Key Partners & Supporters

"We are excited to take this next step with MSPA and continue to demonstrate our commitment to the project with additional legal, environmental, and city staff resources. It is wonderful to see the progress build."

– Mayor of Chelsea Jane Pacheco

“As identified in the Washtenaw County Park and Recreation Commission 2020 Master Plan, it is our objective to expand the scope of recreation opportunities available to Washtenaw County residents. The proposed Main Street Park in Chelsea addresses an unmet need in the County to provide various recreation opportunities for patrons of all ages and abilities to participate. We think this park will have a significant intergenerational impact and offer a wonderful space for families to play, interact, and engage.”

– Coy Vaughn, Director

“Today, the site has a unique opportunity to draw city residents and their neighbors to a dynamic, intergenerational community park. This new park will enhance the physical wellness and mental health for all ages in the community.”

– Joanne Rau, President & CEO

“As a business owner and contributor to Chelsea, I am incredibly excited about the positive impact this park will have on our community. The Alliance has put together a community centered redevelopment for that abandoned property. Not only will be be prominently located in downtown Chelsea, but it is also adjacent to our business district, which will have an immediate impact on our downtown business district. Its proximity to our schools, senior centers, and neighborhoods is perfect."

– Howdy Holmes, CEO & Chairman of the Board

“The goals of Main Street Park Alliance align with that work and support our goal to reduce social isolation. Their plans for the Federal Screw Works property on Main St. would provide opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to engage in physical activity and build social connectedness.”

– Benjamin Miles, President

As a foundation that supports individuals’ opportunities to ‘Move More, Eat Better, Connect with Other in Healthy Ways and Avoid Unhealthy Substances,’ we are excited to think about the ways this space would be used. We imagine a vibrant recreation hub, where our community members connect with one another for informal and organized activities alike; where music and arts can be shared; and where people from all walks of life enjoy making new friendships right in the heart of our town.

– Steve Petty, CEO

“It is clear the seniors in Chelsea play an important role in the success of our community. They actively support local businesses, education, and health care facilities. The possibility of bringing additional park space and opportunities to engage in physical activities for our seniors is crucial to their physical health and longevity. Even more important, the creation of an intergenerational gathering space targeted for our senior population and our youth, is critical in enhancing the mental wellness of both populations.”

– Julie Deppner, Executive Director | CEO

“We are proud to be part of the broader Chelsea community for over 115 years. When we learned that the Main Street Park Alliance wanted to revitalize the Federal Screw Works property by transforming it into a dynamic community park, we knew we needed to learn more. As we have engaged in discussions with the Main Street Park Alliance, we have learned we share a deep commitment to the entire Chelsea Community and to continually seek out ways to enrich the community we share and love.”

– Steve Fetyko, President & CEO

“While the Chelsea School District prides itself on providing community education resources for our students and their families, providing a dynamic, multipurpose space to add to the existing opportunities will benefit all. This additional park space will enhance physical wellness and the mental health of the community by providing our youth with another outlet to meet their needs.”

– Dr. Julie Helber, Former Superintendent of Schools & Marcus Kaemming, Assistant Superintendent

“Chelsea District Library has partnered with Washtenaw County Parks to provide a popular StoryBookTrail in Washtenaw County and is in conversations with Main Street Park Alliance to provide this amenity within the proposed downtown Chelsea park. Chelsea District Library views this as a great potential enhancement to our community, and is excited to support the vision ofMain Street Park Alliance.”

– Lori Cornell, Director

“Chelsea lacks a centralized, outdoor gathering space in the downtown area. We have seen great excitement over initiatives like SRSLY's movie nights, Sounds and Sights, the Chelsea Fair and our long tradition of supporting high school sports. There is an impulse for togetherness in our town. Chelsea is a place that loves to gather making this not only a project our community would benefit from but one they have been waiting on for many years.”

– Scott Moore, MD

“Our 1,000+ members are always looking at ways to keep active and stay engaged. And we have seen first-hand the absolutely vital need for seniors in particular to reduce isolation for both their physical and mental health. This project will provide for a number of these outlets such as the walking path, the pickleball courts and a place to meet and interact with others. We can absolutely see hosting activities on the site.”

– Bill O’Reilly, Executive Director of the Chelsea Senior Center