Ford Field Update

NORTHVILLIANS,

Over these pre-holiday weeks, I will continue to write about the work done by the Task Forces (Ford Field, Farmers’ Market and the Cemetery Restoration Team, along with the Bicentennial Group).  We are so fortunate in the community to have close to 7% of our citizens engaged sharing their time and talents on Task Forces, Boards & Committees.

This week, we will look at the continuing tremendous progress of the Ford Field Team. And yes, public restrooms and a new play structure are being planned and constructed as part of those plans. The overlook vista is taking shape where one can watch the sun rise daily, the ADA entry way by Serenity Point is all roughed in, and the new waterfall is all but done.

Ford Field Team Update…

Our Historic Ford Field Central Park area on the Rouge River has a colorful and lively history, having served our community from our beginnings:

1800’s – Activities at this location date back to the early 1800’s, when there was a sawmill in this area floating logs on the Mill Race pond. There were also grist mills for area farmers.
1919 – Henry Ford purchased these properties for the first of his Village Industries Operations and eventually built an Albert Kahn-designed state-of-the-art plant in the Ford Field area.
1940’s – Ford gifted the use of the land as a greenspace to the Northville Community.
1946 – The “Ford Recreation Field”, which was to be used by the School District and the recreation department was completed. The forefathers of our city envisioned a greenspace for sports of all kinds, including a skating rink and areas designed for community gatherings. The football & baseball fields were then laid out and a natural amphitheater for events was added.
1950 – A modern scoreboard was placed on the southwest corner of Ford Field.
1960’s – Some of the greatest teams from Northville played on this field, including individuals like Steve Juday, our athletic All-American MSU quarterback. One year in the early 60’s, a group of local athletes won ALL their football, basketball & baseball games (many @ Ford Field).
1970’s onward – Through the years, Ford Field has hosted many activities including: Sporting events, Donkey Softball games, circuses, festivals, concerts, public speeches, ice rinks, and movies. In modern times, a playscape was built called Fort Griswold, rallies, food trucks and much more. It has truly been a central gathering place this past century.

Ford Field Quick Facts

• 1820’s – Site of the first sawmill & grist mill in the Northville community
• 1940’s to 1960’s – Used by the Northville School District as athletic fields
• 1970’s – Youth baseball and soccer programs occurred here
• 1993 – City receives ownership of the property from Ford Motor Company & Rick Cox
• 1997 – The previous Fort Griswold playscape is built by the Northville community
• 1999 – City of Northville receives grant to mildly renovate Ford Field
• 2021 – State of Michigan awards Northville $910K for a new ADA entryway
• 2022 – Federal Grant Award (Erosion/Drainage) for work on Serenity Point
• 2023 – State Grant for assistance in Playscape & Randolph Drain (Wayne/Oakland)
• 2024 – DNR Grant for Bathrooms 

As you can see, Ford Field has long been part of our DNA, and we are now looking at its future for the next generation. We all stand on the shoulders of those who came before us as we continue to develop and enhance this outstanding Northville asset … All for the benefit of our community as we ready for our bicentennial in 2027.

When you stand in Ford Field, you are truly surrounded by the beauty of what Northville is all about: Hills, Water & Greenspace. I truly hope that you are enthused about the possibilities of this beloved Central Park treasure. I appreciate the “Community” involvement in this project.

Keep that Northville Faith!

Brian Turnbull
Mayor – Northville
BTurnbull@ci.northville.mi.us / 248.505.6849

(Reach out to me anytime or forward this communication to others interested.)

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