Novi's new Baseline Marker is officially dedicated
September 21, 2011 Photo courtesy City of Novi shows artist (center) with the Novi Historical Commission
 
Novi, Mich. — Novi's new Baseline Marker was officially dedicated on Tuesday evening at the ITC Community Sports Park.

The Baseline Marker, commissioned by the City and the Novi Historical Commission, was created by Novi artist David Barr. It is a testament to the significance of surveying during the early settlement of Michigan. The marker displays basic surveying tools, the measurement chain and staff compass, and describes the history of the four concepts of land ownership in America.

The obelisk also contains elements of Novi’s history, including its farm and fruit growing origins, the importance of the railroad and other early modes of transportation to the economy, and its transition to a recreation Mecca for Detroit with the development of the Walled Lake amusement area.

The ten foot tall granite obelisk sits atop a brick patio that was laid by local Boy Scout Cameron Holdaway, fellow scouts and parents.

ITC Community Sports Park is located north of Eight Mile (Baseline) Road just east of Napier, on the City's south-west side.