Jackson, Mich. (WKHM) — A three-phase construction project to create recreational and community gathering spaces at Ella Sharp Park was approved by Jackson City Council during their meeting on Tuesday.
A memorandum of understanding between the city and Movement Jackson LLC has been made to construct a project that begins this year with a tentative end date of December 31, 2028.
The project would be completed in three phases: Phase 1 would include a climbing wall with three boulder installations for different levels of skill.
Phase 2 would be to make a 15,000 to 20,000 square foot skate park and pump track.
Phase 3, which will require further Council approval, would be to construct a public gathering place that could include and eating area and multiple restaurant spaces.
Greg Stevenson spoke on behalf of Movement Jackson during Tuesday’s meeting about why they felt the project could help get people off their phones and exercising.
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Stevenson went into some of the details of the overall goals that Movement Jackson hopes to accomplish with this project.
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It was emphasized that while Movement Jackson is spearheading the effort, they are working in collaboration with multiple local organizations in the community.
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The memorandum as proposed in city documents would allow Movement Jackson to request 6 months of expanded time to complete the project if progress is being made.
The document also states that Movement Jackson would be responsible for covering construction costs of the project, including fundraising efforts, accepting donations, and seeking grants in collaboration with the City of Jackson.
The city will provide a survey of the site location, which is between Alpine Lakes Apartments and the Ella Sharp miniature golf course, as well as area enhancements like public restrooms, parking, and lighting.