The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is moving forward with Children’s Park renovations.
This summer’s improvements to the 1.53 acre park will include better entries and stairways, terraced stone seating, a slide and landscaping.
DDA Director Lois Golden is working in concert with the village, Paint Creek Trailways and Wade Trim Engineering, Planning and Surveying to complete the project.
‘These improvements should widen the scope of events we have there,? she said. ‘And the park will be able to hold concerts and other programs more comfortably.?
Golden added that the park currently has poor access points, especially for wheelchairs and strollers, and the renovations will address that need.
‘We’re going to improve it and add whimsey and beautification,? said a Wade Trim representative.
These improvements are going to be the start of a several-phase improvement project.
In later phases, residents may see new lighting, restrooms and stream bank restoration.
In total, phase I’s estimated cost is around $109,500. Funding will come from DDA’s $50,000 per year budget, with help from its roll-over fund and possibly the Department of Natural Resources.
The DDA is applying for a DNR Land and Water Conservation grant worth $75,000.
‘And we think we have a pretty good shot at getting the funding,? Golden said.
In order to apply for the grant, the DDA must have a local funding match, which their contribution will take the place of.
Golden says, they hope to have used less than the allocated 59 percent match when the project’s said and done.
Right now, phase I plans are to the Planning Commission for approval and recommendation to the Village Council. In order to move forward with the project, engineers will have to address drainage, wall height, lighting and slope grade concerns from the commission.
A link is available at the bottom of the DDA’s online homepage with further information on the Children’s Park improvements and other current projects.
Please visit www.DowntownLakeOrion.org.