformation is now in jeopardy.

We have city officials proceeding as if there was never a final SCAPE design. (Untrue! See proof below.) There has been a complete takeover of this project further delaying the schedule to complete the park. And we want to understand why so we can stop it!

If you care about government overreach, leadership incompetency, Johnstown’s growth potential and/or good design — we need you. Devoted to transparency, this page is full of information and evidence plus interactive ways you can help.

Let’s dig in…

As heard on WJAC news:

"We were not even at 75% design, let alone 100% design of that plan. SCAPE had fulfilled their contractual obligations to us in August. We had some continuing decisions with SCAPE about moving forward and we had some suggestions and concerns about the original concept that we wanted to change. SCAPE was somewhat reluctant to make those changes." ~ Art Martynuska, City Manager

Is he suggesting that the City of Johnstown paid $1.6m for “conceptual ideas”! No. SCAPE was contracted to deliver 100% final designs including bid-ready documents. And they did. And we have them. See for yourself:

See the park design that is on the line

WATCH VIDEO BELOW

Ok, there are 2 Main Concerns:
The Design & The Schedule

1. The Design

The City of Johnstown deserves an excellent new Central Park. A bold transformation. A brand-name design. We do not want an inferior thrown-together-last-minute design. We do not want to waste SCAPE’s work, essentially throwing away the $1.6m we paid for the design.

Instead of using the completed SCAPE design, subcontractor CJL Engineering (who was hired to lead civil engineering) hired a 3rd party, UpStreet Architects, to redesign the park.

Let’s compare portfolio’s & designs:

Design by SCAPE

• Extensive community engagement asking for feedback
• Public voted on conceptual direction
• Majority didn’t want a park similar to the current one
• SCAPE listened to Johnstowners by designing a bold space
• Uses native trees and plants for sustainablility & health
• Many points of interest including rock & water features
• Compartmentalized Memorial Walk for respectful reflection
• Large lawn that is subtly graded for grassy amphitheater affect
• Thoughtful yet simple pavilion that satisfy musicians requests

Design by UpStreet / CJL

• Zero community input or feedback
• Circle and paths cutting up large lawn area
• Removes rock feature; Adds cement benches instead
• Removes proper aerial lighting; Adds 14ft lampposts instead
• Water feature and stormwater glen missing from their plan
• Enlarges pavilion with less access
• Garden-like approach to plants; Less suitable to an urban space
• New path encourages distruption of Memorial Walk
• Most Memorials back despite discussions & agreement to relocate

Why dramatically change the SCAPE design?

Here are the reasons we are hearing. Let’s look into each one and show some receipts.

SCAPE DIDN’T COMPLETE THEIR WORK
Complete coordinated bid documents were delivered on August 16, 2024. City Council approved and paid $1.6m for this completed & contracted work, which included SCAPE fees along with their sub-contractors. Ex. A1 Ex. A2

SCAPE WENT OVER BUDGET
At the time of completion, the project was within budget. SCAPE has offered many cost-saving solutions. If still allowed to work on project, they would help cut costs without compromising the integrity of their design. Ex. B1 Ex.B2

SCAPE DIDN’T CONSIDER WHEELCHAIRS
The project was designed in compliance with all ADA requirements including surface slope, railings and clearances. ADA is legally required and no professional firm would ignore such important standards. Also, the plans debunk this. Ex. C

SCAPE DIDN’T GIVE A PLACE FOR CHRISTMAS
SCAPE met with Discover Downtown and City Staff then provided a plan on March 29, 2024 based on expressed needs which were accepted. Also, Discover Downtown has denied any participation in demanding changes to the SCAPE design. [See FAQs below] Ex. D1 Ex. D2

SCAPE DIDN’T SELECT PLANTS FOR WINTER
The selected plants are commonly used throughout the east coast in urban settings that experience similar levels of snow and maintenance (salt) input. SCAPE strategically selected a palette of hardy, low-maintenance shrubs and perennials. Ex. E

SCAPE DIDN’T PROVIDE PAVILION DESIGN
After consulting local musicians who have performed in outside venues, SCAPE’s pavilion plan is optimal for equipment and acoustics. The simple yet effective design allows for uncluttered setup. The tilted roofline directs sound to the crowd while the tree behind absorbs it. Ex. F

SCAPE DESIGN USES EXPENSIVE BLUE ROCK
SCAPE offered other materials and was told “The City does not agree to reduction of stone slab arrangements.” SCAPE has further remarked that swapping the material is possible without changing the design. UpStreet wants to replace with unnecessary cement benches. Ex. G

SCAPE WALKED AWAY FROM THE PROJECT
After witnessing major changes to their final design that compromised the timeline, SCAPE was forced to stop participating in the project any further. This response was reasonable as no professional firm would continue to work on a 3rd party design for liability reasons. Ex. H

SCAPE WAS UNRESPONSIVE & DIFFICULT
We have numerous emails showing a lack of response by CoJ causing delays. A lot of city changeover happened during this time which likely resulted in massive disorganization. Furthermore, SCAPE worked beyond their scope for CoJ benefit. Ex. I1 Ex. I2 Ex. I3

Some other important pieces of evidence that show how SCAPE advised and proposed to stay involved throughout the pre-construction and construction phases of this project. Also shows sub-contractors’ roles & responsibilities. And finally, SCAPE’s concerns about the major design changes and looming deadline.

