The work that the City of Elmira has put into its parks not only has local residents excited, but local organizations as well. So much so that one group has adopted a park and has bright plans for its future. As our Bill Mich tells us, the first project involves turning unused space into a healthy option for the community.

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ELMIRA, N.Y. -- The tennis court in Quatrano Park has not seen any Wimbledon hopefuls in quite some time. So rather than see the area unused, it is being transformed into something that can serve the community.

"The garden offers us the opportunity to first of all, fix the area up, but it also allows us to educate the community on how to eat healthy," said Craig Mennig, the Chemung ARC Family Support Director.

The community garden is one of the first big projects that Chemung ARC is doing in Quatrano Park. The organization decided to adopt the park and help rejuvenate it in conjunction with the city. And city officials are hoping adopting a park becomes a popular trend.

"It would be wonderful. As many organizations as we have in the community to adopt parks. It makes the city's burden a little bit less and therefore they can go onto work on other things," said 2nd District Councilman Brent Stermer.

And now that the framework has been laid for the garden, it is time for the community to get involved. Wednesday night, neighbors signed up to adopt a garden bed that they already have big plans for.

"Cucumbers, peppers and some tomatoes," said Elmira resident Steven Garcia.

That increased interest from local residents could mean more self policing and a decrease in crime and vandalism.

"This is the park right across the street from where I live. I want it to be a clean park, a drug free park and I want it to be a good park because my kids come out here and play every day," Garcia said.

Quatrano Park looks to have a bright future.