Northville’s Ford Field playground to be upgraded thanks to unique program
A sampling of the modernized playground equipment that could be coming to Northville’s Ford Field playground. PHOTO BY PLAYCORE
The City of Northville will soon replace the beloved but decaying playground in Ford Field Park, which will be rebuilt to provide a spot of delight and adventure for community members of all ages, abilities, and interests, well into the future.
This effort will be fulfilled through the anticipated success of a crowdfunding campaign that the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and the City of Northville announced last week.
The project is being offered through the Michigan-based crowdfunding platform Patronicity.
If the campaign reaches its crowdfunding goal of $75,000 by April 22nd, the project will win a matching grant with funds made possible by MEDC’s Public Spaces Community Places program. This project will be utilizing the Public Spaces Community Places Universal Design and Accessibility Extension, which allows projects that are universally accessible to secure an additional $25,000 to their grant match. For project details and to donate, please visit: patronicity.com/fordfield.
“The future of public space development looks like vibrant, inclusive, and universally designed spaces that are accessible to all,” said MEDC Regional Prosperity Managing Director Paula Holtz. “We are pleased to support and provide resources for this project through our Public Spaces Community Places program.”
New equipment generates ‘hours of joy’
The Ford Field Playground project will replace its iconic wooden structure with a playground that is positioned to generate hours of joy and years of memories well into the future.
The new structure will be comparable in size to the existing structure and located in the same central spot in the park. Where it will differ is that the new structure will extend the opportunity for quality play experiences to the widest range of users.
The space will be universally accessible and include universally designed elements like adaptive swings, musical play features, an inclusive communication board, a sensory climber, an inclusive whirl or seesaw, ADA picnic tables and benches, and accessible walkways and surfacing throughout.
Where the existing structure is difficult to access for those with mobility limitations, the new structure will be universally accessible and will have a play surface that is navigable for those who use mobility aides.
Modern, safe space for kids of all abilities
While the existing structure does not meet current playground safety standards, the new structure will be comprised of modern materials and designed to ensure all users are able to explore safely.
Where the existing structure has a uniformity of activities and features, the new structure will provide a multitude of play features and events to entertain and challenge users of all interests. It is truly a playscape for the future.
“Generations of visitors have grown up participating in activities at Ford Field Park and the playground structure has been a community recreational asset and gathering place for 30 years,” said Northville City Manager George Lahanas.
“The playground replacement project promises to build a world of play for all park visitors to enjoy, well into the future. The City of Northville is pleased to have the Michigan Economic Development Corporation join us to support this project through the Patronicity platform.”
Public Spaces Community Places is a collaborative effort of the MEDC, the Michigan Municipal League and Patronicity, in which residents can use crowdfunding to be part of the development of strategic projects in their communities and be backed with a matching grant from MEDC. Communities, nonprofits and other business entities can apply at https://patronicity.com/
Investing in future generations
“Communities thrive by investing in future generations,” said Dan Gilmartin, Executive Director and CEO of the Michigan Municipal League.
“Children of all abilities need environments where they can play and be curious. The League is proud to support projects like Ford Field Playground that prioritize the safety and inclusion of all.”
The Public Spaces Community Places initiative started in 2014 with MEDC providing matched funding of up to $50,000 for community improvement projects throughout Michigan.
As of February 18, MEDC has provided more than $13.6 million in matching grants.
Since the launch of the program, 400 projects have been successful in reaching their goal, with more than $15.4 million raised from 73,919 individual donors.
Communities have a 97 percent success rate in achieving their goals and earning matching funds.
