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Dearborn approves inclusive Lapeer Park playscape and seven pickleball courts at Ford Woods
Summary
Council awarded a Sourcewell cooperative contract for a $998,886 inclusive playground at Lapeer Park and a $90,900 contract for seven new pickleball courts at Ford Woods Park, with construction planned for spring–summer 2025.
The Dearborn City Council on Jan. 28 authorized two Parks and Recreation capital projects: an inclusive playground at Lapeer Park and seven regulation pickleball courts at Ford Woods Park.
The council awarded a cooperative contract to Pentura LLC via the Sourcewell contract for $998,886 to build a three‑story, fully accessible playscape at Lapeer Park. Parks Director Sean Fletcher described the design as a custom, multi‑level structure with sensory panels, shade elements and accessible circulation to the highest level. Fletcher said the equipment includes modern safety surfacing and expects the playground to have a useful life measured in decades; construction is expected to be completed by summer 2025.
Council also approved a $90,900 award to Laser Striping and Sports Surfacing to convert an in‑line rink at Ford Woods Park into seven regulation pickleball courts. The parks department noted the site was chosen for existing fencing, lighting, proximity to seasonal restrooms and distance from nearby homes to reduce noise impacts. The finance director was authorized to transfer $100,000 from the facility fund to the general capital improvement fund to cover the project.
Council comments emphasized accessibility and demand. Councilman Al Suwafi said the city previously had zero fully inclusive playgrounds and that adding three across the city ensures families will be within a short drive of inclusive play options. Councilman Perez, who spoke about pickleball demand among seniors, urged consideration of residential proximity to courts when siting future facilities.
Why it matters: The projects expand recreational access and accessibility in Dearborn. The playground is funded in part with Community Development Block Grant funds and the parks department said the three playscapes together represent about $4 million in investment across the city.
Next steps: Purchasing and parks staff will coordinate installation and timeline; Fort Woods courts are scheduled for spring construction and the Lapeer playground for completion by summer 2025.
Attribution: Direct remarks in the meeting came from Sean Fletcher (Parks and Recreation director), Councilman Al Suwafi and Councilman Perez; all attributions follow the council record.
