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It has been a while since we have published a newsletter, we have a lot to share!
MSPA has completed its environmental testing and is Finishing up it’s Phase 1 & 2 reporting. Should be complete by May 1.
MSPA spent approximately 135k testing and analyzing site, EGLE and City of Chelsea were involved in every aspect of environmental testing and planning: Determination by all parties is that site can be converted into a park, with appropriate due care.
MSPA's proposed environmental Due Care plan is to cap the entire site with a combination of 2’ of clean soils and/or concrete where appropriate. Additionally, underground storage tanks on site will be removed and excavation in SW corner will occur in order to soils that are saturated with an oil product. MSPA Due Care Plan will be submitted to EGLE in July for approval.
Main Street Park Project is projected to cost 6.7 million dollars, not including the structure, of which MSPA has raised approximately 2.5 million through private and corporate donation.
MSPA has applied for a $993,800 EGLE grant for the environmental Due Care work. We are working with Washtenaw County Brownfields to apply for an additional 700k Environmental grant. The two grants along with what we already raised will put MSPA at over half our funding goal!
The City of Chelsea and MSPA are working together to form a partnership and transforming the site into a park that will be a benefit to the City and region. Currently the City and MSPA are working toward a Development Agreement. The City has been an excellent partner to date and has helped move the project along.
MSPA will hire a professional Park Design Firm to begin initial design work for the Park, part of that process will be public input for desired park amenities. We have started that process, note the results from the Chelsea Expo in the next section of this newsletter.
Our current timeline anticipates that MSPA will begin structural work on the park in 2024 with a target completion date of Autumn 2025.
Chelsea Expo Community Park Requests!
We were at the Chelsea Expo April 15, and asked people what they would like to see at the park. The suggestions in order of number of requests are:
Splash Pad/Water Features | Rock Climbing Wall
Skatepark | Bocce Ball | Benches in a Shaded Area
Swings for Adults & Children | Soccer Fields | Roller Hockey Rink | Pool | Playground/Climbing Equipment | Pickleball Courts | Basketball | Bandshell/Ampitheater
Strategic Relationships
We continue to develop strategic relationships with community stakeholders and are incredibly grateful for the continued support. Green Tree Pediatrics is one of those supporters. The following is an excerpt from a letter to the Main Street Park Alliance from Scott Moore, M.D.
As a pediatrician in the area for over 20 years and as someone who has raised their children in Chelsea, I am in full support of the Main Street Park Project. The need for this project is obvious to me on a daily basis. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, there had been a concerning increase in mental health issues among our children and adolescents. This has been accelerated by the stress and isolation from the pandemic. This space would be a great platform for members of the community to mix, meet and engage. Chelsea lacks a centralized, outdoor gathering space in the downtown area. We have seen great excitement over initiatives like SRSLY's movie nights, and Sounds & Sights, the Chelsea Fair and our long tradition of supporting high school sports. There is an impulse for togetherness in our town. Chelsea is a place that loves to gather making this not only a project our community would benefit from but one they have been waiting on for many years.
MSPA and the City of Chelsea continue to explore a partnership for the development and ultimate operation of the park.
Our board members all have unique perspectives on why they decided to get involved and volunteer their time for the Main Street Park project. We wanted to give you a chance to get to know them. We would like to introduce three of twelve Board Members; click on their names above to read more.
Imagine the possibilities...
Conceptual Rendering - Dangerous Architects
The Main Street Park project is for the community
by the community!
Join us. We need your help. Contribute to our vision, we are seeking small gifts that demonstrate community support.
Please share this newsletter with your friends and neighbors. Encourage them to reach out to the Chelsea City Council Members and share your excitement for Main Street Park!
To create an intergenerational community park for Chelsea. Through the power of grassroot volunteerism, we will revitalize this downtown property for a better human experience.
If you have any comments, questions, concerns, feedback or want to support the project with time, expertise or a financial contribution, please email us at info@mainstreetpark.org. Visit our website by clicking on the link below to learn more.
Please note, images, drawings, and videos of the future park are conceptual. The final plans will be dictated by environmental findings, public input, funding, city regulations, etc.
Strategic Relationships
