A multimillion dollar renovation of downtown's Republic Square Park is scheduled to begin by the end of June and aims to honor the park's history while increasing its attractiveness as a community gathering place. Park improvements were designed using input from community stakeholders and include a circular promenade connecting pedestrians to the four corners of the park, a permanent food kiosk, café-style seating and restrooms. The park, one of three remaining downtown historical squares, closed in May for a water line project and is scheduled to reopen next spring, according to the Austin Parks and Recreation department. The Downtown Austin Alliance—a partnership of downtown property owners, individuals, and businesses—are collaborating on the project with the Austin Parks Foundation and the Austin Parks and Recreation Department. The Austin Parks Foundation is leading design and construction efforts while the DAA will oversee daily operations of the park when it reopens. The Parks and Recreation Department will provide oversight of the partnership to ensure that the park continues to serve the public and stakeholders in the area, according to a statement from the department. "Each partner brings their own expertise and resources to the table to fulfill the community vision for Republic Square. The role of the DAA is to maintain that vision day in and day out once the park reopens—to keep the park clean and safe and to make it inviting for the entire community," said Melissa Barry, the DAA's vice president of planning. "We would love to see the park full of people and activity each and every day. It will be a terrific asset for all Austinites to enjoy.”