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LaRussa highlights parks, downtown projects, grants and a combined master‑planning push
Summary
Mayor Joseph LaRussa announced new and upcoming public-space projects (Dinan Park, Mason's Corner), a $300,000 grant for two outdoor fitness courts, an $80,000 grant for bus-stop upgrades, combined master-plan work with OHM Advisors, and initial steps toward digital permitting.
Mayor Joseph LaRussa used the State of the City address to outline recent and planned investments in parks, downtown redevelopment and city services designed to improve livability and support development.
LaRussa described Dinan Park as a newly activated, universally accessible pocket park and said a crowdfunding campaign helped bring Diamond Park to life. He announced Mason's Corner, a public space that will reveal the historic Mason Lodge and feature commissioned artwork, a couple's swing and a fire feature. "This new space reveals the lodge and welcomes people to enjoy special features," he said, and asked residents to watch the city's social channels for the opening celebration.
The mayor also announced a $300,000 investment from the National Fitness Campaign, Priority Health and Oakland County Parks to build two outdoor fitness courts in Shiawassee and Flanders Parks, with construction expected to finish in late summer. "Movement is medicine," LaRussa said, and noted Farmington will be only the second city in Michigan to have multiple fitness courts.
On transit and pedestrian safety, the mayor said Farmington received an $80,000 Oakland County grant to add sidewalk, benches and other features to Grand River Avenue bus stops and thanked county commissioners William Miller and Gwen Markham for their support.
LaRussa described the city's redevelopment‑ready designation from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, noted the recent sale of the old Detroit Interurban Railway building (the "winery") to an owner with experience in historic renovation, and invited developers to present ideas to City Hall. He said the city will combine bidding and public engagement for updates to the city, downtown and parks master plans with support from OHM Advisors and urged residents to provide feedback via an event QR code and the city's channels.
Finally, the mayor announced Farmington is taking initial steps to implement digital permitting to streamline workflows, improve inspection scheduling and increase compliance, and promoted the city's 'textmygov' notification tool for ongoing engagement.
LaRussa closed by encouraging residents to attend downtown events, noting Ladies Night Out (April 24) and the Farmers and Artisans Market opening on May 3.
