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In October of 2023, the City of Milan announced publicly that they were awarded a $954,500 SPARK grant for enhancements to Wilson Park. Milan was one of only 31 projects out of 400 applicants statewide to receive a SPARK grant, part of $65 million in funding from the State of Michigan to local parks and recreation programs made possible by the American Rescue Plan Act.

The grant funding awarded to Milan for Wilson Park include:

• Permanent restrooms
• All-inclusive playground
• Security cameras
• New basketball courts
• Pickleball courts (where current basketball court is located)
• Shade structures around splashpad
• A fitness court / circuit

Since October, the City contracted with OHM Advisors, an architecture, engineering, and planning firm (a requirement of the grant) to develop a formal plan for implementation. After surveying the flood plain in the park to determine the optimal placement for all the elements, OHM presented an initial concept (see below) that was presented to the Parks and Recreation Commission and City Council this week for consideration.

Council, city staff, and the Parks and Recreation Commission have been in ongoing discussions with organizational leaders, including the Milan Fair board and other event organizers, since being awarded the grant. Conversations with community leaders, residents, businesses, and others continue as they consider the proposed concept from OHM Advisors and work toward finalizing a plan for nearly $1M in enhancements to Wilson Park.