(Chelsea Update would like to thank D&B Strategic Marketing for the information in this story.)
Main Street Park Alliance, with the help of its design partner, VIRIDIS, carried out a multifaceted approach that engaged Chelsea residents and community stakeholders in a participatory design process for a new park in the heart of Chelsea.
A Community Open House will be at the Chelsea Depot on Feb.13 from 12-2 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. VIRIDIS and Main Street Park Alliance representatives will be available for an interactive dialogue to reveal the park design concept.
Nearly 1,000 people shared their vision for the new park space through online surveys, middle and high school polling, round table discussions, and focus groups. Input from community voices contributed to a comprehensive understanding of needs and desires to incorporate into Main Street Park’s design.
Chelsea State Bank hosted four community focus group sessions, and each group developed a set of principles for the design team to reference in the design concept phase.
An excerpt of the themes and priorities include connecting to the Chelsea community and downtown core, the importance of conservation and sustainable practices, year-round use, a sustainable framework for long-term maintenance, inclusive, multi-generational spaces, creating awareness of site revitalization and restoration efforts, and coordination with local and state agencies.
To read more about the engagement process, click this Link on MSPA’s website.
The design team shared the initial design concepts with city representatives on Jan. 12 to convey the direction VIRIDIS is taking based on the open-house forums and online feedback.
The Main Street Park Project will become a reality through:
- Public-Private Partnership with the City of Chelsea, Washtenaw County, and the State of Michigan.
- Extensive Environmental Testing, Remediation and Restoration
- Collaborative Process including extensive community and stakeholder engagement
- Innovative Design
- Diverse Resources, Funding, and Strategic Partnerships
Main Street Park is aligned with the City of Chelsea’s Master Plan. Strong communities are built on a foundation of well-planned public spaces. Public space offers vibrancy, roots a community on its shared experience, and encourages healthy lifestyles.
In 2024, MPSA will explore numerous grant opportunities. Help demonstrate your support of this exciting project with a donation today at the link.
Main Street Park Alliance’s mission is to create an intergenerational community park for Chelsea. Through the power of grassroots volunteerism, they will revitalize the downtown property for a better human experience.
If you have comments, questions, or concerns or want to support the project with time, expertise, or a financial contribution, please email info@mainstreetpark.org.
