Demolition crews started tearing down the Lincoln Park group picnic area shelter on Tuesday.

It is part of a $200,000 upgrade for the picnic area being funded with federal Community Block Grant Funds. The federal funds must be used to either fight blight or help low-to moderate-income persons.

The Lincoln Park project includes removing the old and damaged shade structure and picnic area. It will be replaced with a new shade structure and picnic area. The work will also make the picnic area American with Disabilities Act compliant.

During the past several years the city has replaced playground equipment and upgraded the Lincoln Park baseball field. That is in addition to installing a new wheelchair lift at the Lincoln Park swimming pool.