Northville's Hines Park Included in $3.75M Upgrade Plan

Wayne County, MI — Wayne County is investing millions this year to enhance its park system, deliver events and educational programming for residents and support improvements to parks managed by local communities that are not a part of the county’s parks system.

In an announcement Thursday, Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans said $2.5 million will be invested to repair and enhance county parks and other facilities. Another $1.25 million will be allocated to parks and recreational programs managed by cities and townships.

The total annual budget for the Wayne County Parks System this year is $15.3 million, which includes costs for operations, educational programming and special events at parks, maintenance equipment, staff and other expenses.

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“We are putting the tax dollars of Wayne County residents to work by investing in one of the most important features in our communities, our parks system,” Evans said in a statement. “The implementation of these improvement projects and our team’s commitment to delivering high quality programs that interest people of all ages, increases the quality of life for the residents.”

The Capital Improvement Plan for this year concentrates on 17 projects, including installation of new equipment, a critical infrastructure assessment, upgrades to facilities, and trailway developments.
Also included are planned upgrades to comfort stations to ensure accessibility for visitors with disabilities.

Several shelters, playgrounds and gathering spaces will also be improved. These repairs and enhancements will help to ensure that the Wayne County Parks system continues to be an asset to the community.

Wayne County manages 41 parks and facilities encompassing more than 5,600 acres of parkland, two golf courses, a marina and a water park. Thousands of visitors take part in approximately 515 educational programs and events the parks’ system hosts annually.

Among park-goers, there continues to be a demand to connect cultural and natural assets into educational experiences. This year’s operating budget supports continued access to programs designed for children, families, and seniors by including a diverse selection of cultural experiences and activities.

“The programming and activities that we provide for our residents is a great mix of recreational opportunities, educational activities, and cultural programming,” said Beverly Watts, director of the Department of Public Services. “The Capital Improvement Investments help to sustain these vibrant public spaces, which makes all of Wayne County’s 43 communities stronger.”

The Parks Division is also developing the county’s first-ever master plan and also pursuing accreditation from Commission for Accreditations for Parks and Recreation Association.

In 1996, a millage to fund Wayne County Parks was first approved by Wayne County voters. Since then, the millage has passed on three subsequent occasions and, if successful, this year’s “Proposition P” would be the fourth renewal of the millage first passed in 1996.

The value of the taxes collected by the millage is dictated annually by the value of Wayne County properties. Currently, the millage collects about $9 million to be used for parks throughout Wayne County.

The millage dollars pay for not only the operations, programming, maintenance equipment and capital improvements within the Wayne County Parks system, but also help pay for improvements to many locally-owned parks throughout our Wayne County cities and townships.

Below, review the list of parks set for upgrades.

Hines Park

Hines Park is a 17 mile parkway that spans a number of communities in Wayne County including Northville, Plymouth, Livonia, Westland, and Dearborn Heights. Hines Park includes 25 park segments that have a variety of amenities for residents that include soccer fields, baseball diamonds, playgrounds, picnic areas, and comfort stations. The parkway has a non-motorized path that spans the length of the park and is used for walking, jogging, and bicycling.

Gunsolly Mills

The installation of a new swing set with baby swing will be added to the area where the play structure and shelter are located. This new equipment provides an opportunity for parent and baby to enjoy the outdoors together.

Nankin Mills Park A

A popular and highly requested ball field in Hines Park will get upgrades that focus on improving the safety for the participants by adding protective fencing in front of the benches, grading the fields to eliminate dangerous ball hops and ensuring proper drainage.

Nankin Mills Park B

A popular and highly requested ball field in Hines Park will get upgrades that focus on improving the safety for the participants by adding protective fencing in front of the benches, grading the fields to eliminate dangerous ball hops and ensuring proper drainage.

Valley View Ball field Renovation

A popular and highly requested ball field in Hines Park will get upgrades that focus on improving the safety for the participants by adding protective fencing in front of the benches, grading the fields to eliminate dangerous ball hops and ensuring proper drainage.

Nankin Mills Park Comfort Station

Wayne County will upgrade the restroom facilities to ensure visitors with disabilities can fully enjoy Nankin Mills Park. The comfort station will receive a ramp and stair replacement to provide visitors with disabilities access from the larger shelter and playground to the comfort station.

