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Lang Park and major parks projects move ahead: skate park, BMX track, dog park and inclusive playground proposed
Summary
Council heard progress reports on Lang Park (multi-million-dollar project funded with ARPA and county support) and other park upgrades, including an inclusive playground grant application and the petting farm expansion. Staff said construction at Lang Park is underway and that the park may not fully open until late 2025.
Parks and recreation staff updated council on a large Lang Park renovation and a set of related parks projects, and described timing and staffing to operate the expanded amenities.
Lang Park scope and funding: Guido (parks director) said Lang Park will include a skate park, BMX pump track, dog park, expanded docks, a larger playscape and walking and mountain-bike trails. Total investment cited by staff was roughly $4,600,000, funded through ARPA and Wayne County partnership dollars. Contractors for skate features, BMX, docks and dog-park elements have been selected or pre-bid and work was scheduled to begin in the next few weeks; staff said substantial components (skate cement work and grading) require extended curing and sequencing, so the full site target moved toward late 2025.
Inclusive playground and other park investments: Guido and council discussed an inclusive-playground grant application (roughly $800,000–$1,000,000 project) for Heritage Park that would replace the existing playground with an ADA-compliant, poured-in-place rubber surface and accessible transition points. Staff said the project would prioritize inclusive design elements (transition platforms, wheelchair-accessible merry-go-round/swing) and that they are seeking external grant funds for about 80% of the cost.
Petting farm and operations: Parks staff reported the petting farm construction and new pavilion/playscape are near completion and said early-season operations would expand rental and party opportunities. Staff praised on-site workers who quickly aided a child who fell through ice at the petting farm in late winter, crediting quick staff action for a safe outcome.
Staffing and programming: Council asked about staffing needs for the larger park complex; staff said regular parks crews will handle maintenance with additional seasonal hires for lifeguards and park attendants; they noted the challenge of defining labor costs when employees work across parks, pools and recreation programs.
Speakers - Guido — parks and building & grounds director (government) - Ralph — DPW director (government)
Discussion vs. decision - Discussion: scope, schedule and contractors for Lang Park; inclusive-playground grant application; staffing needs for expanded parks. - Decision: No appropriation votes recorded; staff reported existing ARPA and county funding commitments.
Clarifying details - Lang Park total estimate: $4,600,000 (staff-cited ARPA + county funds). - Inclusive playground grant target: approximately $800,000–$1,000,000; staff aiming to secure ~80% in outside grant funding.
Searchable_tags:["Lang Park","skatepark","inclusive_playground","petting_farm","pic_kleball","parks_and_rec"]
