Trenton Downtown Development Authority Director Angelia Pusino (left, at podium) explains a DTE Energy Foundation Tree Planting Grant during the Jan. 21 City Council meeting.
By SUE SUCHYTA
Sunday Times Newspapers
TRENTON – The city was awarded a $4,000 DTE Energy Foundation Tree Planting Grant for Rotary Park, which was unanimously approved during the Jan. 21 City Council meeting.
Downtown Development Authority Director Angelia Pusino said the DTE grant, which will be used solely for tree planting, will be combined with city matching funds for the overall $145,750 Rotary Park project.
Twenty-three trees will be planted, including one American Linden, three Black Tupelos, three Chinkapin Oaks and three Red Maples as canopy trees, and four American Paw Paws, two Eastern Hop Hornbeams, three Common Witch Hazels and four Eastern Redbuds as understory trees.
Rotary Park, Trenton’s largest downtown park, a two-acre park that provides access to the Detroit River and is close to the central business district, will be completely redesigned.
The community park, which has a boat launch, concrete fishing piers, wooden boardwalk, playground, basketball court and picnic pavilion, has not been updated in more than 30 years.
The boardwalk and shoreline are in disrepair, and its current amenities do not meet with community needs. Park visitation is reportedly on the decline and the site being underutilized.
The redesign will focus on native flora and fauna, with trees and plants designed to improve the park’s aesthetic and environment, with canopy trees providing shade for visitors and nesting spots for native birds.
The planting will help with stormwater mitigation, and the planned rain gardens will help mitigate flooding.
Improved landscaping and recreational facilities in the park will make it a more attractive site for picnics and other outdoor activities, making it a more inclusive community asset.
Following the updates, city officials hope the park will be used to host outdoor summer concerts.
Bids have already been sought for the park’s boardwalk repair as part of the overall project.
City officials hope to complete the Rotary Park project before the end of the 2025 calendar year.
The park project also has a local grant from the Howey Family Foundation.