Oak Park Starts New Year with New Bridge Design

Oak Park Starts New Year with New Bridge Design
(Crystal A. Proxmire, Jan. 6, 2020)
Oak Park, MI – The City of Oak Park is starting the new year off with a new look for the Coolidge Hwy overpass. Drivers on I-696 can see the city’s logo – including the large oak leaf – that has been installed as part of decorative fencing on the overpass.
In 2017 the City looked at the cost of replacing the cyclone fencing, and according to a press release in 2019, “It then grew into a desire to take this opportunity as one to brand and beautify the City via the improvement of public infrastructure.”
This comes along with other investments in appearance including large plantings of sunflowers at focal point throughout the city.  Several changes have been happening along 9 Mile as well, as Oak Park has added bike lanes and pocket parks.
Oak Park is also home to another unique freeway feature, The Charlotte M. Rothstein Park and Victoria Park, which were built on overpasses with walkways to connect the community on each side of the freeway.  The parks include play structures, fitness equipment, and pathways.  Learn more about these interesting public spaces in our previous Oakland County Times Explore column.
“This will be a game changer for Oak Park, branding the city as a place on the move,” said Mayor Marian McClellan.  “Residents are delighted with the new look. We’re getting lots of positive comments.”
Earlier this year, City Manager Erik Tungate said “Branding is important for our community in terms of attracting new residents and businesses. Taking advantage of this opportunity to create a distinct impression by marketing ourselves to the thousands of motorists who use I-696 every day to commute through Oak Park is a good business move.  Cities that take on these kinds of quality of life improvements are cities that are typically thriving. It is no longer enough to rest on our laurels. We have to seize every chance we can to establish ourselves as a unique place to live and work.”
Auburn Hills also has a rather noticeable bridge going over I-75. Read about the Divergent Diamond design here.
For more Oak Park news visit our Oak Park Page!

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