Community: City of Fraser
Population: 10,000+
In 2017, Phase 2 of McKinley Barrier-Free Park was completed, the latest milestone in an 11-year project to transform McKinley Park, a previously underused 15-acre park in the city. The continuing goal is to create a barrier-free park and playground, offering accessible outdoor recreation for children and adults of all abilities, with a particular focus on the needs of those with special challenges.
From a few outdated swings and play pieces and a deteriorating basketball court, McKinley Barrier-Free Park now features a “Walk and Roll” path, pavilion, comfort station, toddler sand lot, benches, play structures, and a parking lot – all accessible by people with special challenges. The park also incorporates educational and sensory experiences that can be enjoyed by all.
The project is a community partnership between the City of Fraser and the Fraser First Booster Club, a 501c(3) non-profit, as well as other groups and organizations. This collaboration has resulted in a Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant, a Land, Water, Conservation Fund grant, as well as other grants and significant private donations to fund the construction.
Replicability:
Seek external partners. The City of Fraser has partnered with the Fraser First Booster Club, a 501c(3) non-profit, run by volunteers from the community. Fraser First was formed in 2010 with an initial mission of building the park. Their efforts include fundraising, design, planning, educating the public, funding a professional grant consultant, and working directly with the City administration on a regular basis.
Seek grants. The City received a Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant for the project infrastructure, including a parking lot, walking path, drainage, comfort station, completed in 2015. A second grant from the Land Water Conservation Fund, along with matching dollars funded Phase 2, completed in 2017. Additionally, Fraser First was awarded grant funding from several private sources through opportunities unavailable to municipalities.
Creativity and Originality:
McKinley Park is named after one of Fraser’s early mayors, Otis McKinley. Dr. McKinley happened to own an airport by the same name in the city. In keeping with the history of the McKinley family’s legacy, an airport theme was developed, and airplane, and airport elements are incorporated into the play structures and pavilion. A local artist painted murals in the restrooms depicting vintage aircraft and scenes tying back into the theme of both the history and the mission of a barrier-free park.
Custom play panels were designed to provide tactile and sensory experiences for children and adults, so that there was an experience for everyone. Future planned improvements to the park include a walking sensory garden, additional play structures, and an adult exercise area that will be wheelchair accessible.
The new McKinley Park has fostered creative events and programming, such as the annual “Walk ‘N Roll”, featuring activities, crafts, and educational programs on disabilities and challenges. Also, an art installation called “Weave Peace”, was placed in the park in 2016 for several weeks, inviting the community to come and enjoy the park, while sharing “peaceful intentions” for community goodwill.
Community Impact:
The McKinley Barrier-Free Park project has improved the quality of life and access to outdoor recreation for thousands in an underserved neighborhood, while becoming a destination park for people from all walks of life. It is a point of pride in the community. Quality park facilities enhance the property values of the surrounding area as well.
Additionally, the park has become a destination for many with special needs. Schools and programs for adults with special needs visit often to provide their students with an opportunity to enjoy the park and it’s amenities.
This project has sparked other efforts and volunteer projects, including tree plantings, park cleanups, and other projects throughout the city.
