Plans to improve Shiawassee Park in downtown Farmington are set to pick up later this year so construction can begin early in 2009.
City officials want to make Shiawassee Park more accessible to downtown Farmington, especially for pedestrians. The $1-million project will build a walking bridge over the Seeley Drain, a tributary of the Rouge River, creating a connection between the park and downtown.
Linking the park and downtown is expected to increase foot traffic from walkers and joggers to downtown and the park.
The existing staircase connecting the two is old, steep and imposing. The new bridge will be inviting, barrier free and handicap accessible. A switchback ramp will be built on the downtown side of the bridge with observation decks overlooking the park. New pedestrian lighting will also be added to the park.
"It's still the same project," says Vincent Pastue, city manager for the city of Farmington.
Source: Vincent Pastue, city manager for Farmington
Writer: Jon Zemke
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