Following a succession of three placemaking wins, the city of Southfield is looking to continue its summer successes with an event highlighting the businesses along Evergreen Road. Scheduled to coincide with the beginning of this year's Lawrence Technological University fall semester, Experience Evergreen will offer students, their families, and area residents an introduction -- or re-introduction -- to the city's commercial corridor.
From Aug. 21 through Aug. 25, more than two dozen participating businesses on Evergreen and within the city center will offer special promotions and discounts to woo customers.
"Experience Evergreen celebrates the new and pre-existing businesses along Evergreen," says Southfield Director of Planning Terry Croad. "For the new Lawrence Tech freshmen and their parents and grandparents seeing Southfield for the first time, we want to be there to introduce them."
The city has had a busy summer in the placemaking department.
Southfield successfully crowdfunded over $50,000 for a public sculpture park, resulting in a $50,000 matching grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Croad expects
Red Pole Park to be completed by next spring, if not before.
That park will be located along the Northwestern Highway Bike Pathway, a landscaped pedestrian and bike pathway that runs along the highway service drive. Croad is planning for murals and other public art installations for the pathway, which celebrated its grand opening in late July.
Also debuting this summer was the city's bike share program. The program has already welcomed over 100 registrants in the span of two weeks.
Bicyclists can pay by the hour or purchase an annual membership. A student discount is available.
Being a pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly city has been a big goal for Croad.
"It's important that people see others outside walking and biking; it builds a sense of community," he says.
"It's like outdoor patio seating. People want to see life and activity on the streets."
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