Bigger isn’t always best, that’s according to the Village of Spring Lake’s Downtown Development Authority. The DDA is working on plans to bring what will be the state’s smallest park to the village’s social district.
The new park, which will sit on the east side of South Jackson Street, will feature seating, plants & planters, shade, and more – complete with two parallel parking spaces, for food trucks and events.
DDA Director Stefanie Herder saying:
“Placemaking is one of our main objectives as a DDA, and we are always looking for new opportunities to create gathering spaces within the village.”
The property already has a concrete cornhole set, which the village received a grant to bring in during the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, Herder says that’s what led her to reimagine the space.
When planning first began, the village considered building the nation's smallest park, but found Oregon already held that title with a park just 452 square inches – Herder admitting that would be hard to beat. In Michigan, however, no record is held.
A name for the park is still being decided, and the village is looking to the community for ideas.
Herder says the goal isn’t just placemaking, over 20,000 cars drive through the village each day, and she hopes the new park can be a destination for visitors to stop, grab a bite to eat or shop.
The village hopes to begin work on the park this summer.
