After severe weather-related damage in 2014 caused by tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding, the City of Wyoming is excited to announce the redevelopment of Ideal Park (5843 Crippen Ave SW).
On Monday, April 1, 2019, the Wyoming city council awarded the bid for the redevelopment project’s general contract to Katerberg Verhage, Inc. in the amount of $1,578,781.45.
“We are beyond grateful to our residents for their patience as we’ve worked to make this redevelopment a reality,” said Jack Poll, mayor. The redevelopment has been long awaited by residents as the park is a premier space for reservations for large groups.
The park development includes an accessible playground, improved parking with enhanced safety features, Buck Creek viewing stations, basketball court, shelter, and restroom. The park will also feature an improved walking and bike trail with connection to the City’s interurban trail system.
Funding for the project is being provided through a $300,000 Natural Resources Trust Fund Grant, a program administered by the State of Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and the remaining funds through the dedicated City of Wyoming Parks and Recreation Operational millage.
Project costs were influenced by the park's location along Buck Creek and impacts from previous tornadoes and floods. Rebecca Rynbrandt, Wyoming’s director of community services, noted that the site is highly complex due to the presence of wetlands within the construction area and the development's location within the flood plain and flood way. Because of the complexity, higher levels of design and engineering requirements that were required.
“The State of Michigan, its Department of Environmental Quality, and Department of Natural Resources, have worked alongside the City to return playgrounds and recreation resources back to Ideal Park through funding support and their construction expertise,” said Rynbrandt.
Construction will begin this spring, with an expected completion date of 2020. The park grand opening is planned for Saturday, June 6, 2020.