GARDINER -- When the Gardiner family estate presented "Brunswick Square" Common to the city on March 15, 1824, the deed said the park was dedicated to the city for the convenience of residents, for ornamenting the town and for public walks and parades.

The deed also specified there be no buildings constructed on the park, that rows of trees be kept, and that a neat fence be maintained around it.

With that in mind, the city has taken on a three-phase project to improve this historic site at the center of town.

"The Common really is an icon of the community," City Manager Jeff Kobrock said Tuesday. "There are significant historical aspects to Gardiner with the historic district, downtown and the wonderful architecture throughout the city, particularly in the Common area."

The final draft plan will be discussed tonight at a special City Council meeting scheduled for 6 p.m. at City Hall.

Since January, residents and city officials have been working toward finalizing a master site plan for the Common. Kent Associates of Gardiner was hired to draft the plan.

Jason Simcock, director of planning and development, said he anticipates the council will adopt the plan in June.

Phase 1 improvements, estimated to cost $206,115, include replacing the playground, upgrading paths and installing lighting.

Phase 2, estimated at $100,220, includes replacing the gazebo, benches and picnic tables and adding new paths and fencing.

And Phase 3, costing $29,900, includes cleaning monuments and adding signage and amenities.

The Gardiner Firefighter's Association raised about $10,000 last year to upgrade the playground. City officials are looking at various financing options -- including grants and local and private funding -- for the remainder.

The city can apply for state and federal funds including the Land & Water Conservation Fund, Community Development Block Grants and Project Canopy Tree Planting and Maintenance grants.

The phases will be implemented as funding becomes available, Kobrock said.

"The main point about the plan is that at least it gives us the road map we need to do the implementation, and when we do the fundraising we can base it on the plan," Simcock said.

Kobrock said the hallmark of the plan has been public participation. The number of people involved has been substantial, he said.

This project is part of what officials are calling "bundle projects," a new approach to 13 different municipal projects that connect to each other.

At tonight's meeting, "We're going to hear three aspects of the bundle projects, the Common project, the waterfront plan and also the Libby Hill Phase 2 plan, all of which are very extensive," said Mayor Andrew MacLean. "We're at the beginning of construction season and would like to see as much progress on all of these major projects as we can."

The Common hosts the Memorial Day ceremony; the elementary school's Octoberfest; the Celebration of Lights, an outdoor stargazing party; the E.A. Robinson walking tour, and other community events.

Mechele Cooper -- 623-3811, Ext. 408

mcooper@centralmaine.com