NORTHVILLIAN
Switching gears from previous weeks’ reflections on Memorial Day and Northville Graduation activities, we will talk this week about new placemaking parks, which may even be a backdrop for future weddings and graduation pics.
Notably, a litany of ribbon-cutting events are happening presently. The River Park on 7 Mile and Beal St., along with its historic log cabin, will be dedicated June 17th. Coming up next week, Ford Field’s playscape will be dedicated June 12th along with the first Roundabout in Wayne County at 7 Mile and Sheldon. All this activity represents our “get ready” for our Bicentennial in 2027, where we are finalizing our infrastructure improvements, enhancing our placemaking areas and planning events for the benefit of all Northvillians.
BEFORE LOOKING AT HISTORIC INITIATIVES COMING TO FRUITION, LETS SEE WHATS HAPPENING TODAY…
TASK FORCE MEETINGS
- Cemetery Renewal Task Force Mtg – 7/13/26, 7PM City Hall (Dave Marold–Chair)
- ¾(See Link for information or Link to donate/support.)
- Bicentennial Task Force Mtg – 7/15/26, 7PM City Hall (Rick Sharpe – Chair)
- ¾Additional ways to be involved will be posted soon.
NORTHVILLE PLACEMAKING GREENSPACES BEING DEDICATED
THE DOWNS RIVER PARK
A beautiful a 10.3-acre public park located within the former Northville Downs redevelopment site built along a daylighted section (previously below ground) of the Rouge River and the Johnson Creek. It will include walking and cycling trails, pedestrian bridges, native plantings, public art and access points to the river’s edge, along with being an important conduit connecting city and township greenspaces to county and state parks. This park is a connection for southeast Michigan to head south to Ohio and north to Mackinaw.
A historic log cabin was relocated to act as the gateway Welcome Center at the south entry into the park. Join us for the River Park Ribbon cutting on 6/17 at 11AM.
Special thanks go out to the Riverwalk Task Force and the Log Cabin Restoration Team.
FORD FIELD’S PLACESCAPE (FORT GRISWOLD)
A tremendous amount of work has been done by the Ford Field Task force to transform this athletic area into a special gathering place for future generations. Attributes include: Waterfalls, lookout vistas, a hospitality area with restrooms and a world-class playscape (to be dedicated 6/12 @ 3PM.) This destination, adjacent to our historic Mill Race Village, attracts visitors from around 30 communities on a daily basis.
I invite you to stroll Ford Field to see the progress and enjoy its peaceful surroundings.
SHELDON/7 MILE ROUNDABOUT
A new gateway to the city is being dedicated Friday 6/12 that is connected to pathways and placemaking areas at the Downs Development parks. Stakeholders will gather to cut the ribbon of the FIRST Roundabout on Wayne County Roads, designed for better ingress and egress of vehicular traffic, along with safer pedestrian crossing areas.
OTHER CONNECTED INITIATIVES
MARKET AREA, FORD FIELD EAST, DTE SUBSTATION, FOUNDARY FLASK RIVER FRONT
These activities in Northville are made possible thanks to the number of citizens who are involved and engaged. In fact, over 7% of all Northville residents are sharing their time & talents on boards, commissions and task forces for the betterment of our community. Task force work on Ford Field, the River Walk & Park along with the Farmers’ Market have all come to fruition. The Cemetery Restoration TEAM and the Bicentennial Group are making great progress on their projects and would welcome new members to join their efforts.
These are truly exciting times, and with all of us working together, we are moving forward in readying the community for the next generation of Northvillians.
I thank each and every one of you for all you do for the community we Love.
Keep that Northville Faith!
Brian Turnbull
Mayor – Northville