Oakdale officials are envisioning a vibrant alternative to a vacant lot in the center of town that would incorporate trees, benches, a colorful mural and maybe a fountain.

Council agreed March 4 to purchase the site of the former Boock's Bar from Larry Deleuze of North Fayette for $10,000 and convert it into a small park. The building has been demolished.

Oakdale has been awarded a $40,000 grant from the Allegheny County Department of Economic Development to beautify the property and is applying to the nonprofit Sprout Public Art program for a mural to be painted on an adjacent wall.

"It's kind of our front door, and we have to make sure our front door looks nice," Councilman Keith Merlino said. "If we just let it sit there as an eyesore, the image of Oakdale isn't what it should be."

The property had been on the market for about three years, following an October 2006 fire that destroyed the bar and eatery.

Council members said the creekside spot was not suitable for building because of flood plain regulations and its small size.

The 2,254-square-foot parcel is at 5031 Noblestown Road, which is known locally as State Street. It is tucked between a tailor's shop and a dentist's office in the downtown commercial district.

"It's almost impossible to put a business in there," Councilman Paul Hennemuth said. "Rather than leaving a big hole in the middle of town [we're going to] spruce it up."

Mr. Deleuze is a former fire chief for the Sturgeon department, which is based in South Fayette and covers parts of North Fayette and South Fayette. He had owned and operated Boock's Bar before the fire. In 2004, he had repaired flood damage to the building, which was adjacent to Robinson Run.

To afford the $10,000 land purchase, Oakdale will have to delay a project or equipment purchase, Councilman Tom Potts said.

The land's assessed value is $18,100, according to the Allegheny County real estate Web site.

The Char-West Council of Governments will administer the county grant money and hire contractors to implement Oakdale's park plans.

Oakdale council's idea for a mural is a landscape scene featuring a large oak tree, painted on the side of the building owned and occupied by dentist Tony Palmieri.

"When you're driving into Oakdale from [Routes] 22 and 30, that's the wall you can see, and that's where most of the traffic comes through," borough secretary Kelly Rohbeck said.

Oakdale officials are asking residents to write letters of support for the Sprout Fund mural by March 24.

Letters can be e-mailed to assistant secretary Laura Ahlborn at ahlborn@oakdaleborough.com or mailed to the borough office, 6115 Noblestown Road, Oakdale, PA 15071.

Looking for more from the Post-Gazette? Join PG+, our members-only web site. You'll get exclusive sports content, opinion, financial information, discounts from retailers and restaurants, and more. Our introduction to PG+ gives you all the details.