Now that the seeds we planted on May Day are beginning to sprout, it’s time for us to move onto the next phase of the Water Street Commons buildout – the construction of trails.
Thanks to the efforts of Ypsilanti City Planner Teresa Gillotti, and the DTE road crews that spend their days trimming and mulching the trees along our roadways, we now have a huge pile of wood chips on the site. And, as of this morning, we’ve got a pretty good idea as to how we’d like to distribute them. All we need now are some hearty, community-minded volunteers to help do the work.
So, if you’re free next Saturday, come out and join us. And, if possible, bring a shovel or two, or a wheelbarrow. We’ll start at 2:00, and we’ll try to bring lemonade and cookies for everyone.
Here’s what we have in mind for the layout.
As you can see, there’s an open space in the middle for events, a somewhat direct path up from Michigan Avenue, and two circuitous trails that wind through the property, which we’re hoping will soon be full of native grasses and wildflowers.
See you Saturday.
10 Comments
Trails are a nice touch. Maybe you could put down paper first so that weeds don’t grow through.
I like the flow of the trails. They remind me of the river.
Why not put this effort into existing parks that need work and innovation? Hopefully this property will be sold. Won’t people feel hurt and angry after all the work they are putting in here instead of happy that the property is sold? Maybe I missed a memo somewhere about this, but what is the motivation here?
It’s a bit much for me to get into right now, CW, as I’m planning for this afternoon’s event, but if you look under the “seed bombing” tag on this site, you’ll find the answer to your question. To summarize, though, the idea evolved with community input over the past four months and culminated with local school kids making and launching seed bombs full of native plant seeds onto a piece of property that the heart of our city that has remained vacant and overrun with weeds for the past 14 years. I’d think our motivation behind making it beautiful and inspiring would be self-evident. But, as I said, the details are all on the site. All you have to do is follow that link.
And this event is today, for those of you who would like to help. If you have a shovel, wheelbarrow or pick axe, please bring it. There will be plenty to do… from spreading mulch to digging up spotted knapweed.
And, if you don’t have a tool, come anyway. I’m sure we’ll find something for you to do.
See you at 2:00.
Why make art? We already have museums full if it.
Your explanation and the tag back is helpful. People taking ownership of the land, children learning something from the experience are good things. Making the property more attractive for prospective buyers is a possible side effect as well. I want to try to understand and support this effort by two people who I truly respect….you and Theresa…….which is why I ask the questions. There are so many things worth our time and energy.
Out of curiosity Citywatch, what projects would you rather Mark or Jeff or anyone take on?
So glad to help out on the 15th to the extent that I could, looking forward to working on this project again in the near future. What’s the chance we can have a drum and dance full moon circle on or near this site sometime?
Thanks!
Dawn
Where are the updates on the progress at the Water Street site, specifically photos?
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[…] One last thing… Those of you who would like to contribute toward the further revitalization of this area are encouraged to join us on the Water Street Commons this Saturday afternoon at 2:00, when we’ll be meeting with shovels and wheelbarrows to spread wood chips and create trails through …. […]
[…] been about a month since we called people together to help lay the trails around the Water Street Commons, and we figure it’s time meet again, […]