Greenmead Historical Park, a 95-acre park operated by the City of Livonia’s Parks and Recreation Department, includes the nearly 200-year-old Greenmead Farm and its outbuildings, a historical village of relocated buildings, Greenmead community gardens, Virginia B. Matley Nature Trail, and soccer fields. Though public and private events are hosted at the park, the City wanted to reinvigorate these unique assets and increase use to better serve the residents of Livonia and Metro Detroit. In alignment with the City’s existing plans, Wade Trim led development of the Greenmead Historical Park 20-year Master Plan (GHPMP), which was adopted in January 2023. The GHPMP provides a mission and vision for the park and sets goals and strategic objectives for the coming years. The Michigan Association of Planning selected the GHPMP to receive an Outstanding Urban Design Award at its Planning Michigan 2023 Conference in October.

The major challenge of the GHPMP was determining how to bring all the physical assets together to create a place people want to visit time and again while preserving the history of the campus. Through robust community engagement and thoughtful planning, the Greenmead 365 concept was formed. The concept relies on an interpretive strategy developed to unify the site’s various historical narratives to tell the larger story of America’s Midwest settlement and development paired with implementable actions to bring visitors to the park 365 days a year for experiences that cannot be replicated elsewhere.

Site planning and a future programming plan were developed through public engagement efforts that included creation of a Steering Committee, promotional video, interactive project website, social media outreach, and informational booths at City events. Two focus groups were formed to gather further input and test concepts to attract visitors. Analysis of public interest led to development of a phased capital improvements plan that prioritized improvements to drive return traffic such as a gathering pavilion/skating rink, concert space, a petting zoo, an interpretive center within a refurbished Nankin Mills School, and a nature-play playground.

Event photos provided by the City of Livonia Communications Department.