Council authorizes submission of $500,000 LWCF grant for Heritage Park playground and pledges $750,000 local match

The Farmington Hills City Council voted March 24 to authorize submission of a $500,000 Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant application to replace playground equipment and improve parking accessibility at Heritage Park, and to make available a $750,000 local match drawn from parks millage funding and donations.

Ellen Schnackl, director of Special Services, introduced the proposal and said the project is being planned in phases: the current request covers playground equipment and parking accessibility as the first phase, while a later phase would address a splash pad. Schnackl said the city previously allocated $750,000 from the parks millage toward the project and will seek additional grants and capital‑improvement funding for phase two.

During public and council questions, Schnackl said the plan includes accessible surfacing, better paths to the play area and pavilion, and that the new parking lot would include “6 to 8 new ADA spaces.” Councilmember Aldred noted Heritage Park’s high usage and supported pursuing grants and millage funds to protect the park, calling it a “jewel” for the city.

Councilmember Aldred moved to authorize the LWCF application for $500,000 and the city’s commitment of $750,000 in local match; the motion carried on an aye vote with no recorded opposition.

Project details provided at the meeting and in the packet include: a total anticipated project cost of $1,250,000 (grant $500,000 plus local match $750,000), phased construction with playground and parking in phase one and a splash pad in phase two, and outreach to disability‑advocacy groups to guide accessible playground design.

City staff said they will return with funding requests for the second phase in the next capital‑improvement plan cycle and will pursue additional grant opportunities.