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DDA approves $19,232 for Lions Park seating; plans incremental landscaping and permanent holiday tree
Summary
The DDA approved spending $19,232 for benches, a table and chairs, foundations and a trash receptacle at Lions Park and discussed phased landscaping, a permanent Christmas tree and use of a DNR grant to help cover tree plantings.
The Grosse Ile Downtown Development Authority approved $19,232 to add seating, a table and chairs, foundations and a trash receptacle at Lions Park and discussed a step-by-step plan to add trees, landscaping and a permanent Christmas tree.
Why it matters: The purchase is intended to give residents places to sit and to test movable seating near the park’s central tree; board members said the improvements will help make Lions Park more usable while larger improvements are staged over time.
Board action The board voted to approve the purchase of two backless benches, two steel benches with backs, one steel table, three steel chairs, five foundations (four for benches and one for the trash receptacle), shipping and one trash receptacle, for a total of $19,232. Motion to approve: Mr. Jacobson; support: Ms. Carn. The motion carried.
Park improvements and timeline Staff described the project as incremental. Ross said the table and chairs will be movable “to see how the public interacts” with that furniture before making permanent installations. He told the board that a community sculpture installation is scheduled for later in the year and that limited DDA funds will be prioritized across the park program.
Landscaping and grants Staff said they plan to extend last year’s landscaping contract to add trees along the west side of Lions Park and that the DDA has a DNR grant (noted in the meeting) that could cover part of the planting costs. Ross said the DNR grant amount discussed at the meeting was $4,400 and that the grant manager indicated the funds could be applied to this year’s plantings.
Accessibility and design choices Board members discussed bench types and placement. One member said backless benches along Lyons Drive allow seating facing either direction, while other benches around the park circle will include backs. A board member raised accessibility concerns and asked that additional benches with backs or armrests be considered to help older residents sit and stand.
Next steps Staff will finalize style and color options for the table and chairs and share product links with board members for input prior to final ordering. Delivery and installation were estimated to take several weeks; staff noted shipping lead times may be up to two months for some furnishings.
