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Livonia council backs $5 million bond release for Sheldon Park redesign
Summary
Council approved on consent the release of $5 million in limited tax bonds to fund improvements at Sheldon Park, including splash pads, playgrounds, fields and a pavilion; the Plymouth Road Development Authority will cover 45% of repayment and DLZ’s $350,000 design cost will be reimbursed from proceeds.
Finance Director Benjamin Greer asked the council to release $5,000,000 in general obligation limited tax bonds on Nov. 17 to fund design and construction of Sheldon Park improvements. Greer said the city will repay roughly 55% of annual debt service from budgeted funds while the Plymouth Road Development Authority (PRDA) will pay the remaining 45%. He told council the redesigned park includes a splash pad, playgrounds, sports fields, walking paths, a pavilion and accessible play areas on a 19‑acre site.
Greer said DLZ has been paid $350,000 for architectural and engineering services; that amount would be reimbursed from bond proceeds. He estimated average annual debt service at about $315,000 over a 25‑year period, subject to market rates when bonds go to market (anticipated March if approvals proceed). Several residents and councilors asked whether a pool would be part of the project; Parks Director Ted Davis said a pool renovation would cost substantially more and the city faces staffing constraints for lifeguards, so the plan focuses on a splash pad and other amenities to serve families.
Council members praised collaboration with the PRDA and a $100,000 donation from Bill Brown Ford toward Sheldon Park improvements. The council offered approving on consent and the item will return with any site plans or awarding recommendations for future meetings.
Next steps: bids are expected to return in December, with a bond sale target in March pending final approvals.
