Imagine grass replacing asphalt, for once.

That could soon happen in the 200 block of West Innes Street. The city’s Historic Preservation  Commission last week OK’d demolition of the former First Union bank building, a significant step forward in the creation of a much-needed park in downtown Salisbury. The 1973 building doesn’t have historic significance, unless you want to memorialize past banking glories. Still, Salisbury is loath to cast aside buildings. The acquiescence of preservationists to the tear-down was key.

Bulldozers will start clearing the block as early as June, but the community at large is wondering — clearing it for what, exactly? Little has been said publicly about the park since the Robertson Foundation bought the property from the Maxwell Chambers Trust last year. The demolition hearing before the Historic Properties Commission was a rare opportunity to learn more. Jason Walser, the foundation official coordinating the effort, says conceptual plans are in the works. Forty-plus local families have pitched in more than $1 million for the project. Some 500 people were given the opportunity to have input on the design.

Open space is the feature Walser says people have mentioned the most — hence the need to clear the bank structure and the surrounding parking lots. It’s been a long time since downtown had any green space. Let’s hope for a “commons” feel, with areas where people can play, rest, walk or just take in their surroundings.

If you have ideas for the park and weren’t among the 500, let’s share thoughts with park planners through the Post’s letters to the editor. Send your suggestions to letters@salisburypost.com or P.O. Box 4639, Salisbury, NC 28145.

A new, public nonprofit is in the works to own, maintain and operate the park — something like the organization behind Hurley Park, perhaps. Walser says park organizers hope to partner with the city in some way. “They, of course, have maintenance capabilities and park management expertise that would certainly be helpful towards keeping the park safe, clean and programmed,” he says.

Meanwhile, the city will get an idea of how important the block is for parking after crews start tearing it up. The parking lots have handled overflow for Rowan Public Library, at least two churches and county commissioners’ meetings.   

With the once-in-a-lifetime availability of an entire city block, the Robertson Family Foundation and others are creating a priceless public asset. Kudos to those who have gotten the project to this point.