City of Berkley Is Moving Forward with the Pre-Planned Development of the Oxford-Merchant Park Project

Media contacts: Torri Mathes, City of Berkley; 248-658-3333; tmathes@berkleymich.net
Theresa McArleton; 248-658-3472; tmcarleton@berkleymich.net

Berkley, MI – May 12, 2020 – The City of Berkley is planning to begin development of the long-anticipated Oxford-Merchants park project, which will be located between Oxford and Cambridge, and on the east side of Bacon.

The City has decided to begin the project during the 2020 summer construction season as a portion of the funding will be through a $180,000 federal-matching grant by the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). 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.

“We have been planning the construct of this park for many years. Past years budgets reflect the City Council’s support for this development which is unlike anything the City has done before. We also encouraged to have resident feedback as the primary source for the park’s design,” said Parks and Recreation Director, Theresa McArleton. “Given that the development of the park is partially supported by a federal grant, construction must be completed by the end of 2021. As a result of the social distancing guidelines currently in place, the opportunity to develop the park while it cannot be used seemed like a good path to take. We will continue to follow all guidelines as it relates to public health during and after the park is complete.”

The City of Berkley purchased the Oxford Park property in 2014 from the Berkley School District. In 2016, the Parks and Recreation Department hired Native Edge, LCC to help develop a master plan for the property. Public input from resident focus groups and community stakeholders played a significant role in developing the final plan. The proposed improvement project includes the installation of restroom facilities, a splash park, play structures, walking paths to the recreation amenities, and much more.

“We thank the community for all of their input during the park’s ideation phase and our hope is that this park will serve as a community gathering space and bright spot for the future in Berkley,” said McArleton. “We look forward to welcoming people to the park once it is safe to do so and we have an eager vision for all of the possible events and gatherings once the park is complete."

Prior to the bidding process, the project will have a public hearing at the Berkley Planning Commission meeting which will be held virtually on Tuesday, May 26, 2020 at 7:00 PM. 

Berkley Planning Commission Virtual Meeting Details
All inquiries, comments, or questions may be sent to eschlutow@berkleymich.net.
Join Zoom Meeting: https://berkleymich.zoom.us/j/93323204434
Dial by Phone: 1-312-626-6799
Meeting ID: 933 2320 4434

For any additional questions regarding the Oxford-Merchant park project, residents can email the Parks & Recreation Director at tmcarleton@berkleymich.net. The community can also reach Parks and Recreation at 248-658-3472. If you do not get anyone on the line, leave a message and we will return your call.

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