MAIN STREET PARK ALLIANCE RECEIVES $1,000,000 GRANT FROM MEDC!
On Wednesday, May 8, Governor Whitmer announced that Main Street Park Alliance received a $1,000,000 Revitalization and Placemaking Grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. In a competitive application, members of the grassroots board met with state and local representatives to garner support for this transformative project. The former Federal Screw Works brownfield has been a blighted, vacant lot for over twenty years. Redeveloping it into a public space will improve the local ecosystem, provide an active space for all ages, and increase adjacent property values. The Revitalization and Placemaking Grant significantly helps fulfill the $2 million fundraising gap to complete this project. Located at the southern gateway to downtown, the park will serve as a beautiful and welcoming public space. Read more from Livingston County’s WHMI!
Every Penny Counts!
We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of support for the Penny Drive! With change jangling in 23 bucket locations around Chelsea, the excitement about the park was tangible. Businesses and individuals alike jumped into the effort, and with fantastic results! The Penny Drive raised $3826.34 for the park! As an extra bonus, our team got quite a workout hauling those heavy buckets to the bank! A filled 5-gallon bucket weighs ~ 100 pounds.
A big thank you to Chelsea State Bank for helping count those substantial coin donations!
Photo caption - Thank you, Hunter Lou, for donating your piggy bank savings to build the park!
Construction Contract Signed with Local Firm!
Main Street Park Alliance is excited to announce a significant milestone in its effort to build a public park: the construction contract award to a local business, Construction Design Services. OwnerJess Spike played a key role in the design process, creatively value-engineering the build while maintaining its integrity.
Jess stated, “As a local Chelsea family, business owner, and proud supporter of MSPA, we are honored to be chosen as the general contractor. We look forward to a year of construction and opening a new chapter in downtown Chelsea.” Spike oversees environmental remediation, with around 1,000 tons of soil being removed daily, totaling 18,000 tons during this second phase—equivalent to 380 tandem gravel haulers. Each load must be weighed and inspected before being transported to a specialty landfill for contaminated soils. This remediation is expected to be complete by the end of May, with park construction beginning in June.
MSPA Project Lead Joe Ziolkowski reflects, “This project started as a wild idea in 2020, followed by intensive environmental testing, robust community engagement, and a thorough design process. We are incredibly gratified to be at the point where we can begin construction. The entire MSPA board has been impressed with Spike’s attention to detail, knowledge of safe environmental remediation practices, and commitment to making this park a reality for our community. We look forward to watching this wild idea become a reality for generations of Chelsea residents to enjoy.”
We Still Need Your Help!
The Construction Campaign is in full swing, and we need enthusiasts like you to help close the $1.1 million funding gap. Can you commit to raising $100—or even $10,000? Rally your friends, family, and neighbors to join the effort. Find ten people to join you, lead the way, and let’s build something amazing! #BuildThePark
We have Construction Campaign Yard Signs!! If you would like one or more to help promote and build awareness of this critical financing, please stop by Agricole FarmStop or email info@mainstreetpark.org. We are asking for donations (any amount) to defray the $15 cost per sign.
We are so grateful for the community support. These two creative local businesses will donate some of their fundraising and business proceeds to MSPA! We appreciate the efforts of the Kiwanis Club of Chelsea and Culvers. We welcome others to devise their way to support the park. One of our youngest contributors, Addie Tripolsky, donated proceeds from her lemonade stand. Lakehouse Bakery donated $'s from pizza sales. We need everyone to participate in this campaign to meet our goal!
Check Out the New Online Store!
What better way to spread the word about your support of the park than with some great swag? We have hats, youth sizes, and tote bags.
