Community Update from Mayor Turnbull

NORTHVILLIAN                               1/06/2026

NORTHVILLIANS,                                                                                                                                                                  

The year 2025 in Northville was, in a word, momentous.  As we roll into 2026, I again wish you all THE BEST that the New Year will bring and encourage you to engage in our community. Each of us has the same number of minutes to use each and every day (60 minutes an hour & 24 hours in the day). To that point, it’s how we use these minutes and with whom we spend them that defines us. Today, I’ll highlight some initiatives that defined Northville in 2025.

Many in our community contribute through countless endeavors, including the development of our Riverwalk, additional green spaces & placemaking areas, Ford Field renovations, Farmers’ Market activities, events downtown, the moving of our historic log cabin, and many other transformational projects.

Northvillians are preparing the town for the next generation. We are so fortunate to have over 6% of our local population involved with Commissions, Boards & Task Forces for the betterment of our beloved area. Two groups most recently added are the Bicentennial and Cemetery Restoration Teams, who are accomplishing and planning extraordinary initiatives.

Before looking at the past year in Northville, let’s see what’s happening in town today:

• Northville’s Centennial History Seminar with Mayor Turnbull – 1/28/26, 7pm in the New School Church at Mill Race Village. Highlights from Northville’s first hundred years and its 1927 Centennial Parade & Celebration. Link
• Upcoming Music/Concerts/Events – Marquis Link, NOMI Link, Genitti’s Link

TASK FORCE MEETINGS

• Bicentennial Task Force Mtg – 2/12/26, 7PM City Hall (Rick Sharpe – Chair)
• Cemetery Renewal Task Force – 3/23/26, 7PM City Hall (Dave Marold – Chair)

(See Link for information or Link to donate/support)

PROJECTS AROUND TOWN

• FORD FIELD – Work continues at Ford Field: New fencing, an ADA entry way, an overhang Vista, DTE infrastructure work, a new playscape and planning for a bathroom structure and finalizing the waterfall placemaking area (Serenity Point).
• RIVERWALK – The riverwalk pathway system is coming into fruition within the “Downs” section and will go North to Ford Field, with the vision of being a connection all the way North to Mackinaw City and South into Ohio. Most importantly, we are connecting City & Township green spaces to County & State parks. Catch a view from our Market area on 7 Mile.
• DOWNS INITIATIVE – Roundabout (Sheldon/7 Mile) is now open – See & Review the award winning SEMCOG “Roundabout Wizard” video - Link
• NORTHVILLE COMMUNITY MARKET AREA – Township/City events continue here.
• GRANTS that Support Northville’s Community Initiatives (Over $16M) – Link

OUR WAY FORWARD PATH – AND A LOOK BACK AT 2025

We truly live in a special municipality with over 750 acres of Greenspace under the supervision of Parks & Recreation, available for all to use.  The City, Township, School District and Parks & Rec work together for the benefit of all Northvillians.

OUR “WAY FORWARD” PATH & 2025 HIGHLIGHTS …

• Building on Our Strengths: Thriving businesses, beautiful green spaces & top-ranked Schools.
• Community Cooperation: Supporting initiatives on our Riverwalk, Farmers’ Market, Ford Field, Cemetery restoration work and planning for our Bicentennial celebration.
• Flexibility of entertainment choices at Genitti’s, Tipping Point, Marquis Theatre, NOMI, Town Square, Great White Buffalo Brewing, the Northville Winery and others.
• The Downs Project is creating a diverse variety of home selections, retail outlets and placemaking areas.
  • Greenspace @ the Downs comprises 31% of the 49 acres. This includes daylighting the entombed river just 6 months ago and a bioswale River Park open to the public this coming spring that includes walk bridges and miles of pathways to enjoy. Add to this, we will have a beautiful Central Park area ready by next summer for all Northvillians to enjoy.

INITIATIVES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN 2025 …

• River Restoration Task Force – Assisted in completing a 10+ acre park with plans for  pathway systems which will complete the State’s trail network from Ohio to Mackinaw City. The river was daylighted in 2025, pathways are poured and 1400 mature trees have been planted at the River Park.
• Farmers’ Market Activity – the new “Community Market” on Seven Mile across from Custard Time debuted in May and has not only hosted the Chamber’s Farmers’ Market, but also drive-in movies (sponsored by Parks & Rec), 5K charity fun runs and monthly Car shows (April-Oct).  Together with the Township, the City of Northville has created a Gateway Trailhead area here, under the care of Parks & Recreation.

• Ford Field Initiative – Rejuvenation of Ford Field into a true “Downtown Regional Park,” is being completed, featuring a beautiful ADA entryway, overlook vista with fencing, a waterfall, a new playscape and permanent restrooms.
  

• Flexibility for our downtown with the use of bollards for special events for all to experience. Additionally, we have award-winning rooftop dining and concerts throughout town at Town Square and other venues.

• Other Community Activities in 2025 included: Work at the Township’s Legacy Park which is a gem for all in the community, monthly car shows at the new Market area, and volunteer work that makes Northville a Tree City AND a Parade City in the state of Michigan. Northville is truly a special place.
• Log Cabin – Thanks to the Historical Society, Northville Community Support Fund and many volunteers in the community (including Nancy Darga & Bill Stockhausen) who assisted in relocating this historic structure with exciting plans to renovate our legacy log cabin to be a unique public welcoming center at our River Park (7 Mile/River).
Awards bestowed on Northville in 2025:

Your Northville TEAM (City, Township & Schools along with Parks & Recreation) are working together for the future of your Northville for the next generation.

These are truly exciting times and with your assistance, the future is BRIGHT!

Again, I would be remiss if I didn’t thank each and every one of you who have assisted the Community during this past year for sharing your time and talents, reaching out to our youth, helping our seniors, and donating to Civic Concern.

Let’s get ready for an amazing 2026 and for planning extraordinary initiatives for our Bicentennial in 2027. The Journey of 2026 and beyond begins TODAY.

Keep that Northville Bicentennial ’27 Faith!

Brian Turnbull
Mayor – Northville