Plans in place to spruce up Old State Capitol

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - The Old State Capitol plaza in Springfield may be getting a bit of a face lift.

The (Springfield) State Journal-Register (http://bit.ly/2oScM8g ) reports that there are plans in the works to revitalize the publicly-owned plaza with things like a new walking path, flowerbeds and sitting areas. Downtown Springfield Inc. is also proposing adding things like chessboards and pingpong tables.

The effort that includes landscaping on the Old State Capitol grounds that is already underway is part of a push by government officials and downtown advocates to get more people to spend time downtown as well as get ready for the state's bicentennial celebration next year.

A group called Downtown Springfield Inc. hopes that donations and a grant it is applying for will pay for the $30,000 project.