Greene Square will officially reopen Friday following a $1.9 million renovation, according to Cedar Rapids Parks and Recreation.

At 10 a.m., officials will open a time capsule crews working on the reconstruction found last August. It was buried in 1976 as part of the nation's bicentennial celebration. Mark Stoffer Hunter, a historian at the History Center, will answer questions about the objects in the time capsule. He was present when the capsule was buried nearly 40 years ago. The contents of the time capsule will be on display until 2:00 p.m.

Officials will hold a reopening ceremony at 1 p.m. Friday that will include an art dedication of the stainless steel sculpture, designed by internationally renowned sculpture artist Bruce Beasley. Linn County contributed $225,000 for the sculpture. Funding came from the sale of the Mott Building, 42 7th Avenue SW to Hobart Historic Restoration.

The sculpture is designed as a symbolic bridge between the Cedar Rapids Public Library and the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art. The park also has a wide corridor through the center connecting the library to the art museum.

At 2 p.m. crews will turn on the fountain for the summer. The 34 x 28 foot interactive water feature has different sprays and LED lights that illuminate the fountain at night.

The renovation project was the first major improvement project in Greene Square, 400 4th Avenue SE, in 33 years. George Greene and Nicholas Brown created the historic park as a public square when they developed the downtown Cedar Rapids grid street system in 1843.

"The finished park renovation is beautiful! Already we have seen people enjoying the shaded seating, eating lunch at the park tables, and taking photos in front of the sculpture," said Sven Leff, Director of Parks and Recreation for the City. "I think the vision of a vibrant, contemporary public space has been achieved and will be loved by people for years to come."

Another feature of the park is a seating area with tables for 100 for dining and playing board games.

Nearly half the funds to complete the project came from private resources. The City contributed $1 million, the Hall-Perrine Foundation donated $250,000 and the remainder came from contributions raised by the City and Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance.