October 6, 2014
Mike Reese from the Troyer Group appeared before the Plymouth Park Board Monday evening with a schematic drawing of the all-inclusive “Founders Park” playground relocated in Packard Woods.
In July, the tornados that came through Plymouth dropped a large tree on the existing playground structure at Packard Woods destroying the play equipment. The city received an insurance settlement on the damage and that money has been dedicated as a city donation to phase one of the Freedom Park project.
Members of the Freedom Park Committee recently met with Park Superintendent Mike Hite and discussed the project and the affects the new and large playground would have on the Blueberry Festival. It was their suggestion to move the all-inclusive park to Packard Woods noting the mature trees would provide lots of natural shade.
Phase one would be slightly south and east of the existing play area. Phase one will include the main play structure with the poured in place safety surfacing and an entry plaza with donor pavers.
Additional phases will include the young tots area, splash pad area, sensory garden and swings and would come in additional phases as money is available.
Reese said the Freedom Park Committee received a grant from Game Time which requires a 100% match and the city council is expected to approve $40,000 towards the project during their meeting next Monday. He also noted that the Color Run for Freedom Park was able to raise $19,800.
Members of the Plymouth Park Board approved the request of Freedom Park to relocate the all-inclusive playground from Centennial Park to Packard Woods.