Nankin Mills Interpretive Center and Museum

The cedar shake roof will be replaced and the building will receive outdoor paint. Nankin Mills Interpretive Center and Museum is the home of exhibits and interpretive programs that highlight the natural and cultural history of the area. It also serves as Wayne County Parks’ administrative office.

Mountain Bike Trailhead Parking and Kiosks

Wayne County Parks collaborated with the International Mountain Bicycling Association and the Motor City Mountain Biking Association to implement two mountain bike trails in Riverview Park and Lakeview Park. Trash receptacles, bike racks, and benches will be added to the trails as well as improvements to the parking lot.

Water Line Assessment and Replacement Strategy

Many of the facilities in Hines Park were built during the 1930's and 1940's, which can present a challenge for dependable water lines. An assessment of the current conditions of all water lines will be made and recommendations will be provided on cost effectively repairing and/or replacing water lines throughout the park.

Ellsworth Boardwalk and Trailhead Parking

The Ellsworth Boardwalk and Trailhead Parking is planned in the Holliday Nature Preserve, which is frequented by naturalists who lead hikes with scout, school and family groups This project protects and enhances our natural resources while providing the community with trials, walks, and bikeway to explore and enjoy the nature preserve. Because the preserve is located in a floodplain area, the installation will allow visitors to access the preserve from dawn to dusk, even in inclement weather. Included in this project is a parking lot and trailhead that will provide a fully accessible route for this portion of the trail system.

Elizabeth Park

Elizabeth Park is a nearly 100-year-old, 162-acre island Park located in the lower Detroit River in Trenton. Elizabeth Park visitors are known to picnic, fish and enjoy a variety of other outdoor recreational activities, throughout Michigan’s seasons. It also is the home of major events hosted by Wayne County such as Jazz on the River, New Country on the River and Park it Family Fun Night

Elizabeth Park Greenway and Shoreline Restoration

This project will provide a safe 4,000-foot, 10 foot wide greenway trail for bikers and pedestrians along a portion of Jefferson Avenue located in Elizabeth Park that will provide a link via Riverside Street, to Trenton’s Central Business District, its three riverfront parks and other points north. The trail will also connect to the Detroit International Wildlife Refuge Gateway and is part of the Iron Belle Trail. The canal shoreline habitat restoration involves the use of soft shoreline engineering techniques to stabilize the shores of the canal, enhance habitat for fish and wildlife, minimize flooding and erosion through a number of initiatives, remove invasive plant species, construct five fishing platforms and improve access for canoeing and kayaking.

Facility Repairs

Much needed roof repairs will be completed on the beautiful Chateau, west comfort station, concession stand, and the maintenance facility.

Crosswinds Marsh

The 1,000 acre marsh is one of the most pristine wetlands in the state of Michigan and therefore a huge draw for outdoor recreation. The marsh offers year-round activities including trails for hiking, horseback riding and cross-country skiing, and areas for picnicking and fishing. Also offered are natural science educational programming and related events for schools, scout groups and families.

Design and Construct Comfort Station

The marsh has operated without a restroom facility or running water for 20 years. The addition of the comfort station will enhance the experiences for student groups and other visitors who take advantage of the beautiful nature of the park.

Inkster Park

This park is located along the banks of the Lower Rouge River and sits within the heart of the city of Inkster. The picnic area is graced with large old growth maple and ash trees that allow for ample shade and beauty. The park features a ball diamond, picnic shelter with commercial grill and a playscape for children.

Upgrade Comfort Station

Wayne County will upgrade the restroom facilities to ensure visitors with disabilities can fully enjoy Inkster Park. The comfort station will be renovated to include Americans with Disability Act compliance, which also includes parking and the sidewalk connection to the facility.

Lola Valley

A green ribbon of a park, located in Redford Township, lines the banks f the Lola Valley Creek that has been a popular destination since its beginning in 1933. Its rolling green slopes along the river have been a haven for winter sledding, spring flowers, summer picnics and disc golfing.

Upgrade Comfort Station

Wayne County will upgrade the restroom facilities to ensure visitors with disabilities can fully enjoy Lola Valley. The comfort station will be renovated to include Americans with Disability Act compliance, which also includes parking and the sidewalk connection to the facility.