April 2024

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View this email in your browser Since our January update, we have much to share. But first, we would like to thank you for following and supporting our Main Street Park project. We sent our first newsletter on December 28, 2021, to an audience of 190 people; today, we have nearly 800 subscribers! Thank you, and please share the newsletter with anyone you know who may be interested in subscribing.   As reported in our last update, according to the National Recreation and Parks Association, a community the size of Chelsea should have 56 acres of parkland. Chelsea has 35 acres, nearly 40% less than the national standard; most of this parkland is located on the periphery of the population center, and much of that acreage is wooded or wetlands. The total acreage associated with Main Street Park is 2.82 acres, dropping the deficit to 32%, and this park is located within the city center. The park overview below identifies the allocation of specific amenities and activities space.   We are also excited about the renovation of TimberTown Park which is scheduled for August 6-11.  TimberTown is looking for volunteers and donations to help bring this full-on community project to fruition.  MSPA has carefully crafted the proposed park amenities and recreational offerings to complement existing community infrastructure.  TimberTown’s impressive play structure focuses on younger children, ages 2-12, while Main Street Park is designed as a dynamic intergenerational space. The non-motorized pathway will connect both parks and the recreational landscape will be much enhanced by these initiatives. Learn more at www.TimberTownChelsea.org We anticipate that park construction will begin in early 2025 and be completed by the end of 2025. To review the park timeline, visit www.mainstreetpark.org.  Design -Over the last six months, MSPA With the help of our design partner, VIRIDIS, engaged our community in a robust series of focus group meetings, community open houses, and public school outreach sessions to review initial park design concepts. With overwhelmingly positive feedback, including a 7-1 vote of approval by City Council, Viridis Design Group is finalizing the concepts to prepare for park construction.  The site's history is being honored and considered as the design develops into an enduring park that will appeal to future generations. The design team is bridging the gap between the past and the future. To learn more about the design process, visit  www.mainstreetpark.org/design.  If you have additional questions, comments or design feedback please email info@mainstreetpark.org.  CALL TO ACTION—We seek skaters interested in participating in the skate park design process with Spohn Ranch Skateparks. Please contact us at info@mainstreetpark.org.  Environmental - April is Earth Month. One of the most essential elements of this project has been ecologically sensitive design and environmental restoration MSPA will create a space that not only greatly enhances the environmental conditions but it will also be safe and contribute to future air and ground quality.  Our design amenities include native trees, in shaded areas, a native rain garden and a vegetative buffer along the park perimeter.   We received approval from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) for our ResAp (Response Activity Plan), which is an environmental remediation plan. MSPA will begin demolition of the buildings in late spring/early summer.  We are approaching this next phase with an ultimate focus on safety, concern for our neighbors, and environmental sustainability. Stakeholder Support - MSPA and the City of Chelsea partnered on a Michigan Department of Natural Resources Trust Fund Grant request for keyfunding. As part of the application process, we received letters of support; the following are excerpts from two of them:  "I had the pleasure of meeting with the Main Street Park Alliance Board of Directors to discuss the project's details. I was impressed with the thoughtful and inclusive process that MSPA and its partners undertook. The park's active spaces will offer various recreational opportunities that promote physical fitness, free play, social engagement, and enjoyment. The Main Street Park project will become a valuable community resource, promoting mental and physical wellness." Senator Sue Shink, 14th District.  "The Main Street Park project is centrally located and will serve as a connection point for the multi-generational users who live, visit and recreate in Chelsea. It will be connected to the Chelsea schools and library, senior-living communities, hospital, businesses, and the Border-to-Border Trail via the non-motorized pathway and sidewalks, making Main Street Park an ideal part to access on foot, bike, or other non-motorized methods." Kathy Schmaltz, State Representative 46th District.   In 2024, MSPA will explore numerous grant opportunities.  Help demonstrate your support of this exciting project with a donation today.  DONATE 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.  Copyright © 2024, Main Street Park Alliance, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: PO Box 222 Chelsea,, MI  48118