Novi City Council Approves Development Plans for The Landings Park

The property, located on 13 Mile and Old Novi roads, will get a makeover this summer that will include new walkways, trees and a pier.

"I'm very excited," said Novi Mayor Bob Gatt. "It's finally coming to fruition. For someone who's been driving up and down Old Novi Road for a long, long, long time looking at the empty piece of property, it's going to be a very advantageous plus to our community."

The Novi City Council voted to move forward with the first two phases of the development at its meeting Monday night. Work on the property, which borders Walled Lake, could begin as early as August.

Phases 1 and 2 will be completed at the same time in hopes that it will save some money. The project will be largely funded by a grant from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund.

The goals of the design are:

• Activate the park by introducing new elements.
• Provide clear access to the water and enhance the lakeshore theme.
• Blend with the neighborhood.
• Provide an attraction for the region and the local community.
• Provide historic reference.
• Provide gathering spaces and family picnic opportunities.

The improvements for Phase 1 will cost an estimated $625,124 and include the following, among others:

• A terraced stone waterfront on Walled Lake.
• Several concrete walking paths added to cross the park.
• Benches.
• 15 new shade trees.
• A picnic lawn that juts out into the water.
• A 10-car parking lot.

The improvements for Phase 2 will cost an estimated $287,964 and include the following, among others:

• The addition of an L-shaped pier on Walled Lake.
• A new bike lane running east to west across the park.
• The addition of an interpretive garden on the south side of the park.
• Addition of shrubs and grasses.

Phases 3, 4 and 5 will cost an estimated $1 million and will be completed as funding becomes available. The final phases include the following improvements, among others:

• A park pavilion.
• A 50-car parking lot on the east side of the park.
• 10 more shade trees.
• Playground equipment.
• Site lighting.
• A water feature.
• Restrooms.

City Council suggestions

Council member Andrew Mutch said he is happy with the design, but he had some suggestions about improving accessibility in the park.

"One of the key things we have to keep in mind is to ensure that access to this park is available for people of all ages and all levels of ability," Mutch said.

Mutch suggested designing the parking lots to include an area where a senior center van could drop off residents; adding a direct path from the small parking area to the picnic area; and adding a picnic seating area close to the small parking lot for people with limited mobility.

Mutch also suggested that the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department give citizens the opportunity to contribute funding to the park by naming a park bench or another similar project.

Several members of the council were concerned about the small amount of parking available during Phases 1 and 2. Parks & Rec Director Jason Mangum said overflow parking will be available at nearby .

Council member Justin Fischer suggested that the Parks & Rec Department go one step further and find ways to tie the two parks together through programming or signage.

Council member Laura Casey pointed out that the family picnic pavilion and the restroom house will be added in two different phases, suggesting those be completed around the same time for families who are eating in the park.