Public hearing opened for CDBG-funded Shadyside Park plan; residents urge tennis court, safety and amenities clarity
May 20, 2024 | Mount Clemens, Macomb County, Michigan
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The Mount Clemens City Commission opened a public hearing on proposed Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) activity at Shadyside Park, and residents used the hearing to press for specific amenities and safety-minded changes.
"The proposed activity consists of the demolition of a restroom facility, updating of playground equipment, installation of amenities, and the updating/replacement of the skate park," city staff said while describing the project at the 41-acre park at 155 Shadyside Drive. Staff noted the park work falls within a 100-year floodplain and that federal rules require public input at this stage of review.
Several residents urged the commission to retain or restore particular features rather than remove them. Bridget Stevens, who described recent activity at Chase Hyde Park and said she had followed the upcoming public hearing, told the commission she would like the swing set moved forward and for the tennis court to be restored rather than repurposed: "We would like to have the tennis court back again ... we shouldn't have to leave a community with a park as large as this to play tennis," she said.
Lydia Williams, who organized a recent event at Shadyside Park with more than 300 attendees, raised practical concerns about restrooms: she said organizers had to rent porta‑johns because the park restrooms were not available and asked whether the bathrooms would be replaced. Staff responded that restroom replacement might be part of the plan but specifics will be considered as the design advances.
Other commenters requested clearer definitions of "amenities" and suggested changes to landscaping and site layout to improve safety and visibility for families. The commission closed the public hearing after the comments; staff said a final public hearing will be held at a later step in the federal review process.
No final decisions were made during the hearing; the item will continue through the CDBG review steps and return for a later, final hearing.
"The proposed activity consists of the demolition of a restroom facility, updating of playground equipment, installation of amenities, and the updating/replacement of the skate park," city staff said while describing the project at the 41-acre park at 155 Shadyside Drive. Staff noted the park work falls within a 100-year floodplain and that federal rules require public input at this stage of review.
Several residents urged the commission to retain or restore particular features rather than remove them. Bridget Stevens, who described recent activity at Chase Hyde Park and said she had followed the upcoming public hearing, told the commission she would like the swing set moved forward and for the tennis court to be restored rather than repurposed: "We would like to have the tennis court back again ... we shouldn't have to leave a community with a park as large as this to play tennis," she said.
Lydia Williams, who organized a recent event at Shadyside Park with more than 300 attendees, raised practical concerns about restrooms: she said organizers had to rent porta‑johns because the park restrooms were not available and asked whether the bathrooms would be replaced. Staff responded that restroom replacement might be part of the plan but specifics will be considered as the design advances.
Other commenters requested clearer definitions of "amenities" and suggested changes to landscaping and site layout to improve safety and visibility for families. The commission closed the public hearing after the comments; staff said a final public hearing will be held at a later step in the federal review process.
No final decisions were made during the hearing; the item will continue through the CDBG review steps and return for a later, final hearing.
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