Main Street Park Environmental Work Resumes in April!
After a competitive bid process, Main Street Park Alliance awarded the final environmental remediation contract to HM Environmental. The remediation plan will involve removing approximately 4 feet of soil from the entire property and refilling it with clean soil to prepare for construction. Washtenaw County Brownfield Authority awarded an additional $207,000 for this soil remediation, allowing the safe installation of all underground utilities and construction footings for park elements. This soil depth will also ensure that the City of Chelsea can perform future underground maintenance. Check out MSPA’s Environmental Remediation Fact Sheet for full details!
On March 18, an MSPA board member, a VIRIDIS designer, and a construction representative met with adjacent neighbors to update them on what to expect during the remediation and construction phases of the project. These meetings allowed neighbors to review construction plans, ask questions, and discuss the impact of their specific properties. Beginning in April, expect sidewalk closures on Congdon Street and Main Street between Summit and Lincoln and additional truck traffic as contaminated soil is removed from the site. All pedestrians should cross at designated pedestrian crossings.
When Does Construction Start?
Construction will begin immediately following remediation, with the skatepark and climbing wall among the first elements installed. Construction will continue throughout the summer and fall of 2025. Please remember, as exciting as this is, that it will be an active, fenced construction zone and will not be safe for play until the City of Chelsea opens it to the public. Watch for updates at City Council meetings as part of City Manager Marty Colburn’s report, on the MSPA website, and our new Facebook page.
Fundraising Update
The $1 Million Construction Campaign kicked off in December with a flurry of generous year-end donations. An anonymous donor agreed to match $250,000 in new contributions. So far, an additional $484,892 has been raised. Although construction is scheduled to begin, MSPA still needs to raise over $2 million. A few key grants are pending. However, while we wait, we are redoubling our efforts and mobilizing our community to join us; every penny counts. Visit www.mainstreetpark.org/donate to contribute.
We are thrilled to announce that Chelsea School District will host a penny drive to let our community kids chip in to build the park. Search those couch cushions and help fill the collection buckets at each school!
The Penny Drive will run April 2–May 2 with collection bins at each school district building, and the following locations in the community currently include:
Agricole Farm Stop
Ballet Chelsea
Chelsea State Bank (Chelsea locations)
Chelsea Senior Center
Eder & Diver Insurance
The Garden Mill
Heydlauff’s Appliances
Kitty Face
The Purple Rose Theatre
We anticipate this list will grow; we will update the list on social media.
Thank you, Cottage Inn Pizza, for pledging $5,000 to the construction campaign—we can’t wait to eat our first slice in the park!
Does your employer offer matching funds to personal donations? Let us know and we will help spread the word. Thank you to Consumers Energy for providing this match to their employees.
Your Support Matters - This Is Our YEAR - Check Out the New Online Store!
What better way to spread the word about your support of the park than with some great swag? We have hats, youth sizes, and tote bags.
We have a Facebook Page!Thanks to Chelsea State Bank for setting it up. Please follow us for updates, and remember to engage by commenting, liking, and sharing! We appreciate your support!
