Annual Address Shows How Planning and Positivity Help to “Elevate Oak Park”

(Crystal A. Proxmire, May 16, 2023)

Oak Park, MI – The rustle of plastic pom poms punctuated the annual Oak Park State of the City Address, with the bright orange and green waves in the the crowd matching Mayor Marian McClellan’s dress. McClellan and City Manager Erik Tungate gave the bulk of the updates, with the theme being “Elevate Oak Park.”

“Oak Park exudes excellence,” Tungate said. He boasted of increased taxable value in the five square mile town just north of Detroit, rising from $432 million in 2021, the the most recent total being $649 million. “That gain leads Oakland County in the most improved category,” Tungate said.

The increase comes from a robust economic development department, as well as city leaders making decisions with the big picture in mind.

They’ve redeveloped properties to attract large companies like FedEx, bringing jobs and property tax revenue to the city. They’ve also created districts where new zoning and place-making features have created the perfect environment for growth. Along 9 Mile new park equipment, bike paths, pedestrian crossings, and pocket park bring more connection with neighboring Ferndale and Southfield.

And along 11 Mile, the Water Tower District has seen restaurants and breweries taking advantage of the city’s fairly recent (compared to other cities in Michigan) decision to legalize alcohol sales. (There are still liquor licenses available) Businesses like Oak Park Social, Berkley Coffee, Tru Fit, and Train Station Sports are creating a cool and cozy atmosphere in a strip that was once riddled with vacant buildings.

But it hasn’t just been about the business environment. Oak Park leaders know that having amenities like parks and recreation programs help attract and retain families to the city.

Shepard Park is a space with trees and open areas, most known for the wooden train playscape that has been climbed on by generations of Oak Park children. The city recently announced a collaboration with Oakland County to develop the park into a top-notch gathering space. A farmers market pavilion is part of the plans, including a commercial kitchen and restrooms. There will be an amphitheater for community concerts and events, and a walking path. And, contrary to social media rumors, Tungate said “The train will remain.”

In order to make these dreams a reality, Oak Parkers will have two proposals on the Nov. 2 ballot. One will be an approximately 2 mil Headlee override, which supports basic government functions. And a an approximately 4 mil recreation bond for debt service and capital improvements, including an overhaul of the community center, the addition of an indoor pool, and improvements in other parks.

While looking to the future, there are a number of current successes to be proud of as well. A new fire truck is on the way, and Oak Park Public Safety officers now wear body cams which help increase transparency and can provide valuable evidence in criminal cases. Less visible, but equally important to note, is that Oak Park was one of the first cities in Michigan to replace all of their lead lines across the whole city, years ahead of schedule from the state minimum requirements, and without outside financial assistance.

City Manager Tungate thanked the city’s 250+ employees, while Mayor McClellan thanked the 100+ residents who voluntarily serve on boards and commissions. “I truly believe why we are a cutting edge community is we come from a perspective of gratitude,” she said.

McClellan announced that Oak Park is the 8th most diverse community in Michigan. And she announced that the Grand Marshall for this year’s Independence Day parade would not just be one person, but all of Girl Scout Troop 77555, who has been actively working on projects to make the city better. “They exemplify what volunteerism is all about and they do it at a very young age,” she said.

But perhaps the most adorable news of the night came from Councilperson Shaun Whitehead, who announced that his wife Maggie gave birth to twins. Duke and Jordan Whitehead, born in the morning of May 5, are now among Oak Park’s newest residents.

With all the successes named, the importance has been placed on public volunteerism and engagement.

“How do we do this?” Tungate explained “We answer your calls. We welcome public comment at council meetings. We see your posts on social media. We even created a position geared towards listening to our residents. We believe in the power of town halls and surveys, and the thing I love the most, good ol’ face to face contact.”

To learn more about The City of Oak Park, visit https://www.oakparkmi.gov/.