Ferndale to upgrade parks and downtown wayfinding; MEDC will match Harding Park fundraising goal

Mayor Rayon Le used part of the State of the City address to outline parks and downtown projects.

Parks: The city will build a new service building near the splash pad at Martin Road Park, including concessions, public restrooms and a family restroom; the mayor said most of the park will remain open during construction. She also announced a long-overdue playground update west of the softball field that will add slides, climbing structures and swing sets. Wilson Park received a design award from the Michigan Recreation and Parks Association for inclusive design.

Harding Park: Le announced a MEDC public community spaces grant match program that will double contributions if the city reaches a $62,500 fundraising goal for improvements at the inline skating rink.

Downtown wayfinding: The Downtown Development Authority, working with Merge (a nationally recognized firm), will pursue a $750,000 wayfinding-and-sidewalks project to improve navigation, signage and sidewalks downtown; the mayor said $300,000 is available through Ferndale’s select-level Main Street accreditation. The project is intended to help visitors find parking and explore downtown businesses.

Le also noted the DDA wrapped a month-long art march and welcomed 35 new businesses in the last year, crediting merchants and DDA staff for downtown vitality.