By 2010, Point Park University will complete the construction of a park on the corner of Wood and Boulevard of the Allies Downtown, as part of its $244 million academic village project, Vice President for University Advancement Mariann Geyer said.

She announced the expected timeline for the park's construction at this morning's meeting of the Allegheny County Economic Development Community Infrastructure and Tourism board of directors. At the meeting, the board awarded the university $250,000 to start construction park in the fall.

Ms. Geyer said the space will be the "first very visible piece" of the academic village, which is slated to be completed by 2015. The park will include a water feature and space for retail and restaurant amenities, Ms. Geyer added. The park will replace the corner parking lot, which is currently owned by the university.

University officials originally estimated the costs for the park's construction as $4 million to $5 million. Since then, park costs have grown to $7.5 million, Ms. Geyer said.

In addition to the $250,000 infrastructure and tourism grant, Point Park officials also will use a $1.5 million anonymous donation.

Also at the meeting, the CIT board of directors also awarded the Monroeville Sports Complex $50,000 to launch a study into the feasibility of expanding and renovating the 40-year-old complex.