By Simon Albaugh – Yemeni American News
HAMTRAMCK, Mich. – It’s going to be a big year for Hamtramck’s greenspace development. New projects for Hamtramck’s existing parks will be working to improve some of the amenities, and the Hamtramck Recreation District Master Plan will begin a new phase for a massive overhaul of the south end greenspace surrounding Veteran’s Park.
On the list of greenspace improvements for 2021 includes:
- Installing a monument at Sarah Garrett Park (On the west side of I-75 Freeway)
- Work on the Hamtramck portion of the Joe Louis Greenway
- Progress on the Historic Hamtramck Stadium
- Establishing MoGo Bike Stations for Hamtramck
- Completing Salaam Peace Park
- An Earth Day Tree Planting
The City of Hamtramck is seeking online public comment for its masterplan that determines this and the next five years of greenspace development in its own parks. The masterplan over the next five years includes development of American Disabilities Act-compliant walking spaces, beautification of the city and consistent cleanup of public spaces.
“The City of Hamtramck Department of Community and Economic Development is preparing this five-year Parks and Recreation Master Plan in accordance with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources requirements,” reads a press release from the City of Hamtramck. “When completed, the plan will serve as a guide for the acquisition and development of community recreation facilities and programs over the next five (5) years.”
In order to move forward, the City of Hamtramck is seeking input from residents about what they would like the city to focus on for its greenspace development. According to the Parks and Rec masterplan, “the City of Hamtramck will place the final decision making in the hands of the public” through a long process of public input.
Right now, Hamtramck is still early in the decision-making process. However, the deadline for this round of public comment is coming up at Jan. 23. The Press Release says that residents can view the parks and recreation plan on the City of Hamtramck website, along with ways to submit a public comment on greenspace development.
Progress continues for the Hamtramck Recreation District
As part of a joint effort by the City of Hamtramck and the Hamtramck Public Schools District, the masterplan for the Hamtramck Recreation District continues with construction and designated staff hiring among the most pressing concerns for 2021.
Joint governance is set in a non-profit corporation known as the Hamtramck Park Conservancy.
The Hamtramck Recreation District has been in development over the past two years, with community input going all the way back to the middle of 2019. Since collecting close to 600 public comments, the process is now beginning to pick up steam with construction of parking lots, pavilions and other amenities slated for this year.
As projects for the Hamtramck Recreation District move forward, the area will definitely look different over the next few years. Even despite the nature of industry during the COVID-19 pandemic, City Manager Kathy Angerer says that the Hamtramck Recreation District is still pushing ahead.
“The Hamtramck Park Conservancy Board has formed and they meet monthly now,” Angerer said. “So yes, it is moving forward.”
