Hazel Park Celebrates Opening of New Playground at Green Acres Park
(Crystal A. Proxmire, April 23, 2024)
Hazel Park, MI – Green Acres Park in Hazel Park has a new playground thanks to American Rescue Plan Act Funds matched by Oakland County Parks. Representatives from the City and the County were on hand April 20 for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the new equipment.
“We’ve got a lot of opportunities here that we didn’t have in the past,” said Hazel Park Mayor Mike Webb. “We have these great new opportunities that I wish we had when I was a young parent… My daughters are here. They’re at the age of having kids, it’s nice to see them have opportunities for their children.”
Mayor Webb also recognized partners in Oakland County, including County Executive Dave Coulter. Over two decades ago, Coulter represented Hazel Park as a County Commissioner, at the time being part of the minority in the body and unable to impact spending priorities. “One of my key messages in my platform back then was we need more parks and recreation opportunities in the south end of the county,” Coulter said. “I have been on that bandwagon for 22 years… so I couldn’t be more proud or excited today as we reveal yet another recreation opportunity in the south end.” He added that “all over the county we are improving our parks.”
In October of 2022, Oakland County Commissioners approved a $20.2 million investment plan with half being ARPA funds and have county funds, and there’s been an effort to make improvements in communities that had not historically seen county investment in parks, as well as increasing accessibility.
The new playground is four times bigger than the jungle gym it replaced, with lots of fun to be had on the various features to crawl through, climb on, and slide down. An adorable ladybug provides kids a place to imagine they are flying. And a series of musical instruments means youngsters can make music alone or with siblings and friends. The area is ideal for kids age 2 to 12, and has seating options around the parameter for parents.
The playground is also next to a fitness park that was established in 2017. Here kids and adults can work out on fitness machines, and also take advantage of a bike repair station, and a pathway for getting one’s steps in while also enjoying the shade of large trees throughout the park.
Green Acres is located at 620 Woodward Ave. Learn more about Hazel Park Parks at https://www.hazelpark.org/i_want_to/parks_and_recreation_department.php. Learn more about Oakland County Parks at https://www.oakgov.com/community/oakland-county-parks. Learn about places to explore nature in the Oakland County Times Explore Section.
