By Iveren McCallion
Councillors will vote on a motion later for a 15-acre city centre park in Newry.
It follows a petition with more than 10,000 signatures and a swell of public support for the space at Albert Basin.
It is understood that there is also widespread support within the council, though Sinn Fein councillors have not openly backed it the Albert Basin Park project.
In a statement councillor Mickey Ruane said a city park remains "a key issue" for Sinn Féin.
Despite the overwhelming community backing, it is understood there may be competing proposals for the site within the council.
Brian Cleland from Newry 2020 has been at the forefront of the campaign:
Speaking ahead of tonight's full council meeting Newry, Mourne and Down's Director of tourism, culture and events Andy Patterson told Q Radio that investing in our public spaces will boost tourism: