NOVI, MI - At the regular City Council meeting held on Monday, January 23, City Council approved the design concept for the development of the 11-acre property commonly known as Landings Park. The initial development of the park, estimated to begin in late summer 2012, will include a stone waterfront and pier on Walled Lake, biking and walking paths intersecting the park, interpretive gardens and landscaping, a picnic lawn, and parking area.

Hamilton-Anderson Architecture, the consultant retained by the City of Novi, incorporated community input to create goals for the park design which include activating the park by introducing new elements and creating attraction for the region and local community. The plan provides clear access to the water and enhances the lake shore theme, blending with the neighborhood, incorporating historic reference, and providing gathering spaces and picnic opportunities.

“During the entire design process we felt it important to ensure the park met the needs of all the citizens of Novi. We feel the design will encourage more people to take advantage of the space, while preserving the natural beauty,” said Director of Novi Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Jason Mangum.

Construction phases 1 and 2 will be combined to potentially reduce costs by as much as three percent and the overall disturbance to the park by having crews mobilize once. As presented in the conceptual plan, phases 1 and 2 are estimated to cost just over $900,000. The project will largely be funded by a 2010 Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Grant in the amount of $437,500. A funding match of 30% or $187,500 was required, of which $50,000 was funded by the Novi Parks Foundation.

The City of Novi is currently seeking suggestions to rename Landings Park. Suggestions submitted to parknaming@cityofnovi.org or to the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department, located inside the Novi Civic Center, before 5pm on February 17 will be considered. A Park Naming Committee, consisting of members of the City’s Historical and Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Commissions, as well as students from Hickory Woods Elementary and a long-time Novi resident, will present the top three to five submissions to City Council at the March 12th meeting.

To learn more about naming guideline, visit cityofnovi.org. To learn more about Landings Park and the City of Novi, visit cityofnovi.org or call the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department at 248.347.0400.