Festival Park Update………..2011
Our current project, Festival Park, was purchased in 1992 at a cost of $160,000 for the 40 acres. Bay Estates purchased 6 acres adjacent to the park, which generated money to help with initial development of the land. To date we have invested well over $700,000 into the remaining 34 acres.
In the past 19 years, we have made major changes to this property. To begin with we built the entrance off St. Clair Drive and put in the service road, Socia Drive. An underground storm sewer system was put in throughout the park. In 2007 we were able to put the 1-mile walking path, which circles the outside edge of the entire park. This path has been in continuous use by walkers, runners, and bikers since its completion. We have also completed the parking lots, which will service the picnic area and baseball diamonds.
Next, we went into action building the two professional size soccer fields and completing the 100-car parking lot, which will service these fields. Thanks to the generous donations of Velma MacDonald along with the monetary and physical commitment of Bay-Rama, Inc. we have been able to complete these fields and parking lot. This completed 8 acres of park, estimated at a value of $350,000, was turned over to the City of New Baltimore in 2009. The fields are now being utilized for soccer and football practice. In addition two picnic areas were balanced and seeded and are maturing nicely. We continue to work on the remaining 24 acres, which in time will hold three baseball diamonds, tennis court, picnic area, playscape, and a recreational building.
The removal of almost 400 trees over the past 6 years has been a daunting task but necessary as the Ash trees were decimated by the Emerald Ash bore. We have established a Tree Memorial/Dedication program in which we have been able to start the replanting process. You may purchase a tree to be planted in the park with a plaque baring your personal message. If you are interested in this program, please contact Larry Gingas at 725-2426 for more information. To date we have planted 90 new trees.
Our thanks go out to Eagle Scout candidate Brian Novak, his Scout Master Bill Ward and Scout Troop 211. On Nov. 6, 2010 they, along with family members, installed three park benches along the exercise path. These benches were hand-built by Brian Novak.
BILL McEachin
1933 – 2010
Thank you Bill for your personal dedication to the development of Festival Park
