City Receives $180,000 Grant to Develop City Park
The City of Berkley is set to receive a federal grant in the amount of $180,000 to develop a splash pad area and other amenities at Oxford/Merchants Park.
“The department is ready to begin the next phase of this exciting project,” Berkley Parks & Recreation Director Theresa McArleton said. “The process has been long and not without setbacks, but hearing from residents at each step, working to develop a new park plan and looking toward the future has made the effort and this achievement that much sweeter.”
The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant, together with $180,000 in matching funds from the City, will help provide the following elements:
- Approximately 1,600 square-foot natural splash pad area
- Six-foot asphalt walkways connecting the park to the surrounding sidewalks
- Universally designed family restrooms
The LWCF is a federal program administered by the United States Department of Interior’s National Park Service and implemented locally by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The final approval process for the grant is expected to take approximately 4-6 months to complete.
The City of Berkley purchased three acres of property known as Oxford Park in 2014 from the Berkley School District. In 2016, the Parks & Recreation Department hired Native Edge, LCC to help develop a master plan for the property. Public input from resident focus groups and surrounding stakeholders played a significant role in developing the final plan.
Development of the park could start as soon as spring/summer of 2020 depending on final award timing and project bids. The 6.7-acre property directly abuts Merchants Park between Oxford and Cambridge.