In honor of the 100+ year legacy of contributions to the City as well as their generous support of the redevelopment of the former Federal Screw Works property, Main Street Park Alliance and the City of Chelsea’s Parks and Recreation Department are excited to announce the name, Holmes Family Park. This name recognizes not only the Holmes family’s contributions to this park but also the countless local initiatives they have supported over the years. Upon completion of the park in the summer of 2026, the Holmes Family Park will be deeded to the city. At the February 9 City Council meeting, Project Lead Joe Ziolkowski and Board Member John Mann discussed the Holmes family's instrumental role in the early stages of the project to get it off the ground, and their efforts to connect MSPA with grant funding and other donations. Members and the mayor expressed appreciation and continued support.
MSPA Reaches $10.5 Million Construction Campaign Goal!
Thank you to the many businesses and individuals who helped MSPA reach our $10.5 million fundraising goal to complete construction of Holmes Family Park. This Public Private Partnership began as a grassroots effort in 2022 and steadily gained momentum. In 2025, we raised the final $2.5 million to bring the vision of a vibrant community gathering space to reality. All donors who contribute $5,000 or more before May 31 will be permanently recognized on the pavilion's donor wall.
It is not too late to join us, 100% of surplus construction funds will go to Chelsea Parks! Main Street Park Alliance’s commitment to the wellness and vitality of our community does not end with construction. Main Street Park Alliance is partnering with members from Reimagine Timbertown, Chelsea Parks & Recreation, and Chelsea Area Friends for Recreation to create a Chelsea Parks Sustainability Fund. The fund will be used for capital repairs and replacements throughout all of Chelsea’s parks to ensure the longevity of these active spaces.
Construction is approximately 70% finished with the skate park, climbing wall, sports courts, lighting, and significant landscape and tree planting completed before this winter’s deep freeze. Work will resume as temperatures increase, with the goal of transferring ownership to the City of Chelsea in early June. As the weather warms, please remember this is an active construction zone and is not yet safe to play or enter. Watch for updates in the coming months for an official park grand opening date! Visit the MSPA website for a photographic tour of the property’s condition at purchase, through environmental remediation, and current construction.
Congratulations, Sophia Pappas!
Pappas has been selected as the muralist for the first art installation on the Holmes Family Park pavilion. Pappas is a Chelsea High School alumna who works as an illustrator, muralist, and letterpress printer. The mural created will embody the values at the heart of this project—community, growth, hope, wellness, and connection.
