The summer theme continues this week as we touch on our local parks, under the supervision of Northville Parks and Recreation (where I serve as Vice Chair to Chair Supervisor Abbo). The Township & City work together, developing and maintaining our shared greenspaces with our outstanding Parks & Recreation TEAM for the betterment of the community.
This is truly the time of year to explore our parks which we are so fortunate to have, along with accessing our waterways (rivers, lakes and ponds). I encourage you to enjoy the topography of the Northville area, historically known as the “Hamlet in the Hills” or the “Switzerland of Wayne County.”
Before looking at our Parks, let’s see today’s happenings:
- Mill Race Village is now open Sundays, 1-4 PM – Stroll the bricked lane, visit the blooming gardens and historic buildings.
- Upcoming Music/Concerts/Events – Chamber/DDA Link, Maybury Link, Marquis Link, Northville Winery Link, NOMI Link, Genitti’s Link, Tipping Point Theatre Link
TASK FORCE MEETINGS
- Cemetery Restoration Mtg – 8/11, 7:00 PM City Hall (David Marold – Chair)
- Bicentennial Task Force Mtg - 8/21, 7:00 PM City Hall (Rick Sharpe – Chair)
INFO FOR CITIZENS …
Projects Around Town
- Ford Field – Phase I: Waterfall, Phase II (now) new DTE poles installed and renovations happening. (Vista overlook, fencing, staircase upgrades, ADA entrance). New playscape & Bathrooms to follow.
- Riverwalk – Riverwalk/Pathway system taking shape at the Downs – DTE Substation building cleared for Riverwalk. Bridge embankments at the Downs constructed.
- Downs Initiative – Infrastructure continues, curbing started in the midsection (House Area) this week – Major utilities in … Fall move in for Townhomes.
- Farmers’ Market – This City & Township gathering place (550 7 Mile) hosts the Market on Thursdays, 8am - 2pm. Additional events here: Car shows, (2nd Saturday monthly) and for the future, drive-in movies, festivals, carnivals. etc.
- Grants that Support Northville’s Community Initiatives – Link
Let’s take a look at Parks & Recreation greenspaces for all to explore in our community…
Mill Race Village – 215 Griswold St
- Northville Woman’s Club founded the Northville Historical Society in 1963. On July 6, 1972, the New School Church and the Hunter House were moved to the Mill Race site on Griswold, thus beginning the historic Mill Race Village (our “Greenfield Village”).
Pocket Parks
- Cabbagetown Park (723 Carpenter Ave) – Northville purchased this land many decades ago as a means of providing a benefit of a pocket park for residents.
- Maplewood Park (201 Maplewood St.) – Heritage trees abound in a natural setting
- Old Village School (405 W. Main St.) – Sitting area & Playground (Historic District)
- Joe Denton Park (Seven Mile & Eaton Dr.) – Originally a pond (Orchard Heights)
Marv Gans Community Park – 15801 Beck Rd
- The largest park in the system before Legacy was developed (119 acres). These athletic grounds were renamed in 2017 in memory of Marv Gans, a longtime Northville Township Trustee, who was an advocate for parks & recreation greenspaces.
- Community Dog Park @ Marv Gans Park was added in 2021 covering 4 Acres.
Millennium Park – 45769 Six Mile Rd.
- Dedicated in 2002, this park is the result of cooperation between the Township Board, Toll Brothers, Friends of Northville Parks & Recreation and the N-Ville Baseball Assoc.
- Unity Skatepark @ Millennium Park – Northville’s newest park opened in 2023 and was created in memory of Northville resident Dominic Duhn.
Cady Street Dog Park – 215 W. Cady St. (7 acres)
- What started as an 18-month trial project has grown into a popular community asset.
Ford Field
- Northville has had the use of Ford Field since 1938 (in 1946, lights were added).
- The Northville Mustangs played their football games at Ford Field through 1962 then transitioned to the present field on 8 Mile. The City worked with Northvillian Rick Cox who purchased the property from Ford, which he then donated to the City.
Fish Hatchery Park – 45801 Seven Mile
- The first national Fish Hatchery (1800s) was located here. The book Northville: The Ideal Suburban Village published in 1892 spoke about the 1869 history of the fishery that stocked up to 250,000 trout. Most of the Brown Trout in North America came from this location. Walk the grounds today and envision its historic past.
Coldwater Springs Nature Area – Ridge Road
- This park, opened in April of 2010, was made possible through a grant from the Michigan DNR to Northville Township and Pulte Homes. Its 1.5-mile nature trail and boardwalk system run along the “holy waters” of the Johnson Creek.
Henningsen Park – 41600 Six Mile
- Playground area & walking trails abound in this serene escape for nature lovers and families alike with its towering trees proving ample shade.
Sheldon Road Park – On Sheldon between 5 & 6 Mile
- You’ll find this four-acre area with a play structure & benches next to the walking path. Enjoy a stroll there before summer ends.
Thayer’s Corner Nature Area – 8250 Napier Rd
- Named after the Thayer Family (pioneer family from the 1800’s), this unique park features 100 community gardens, a restored 1850’s barn, a historic school, benches, and a fire pit.
Veteran’s Memorial Park at Waterford Woods
- The Township’s memorial to war veterans was developed in 2000 by Toll Brothers with details planned by the American Legion and the VFW Post.
- This area was once part of the historic Waterford community (larger than the Ville).
Legacy Park – Seven Mile
- In 1952, its healing history began as the former Northville Psychiatric Hospital. Plans call for the development of various recreational opportunities, catering to the many interests of the community.
- Northville Township in cooperation with Parks & Rec is creating an important piece of the community’s future legacy here providing 350 acres of green space, it will become an oasis designed to provide endless enjoyment for all Northvillians.
To add to these outstanding greenspaces, the entire riverwalk park system’s pathways, stretching from the Mill Race Village to Wayne County Cass Benton Park should be ready by the end of 2026 (the outstanding 10-acre bioswale park at the Downs will be constructed by Fall).
Additionally, the City Central Park behind the Presby Church will be completed by next year, too. Both will be maintained by the Parks and Recreation TEAM!
Get out and enjoy our Parks and Greenspaces as our summer winds down!
Keep that Summer Faith!
Brian Turnbull
Motorsport Mayor – Northville
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