Phyllis A. Demars Tot Lot at chene-Trombley Park
An in-depth study by the Recreation Commission presented to city administration in 2020 identified a variety of play equipment and other amenities desired by residents but lacking in our parks. The Planning Commission, with its Vision Plan, and The Avenue in the Woods business association, founded in 2019, both emphasize enhancements to Mack and adjacent properties as key to our city’s viability and future. All agree that Chene-Trombley Park, located at Mack and Ridgemont, should become an attractive and inviting site for play and picnicking in the heart of Grosse Pointe Woods.
The city engaged Stucky Vitale Architects to development a master plan for the park. The firm conferred with city administrators and members of the Recreation Commission to determine optimal function, amenities, and appearance. The resulting plan includes toddler-friendly play equipment, a swing set, a walking path, an updated picnic area, toilet facilities, and an enhanced, welcoming entrance.
The city requested a grant from the Foundation to cover costs related to the Tot Lot. We began fundraising in March 2022 and completed in June 2023, presenting the city with a total of $195,000 for play equipment and installation!
Groundbreaking on the playground renovation occurred in late June of 2023, with members of the DeMars family in attendence. Grand Opening is October 21, 2023!
Photos of the groundbreaking on behalf of Renee Landuyt
“Woods tot lot to honor former teacher”, Grosse Pointe News, 10/27/2022
Mini Golf Course
In late 2015 the Grosse Pointe Woods City Council approved the Foundation’s concept of building a miniature golf course in Lake Front Park. The Foundation’s goal was a multi-season amenity for Grosse Pointe Woods residents and their guests of all ages and abilities. We looked to provide a new activity to be enjoyed together by families and friends. The design includes nine contiguous handicap-accessible holes, and has a nautical theme enhanced by a lighthouse, buoys, and scorecard stands resembling dock pilings. Landscaped gardens around the course perimeter were designed by Rachelle Koester, a GPW resident and master gardener, to be long-blooming and low-maintenance. The course is adjacent to the Activities building in Lake Front Park, providing restroom, snack and beverage machines, and a comfortable viewing area.
Installation of the course was made possible by the hundreds of donations received from individuals and businesses. We are very grateful to Kevin and Lee Ann Zmyslowski for their “Master’s” level sponsorship and the naming of the course in memory of their young grandson. Hole sponsors are A.H Peters Funeral Home, Peter & Lisa Ahee, Edmund T. Ahee Jewelers, Mike & Lisa Fuller, Kevin & Barbara Hendrick, The Original Pancake House, and Douglas & Margaret Rahaim.
The Foundation officially gifted the course to the city of Grosse Pointe Woods on August 3, 2019. The city operates and maintains the course, and established a $2 fee to play, with a discounted “package” of eight games for just $10. The city tallied over 2500 players in just its first three months and continues to be popular!
The Foundation was pleased to provide funding to the Avenue in the Woods business association for the beautiful light post banners displayed along Mack Avenue.
Avenue in the Woods Banners
Burke fosseE Fitness Trail
The Burke Fossee Fitness Trail in Lake Front Park opened during the 2014 Grosse Pointe Woods annual Labor Day Bridge Walk. The trail is named after Burke Fossee, a longtime resident who had a fondness for Lake Front Park, and for staying fit and active. Individual donors and a generous donation from the Fossee family made the project a reality; plaques recognizing sponsors are placed at each station.
The fitness equipment is permanently installed at nine scenic locations along the park’s 1.4-mile paved path. Included are a squat press, chest/back press, tai chi wheels, and a cardio stepper. Stations are spaced 100 to 200 yards apart, encouraging people to walk or run as they move between them.
City Hall Clocktower
The Clock Tower in front of the Grosse Pointe Woods City Hall was purchased and installed by the Foundation in 2010. The large planters, filled with flowers in the summer months and festive greens in the winter, were also donated to the city by the Foundation.
activities building Games
When you're playing fooseball and air hockey in the activities building at Lake Front Park, you are enjoying efforts of the Foundation.