Future Park Site!
Who knew the view would change so much?! Now, when you drive around the block surrounding the park, you see the drastic changes. Pictures speak a thousand words.
In addition to the former Federal Screw Works, MSPA purchased the home on 511 Congdon Street at market price. The house was located adjacent to the most contaminated side of the property's southwest corner. The entire area will be included in the remediation plan and speaks to MSPA's foremost commitment to improving the site's environmental condition. Before demolition started an asbestos abatement contractor safely removed the impacted materials on the structures. We salvaged a few hundred bricks and a couple of steel trusses for potential reuse in the park. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy inspected & approved all demolition work to date.
Drone photos & footage courtesy John Tripolsky
Park Features
Bocce Ball
In response to stakeholder feedback, the park design will include Bocce Ball. Widely participated around the world, "Bocce as a Special Olympics sport provides people with special needs the opportunity to have social contact, develop physically and to gain self-confidence" (specialolympics.org). Follow this link to learn more.
Swings...a place for rest, relaxation, and contemplation
Who wants benches when you could have swings??? MSPA is investing in swings similar to the recent installation at The Rail Park in Philadelphia. The Rail Park mission resonates with the MSPA vision: Our mission is to build bold, transformative, and inclusive public space that connects Philadelphia's residents and visitors to the city and each other. Through cross-sector partnership and community collaboration, the Rail Park will transform a historic railway into three miles of linear park and pathway, enriching the health, culture, and ecology of the city, creating an inclusive economic opportunity for Philadelphians.
Skate Park
Led by a local skate enthusiast Gus Alafita, MSPA implemented a skate design survey and compiled user feedback for the design conversation. VIRIDIS Design Group and Spohn Ranch Skateparks hosted a focus group on May 14th to discuss the potential elements and course design. The focus group was attended by youth and adult skaters. If interested, the next focus group will occur on June 19th. Email info@mainstreetpark.org to sign up. As park design and construction documents are finalized, this input is critical to developing a skate route that will be unique to Chelsea and will appeal to all ages and abilities. The skateboarding community is excited to see their ideas incorporated into the next design concept.
Pavilion
VIRIDIS Design Group has been working on the pavilion and accessible restrooms. The pavilion will serve as a much-requested shade element and double as a performance stage with audience gathering space on the lawn. Weigh in with your thoughts by clicking on our survey link below.
One of our young supporters, Dylan Z, was inspired by the Main Street Park Project’s recent building demolition project when he created his LEGO® likeness. Photo courtesy Kate Zurenko
Financial
In May, MSPA completed a financial audit with Shea & Associates. Audited financials contribute to the financial transparency and integrity of our organization and are required by many grant applications. In more good news, MSPA was awarded a $350,000 grant from the Glick Foundation of Jackson and $100,000 from the Chelsea Hospital, which brings us to approximately 65% of the way to the anticipated project costs. We continue to pursue grants and align resources to bring this vision to reality. We still have a gap to fill and welcome inquiries about how you can help. This is a community project that will require all levels of financial support and diverse funding.
Next Steps
VIRIDIS DESIGN GROUP and MSPA will present the below-grade construction plans to the City of Chelsea Planning Commission on June 18th. To keep to our ambitious timeline the above-ground park amenity review will happen in a subsequent meeting. The environmental work will continue in earnest now that the site has been cleared of all structures. The excavation of the southwest corner of the property is expected in early fall of 2024. Further soil removal will happen concurrently with park construction in 2025. The excavation and safe removal of contaminated soil are funded by two separate grants from EGLE and the Washtenaw County Brownfield Authority. The amenity and structure design phase will begin in mid-2025.
TO MAKE A DONATION
Help demonstrate your support of this exciting project with a donation today.
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.
In addition to the former Federal Screw Works, MSPA purchased the home on 511 Congdon Street at market price. The house was located adjacent to the most contaminated side of the property's southwest corner. The entire area will be included in the remediation plan and speaks to MSPA's foremost commitment to improving the site's environmental condition. Before demolition started an asbestos abatement contractor safely removed the impacted materials on the structures. We salvaged a few hundred bricks and a couple of steel trusses for potential reuse in the park. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy inspected & approved all demolition work to date.
In response to stakeholder feedback, the park design will include Bocce Ball. Widely participated around the world, "Bocce as a Special Olympics sport provides people with special needs the opportunity to have social contact, develop physically and to gain self-confidence" (specialolympics.org). Follow 
