On Monday, September 16, Main Street Park Alliance (MSPA) and Viridis Design Group presented renderings of the park design to Chelsea City Council. Council members and Mayor Pacheco complimented MSPA on the robust community engagement that informed the design and voted unanimously to approve it. This final presentation and subsequent approval allows MSPA to move forward with construction drawings to meet our ambitious build timeline of spring/summer 2025.
What's in the Park?
After extensive stakeholder and community input, Main Street Park reflects the desire for inclusive and active spaces balanced with quieter gathering opportunities. The park aims to fill a current void of teen and tween-friendly outdoor activities while maintaining multi-generational appeal. Primary features include a skate park, climbing wall, multi-sport court, bocce ball, and basketball court. These are balanced with a .25 mile accessible pathway around the perimeter of the park, along with seating and gathering spaces, a gas fire pit, and hammock grove for social gatherings. Central to the park is a green space with a pavilion that will provide both shade in summer and a stage for local music performances.
Where’s the Splash Pad?
With any big development, there is a process of beginning with the dream design, then working to determine cost, future maintenance, and functionality of design. MSPA heard the enthusiasm for a water feature in Chelsea. Unfortunately, the splash pad had to be removed from the design. It was determined that the long term maintenance, cost, and the estimated water usage was not sustainable when reviewed in context of planned housing development. Nor was it in line with the city's conservation goals. Although we are disappointed we won’t be able to include a water feature, we are thrilled by the other custom components and unique aspects of the final design.
What comes next?
After extensive environmental testing, the most ecologically impacted area of the property is the southwest corner. This area also has a city-owned damaged storm water drain. The City of Chelsea and MSPA completed an RFP and evaluated bids, and work will begin in early October to remove 7,000 tons of soil from this area of the property. This portion of the environmental remediation will be funded by a grant from the Washtenaw County Brownfield Authority. The remaining soil removal will happen as we prepare for park construction in spring/summer of 2025.
Thank you for your support!
MSPA has been the recipient of several local grants and donations. Thank you to the UMRC-Porter HIlls Foundation for a $10,000 grant, Chelsea Hospital for a $100,000 commitment, and the Chelsea Community Foundation for a $25,000 grant. It is through the generosity of this community that a former blighted industrial site will be transformed to a vibrant, welcoming community park. MSPA Board President Abby Hurst shares, “These gifts will bring tremendous benefit to the community and help enhance the quality of life for residents, their families, and visitors for years to come.”
Help us make this vision a reality with a private gift!
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.