SCAPE’S DELIVERY MEMO
August 16, 2024 Ex. J

SCAPE’S PRE-CONSTRUCTION PROPOSAL
February 14, 2025 Ex. K

SCAPE’S CONSTRUCTION ADMIN PROPOSAL
March 07, 2025 Ex. L

SCAPE’S LETTER OF CONCERN
March 24, 2025 Ex. M

Remarks from SCAPE

Some other changes floating around required explanation since almost none of us are landscape architects. SCAPE graciously answered all of our questions. Remember: They are top in the industry.

THE LAWN SLOPE IS TOO HIGH AND THE PARK WILL BE HARD TO SEE FROM A CAR
”Parks function best when there is separation from busy roadways. Modest topography is a great way to enhance the experiences within a park. Clear sight lines from outside and within the park were considered in the design. Site lines from vehicles traveling adjacent to the park are not a requirement and not a recommended best practice.”

THE LIGHTING IS TOO HIGH AND UNNECESSARY
”We often recommend taller light posts that can support multiple directional fixtures to reduce the visual clutter of many pedestrian scale light fixtures.”

SOLAR KIOSKS MADE WITH UNNECESSARY AND COSTLY ELECTRICAL WIRING
”As requested, the solar kiosks were provided as an alternate furnishing.”

WIDTH OF FRANKLIN STREET SIDEWALK IS TOO NARROW
”Seems unnecessary, but not a huge deal if this is desired direction.”

NO NEED FOR AN IRRIGATION SYSTEM IN OUR RAINY CLIMATE
”Included in the bid documents as an alternate. We did not receive clear direction on how this system should be reduced/modified until 3/28/25. Irrigation is absolutely necessary for establishment but can be achieved by hand watering.”

SELECTING TREES WHOSE LEAVES DON’T SHRIVEL AND THEREFORE WILL CLOG DRAINS
”The plans call for a mixed palette of native deciduous trees that will lose their leaves in the fall, but they also provide fall color and (some provide) spring flowers. There are also a handful of evergreen trees. As a point of reference, almost all evergreen trees still do lose their foliage seasonally.”

GRAVEL AT THE BASE OF THE LINDEN TREE WILL HURT ITS SENSITIVE ROOTS
”An alternate material for this application could be easily incorporated. In our professional experience and opinion this is a typical application for this type of surfacing and presents no risk to the tree. Point of clarification: the proposed surface is fine crushed stone which compacts down to create a level surface for comfortable walking.”

SOME OF THE PLANTS PRODUCE TOXIC BERRIES
”Many plants with berries are sometimes considered toxic, but it’s important to know that first, in order to be hazardous to humans and pets vast quantities must be ingested and they are bitter, and second these plants are a food source for birds and other animals. All of the plants on the list are generally considered safe and are used in public landscapes across the country. Some of the berries in the design are edible.”

PLANTINGS CLOSE TO PATHS WILL ATTRACT BEES
”All flowering plants will attract pollinators (including bees). Most of the walkways are bordered by grasses and other non-flowering species. If this is a concern, pollinator species could be pulled back from path edges more comprehensively. In our experience people like being able to get close to flowers!”

THE POST & CHAIN LANDSCAPE BARRIERS ARE A TRIPPING HAZARD
”I disagree that the plant protection fence presents a tripping hazard. The posts are set off the edge of pavement 8” into planting areas as a deterrent to people and pets walking through the planting beds. The wire cable is visible and 12-18” above the walking surface. These are commonly included in public spaces across the country and would only present a tripping hazard if people are walking through plant beds.”

HARDSCAPE GROUND TREATMENT WILL DETERIORATE EVEN WITH FREQUENT SEALING
”Disagree with this assessment. No sealing is required with the proposed typical and durable paving materials, which include cast in place concrete and pavers.”

MISSING CURBSTONES WILL MAKE WINTER MAINTAINANCE DIFFICULT
”I’m not sure I understand this comment, but many parks are successfully maintained through all seasons without raised curbs.”

Ok, let’s pause — that was a lot to take in…

2. The Schedule

There is a firm deadline to use the ARPA funding, which is dedicated to this specific project, by December 31, 2026. And the city has expressed they would like for all invoices to be paid by end of September 2026. The Central Park transformation requires 12–18 months of construction which means the City of Johnstown must be prepared to break ground soon.

Instead of completing pre-construction tasks, the City is wasting time on redesigns.

