Wilson Park in downtown Milan is slated for upgrades now that the city has received $954,500 from a Michigan Spark Grant. Wilson Park includes almost 30 acres along the Saline River and has been a feature of Milan’s downtown for more than 100 years.
The plan includes adding pickleball and shuffleboard courts, a new basketball court, an inclusive play area, a fitness court and permanent restrooms. Shade structures will also be added near the current splashpad.
“The exciting thing about this plan is that it includes features that give every generation something to do in the park,” said city administrator James Lancaster.
The grant is administered by the Michigan Department of Resources from American Rescue Plant Act funds given to the State of Michigan by the Federal government, and work needs be under contract by December 2024 with funds spent by 2026. The project will go to bid in early summer 2024 and start construction soon after, with the goal of completion by fall 2024 or early 2025.
A brief history
According to Milan’s community engagement director Jill Tewsley, the land for Wilson Park was donated by Charles H. Wilson to the Village of Milan for $1 in 1921 on the condition that it be used as a park with no liquor and no gambling.
Wilson was born in 1836 in Portage, New York, and moved to Milan in 1856, where he ran a sawmill and a flour mill, served on the board of the Farmers and Merchants Bank, and was elected village president in 1897.
He died in 1927 at age 90 and is buried in Marble Park cemetery in Milan.
Opportunities for community feedback coming soon
Community members will be called upon to assist in selecting final design themes, including colors and final locations.
“We will be leaning on the Milan Parks and Recreation Commission for some decision on the final details as the project moves from a vision to reality,” said Lancaster. “The features that were detailed in the grant application will be part of the final construction but the decisions on design including themes, colors and final locations are yet to be determined and will be open for discussion.”
“We want to encourage people of all ages and abilities to get outside and be active,” said Lancaster. “Not only will these features draw Milan residents, but it will contain amenities that could potentially draw regional interest to our city.”
Michigan Spark Grants have been awarded to 31 communities across the state, with awards totaling nearly $22 million.
