Ever since Midtown Plaza was razed, there have been many proposed uses for Parcel 5.

The plot that encompasses an entire city block was first going to be the world headquarters for PAETEC. Then it was going to be an apartment tower with a performing arts center for the Rochester Broadway Theatre League. Then it was going to be home for an IMAX theater with a stage.

You name it, someone wanted it to be built on the city-owned land.

While waiting for some of those plans to take fruition (or not), it was used as an event space and even hosted a Wiffle ball game or two.

For now, it’s become an oasis in the heart of downtown that provides a respite from the concrete, bricks and pavement along East Main Street across from the Liberty Pole.

The city of Rochester transformed the gravel and dirt into “The 5” back in April. Now the lush green grass and paved walkways are home to a little of everything.

Relaxation, picnics, yoga, dog-walking, Frisbee playing and sometimes even a DJ spinning the hits. The RPO will play a concert here. There are movie nights. There are pop-up festivals. And in September, it will host Fringe Festival events.