It has scored some of the lowest-possible marks for a city park, but University Woods is undergoing a transformation.

An organization called Friends of the Woods is leading the turnaround. Organizer Brandy Cochrane and others have been pushing the Department of Parks and Recreation to clean up the area behind Cedar and Sedgwick avenues.

The park was once known as a magnet for prostitution, drug use and other illegal activities. Many say the changes are remarkable.

"It is really one of those places that I've lived in the neighborhood for four years and I had no idea that it actually existed," says Cochrane.

Friends of the Woods will hold a block party at the end of August to raise awareness for the group.

Friends of the Woods