Time is ticking…

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Email Local Leadership

CITY MANAGER
Art Martynuska - amarty@johnstownpa.gov

MAYOR
Frank Janakovic - fjanakovic@johnstownpa.gov

CITY COUNCIL
Charles Arnone - carnone@johnstownpa.gov
Ricky Britt - rbritt@johnstownpa.gov
Taylor Clark - tclark@johnstownpa.gov
Laura Huchel - lhuchel@johnstownpa.gov
Rev. Sylvia King - sking@johnstownpa.gov
Marie Mock - mmock@johnstownpa.gov

Questions? Comments? Ideas? Insight? Theories?

Reach out about this Central Park situation for any reason. All questions will be answered on this page with daily updates. This form is automatically anonymous. However, if you choose to share your name and contact, we can be in touch, if you wish. Thank you for your interest!

FAQs

Who's paying for this project?
The Central Park renovation is funded by already-secured Federal aid money. It can only go towards this specific use and must be spent by the end of 2026.

We have bigger issues in this city than park improvements. I want the money to be spent elsewhere.
We hear you about having a lot of problems to solve. As for the money, this funding can only be spent on Central Park — it is a "use it or lose it" situation.

Why was this money allocated to Central Park in the first place?
Because a beautiful and functional public space is meant to serve a large population for a variety of purposes — outdoor venue, tourist destination, workday respite, family-friendly activity and more. Central Park is… central to Johnstown and city-centers are common spaces to invest in. Also, this project is aligned within the funding's set boundaries. While it is a lot of money to any of us individuals, the price tag is reasonable within the context of a city’s large transformation.

* But I like the park as it is now. I don’t want it to change.
First, the park now needs major attention — sidewalks are cracked, trees are rotten, gazebo is falling apart, etc. Second, the community engagement and vote was clear — folks did not pick the simple refresh; They chose the “all-new” direction. Change can be hard… but change can also be so good and everything needed.

* Well, speaking of trees… I heard they are going to level the whole thing and pave it.
Absolutely not. The SCAPE plan does call for removing the dying trees but replaces them. It is of high priority to make this a green space filled with sustainable, native trees and plants.

That’s good news. Alright, what's the benefit then? How does one park make a difference?
If we think a little more broadly... a destination-worthy park will create more visitation... which brings more foot traffic into local businesses... which encourages more entrepreneurs and companies to start up... which inspires even more growth... which results in people relocating to Johnstown. This investment can attract a fresh crop of people to bring their resources and talents into our neighborhoods. City parks matter!

Ok, I get it. But does it really matter if SCAPE designed the park or someone else?
SCAPE is world-class with an impressive portfolio and a name that carries a lot of weight. First, Johnstowners deserve the best. Second, we already paid for it. Would you throw away a top-notch, well-made expensive designer [bag, suit, car, TV] ?!

* How expensive are we talking?
The design work cost $1.6 million. That investment included full future plans of Central Park and the Main Street Corridor, and paid for expert work from the SCAPE firm and their subcontractors, including CJL Engineering. The payment was approved by City Council when the final 100% designs were delivered in full last August.

* Who’s trying to redesign the park?
CJL Engineering, who was hired by SCAPE to be the civil engineers on this project, hired 3rd party UpStreet Architects in April. It has not been clear why CJL began redesigning (with UpStreet) since this was never their role. Instead, CJL was expected to use the provided documents by SCAPE to get out bids and complete pre-construction tasks. SCAPE completed their contracted work and delivered completed designs that are not in need of redesign.

If we already have completed designs, what's the hold up?
So far, there is no good, logical reason.

* I heard that Discover Downtown Johnstown Partnership forced the city to make changes to the park. Is this true?
From Melissa Radovanic: ”Discover Downtown Johnstown Partnership was actively involved with SCAPE and City management in 2022 through early 2024 regarding the Central Park plan. This involved meetings, walk throughs and emails. The last correspondence of updates between the City, SCAPE, and Discover took place in the Spring of 2024.  Then, silence. 

On April 9th during a City Council Workshop, two shocking items were announced. (1) Construction would not allow for Christmas to take place in Central Park in 2025 and (2) the Christmas Village would not return to Central Park after construction. Both statements were NEVER shared with DDJP and the Partnership only found out by a representative being in the audience at the Council Workshop.   

The SCAPE plan allowed for both the Tree and the Village to be in Central Park and no changes were requested by DDJP from the initial plan.”

Thanks for the clarification. Ok, it still doesn't make sense. Why interrupt this project?
We don't understand it either and are very curious to get to the bottom of it. We need as many voices as possible asking the questions and demanding we get back to the SCAPE-designed park.

* Well, I heard that someone from SCAPE was rude. What’s up with that?
We have no proof of any unprofessional behavior from SCAPE but also not sure that matters. Is this a reasonable and mature reason to delay the project or change the design?! The work that SCAPE delivered is high quality, and was already accepted and paid for by the City of Johnstown.

You’re right. I'm in! What next?
Sign the petition. Share this with friends and family, near and far. Anyone who cares about our city can be involved. Time is of the essence! Thank you for your commitment and support.

* denotes recently added to FAQs based on new message form submissions