Studio Nova

OAK PARK HAS TURNED A NEW LEAF (PUN INTENDED)!

More than 11 years ago, the City hired visionary City Manager Erik Tungate who turned our finances around and made positive growth possible. His background in finance and economic development made him the perfect fit for our city that needed to grow to its full potential. Since we are a city of homes, not a center of commerce, he saw the need to improve the quality of life for residents by not only increasing economic development opportunities, but also by improving parks, building a state of the art community center and bring us together.

But, before we could even begin to think about improving our parks we first had to increase our economic develop-ment opportunities, which have been a huge factor in our growth. In 2014, we hired Economic Development Director Kim Marrone and she saw opportunities and potential. She realized light industrial buildings with available parking could be re-purposed as breweries or restaurants.

From there, we started building on the vision of what could be and in only nine years, many of those visions became realities. With a now vibrant social district and an award-winning Nine Mile corridor our innovative roots began to sprout in Oak Park many years ago. With a strong economic development vision in full implementation, we decided to turn our vision processing to our parks and recreation opportunities.

THE PARKS AND RECREATION VISIONING PROCESS WAS CENTERED around community engagement and from residents we heard that they wanted improved parks and a community center with an indoor pool and an indoor track and gym. To build such a community center, and to create parks that will improve residents’ quality of life for years to come, we first had to ask the voters if this is what they envisioned for our City too.

So, this Fall we put two tax increases on the ballot, which if approved, meant we would have the secure funding mechanism needed to make such investments. We held many town hall meetings to find out what residents’ priorities were and to better educate them on what the two proposals would mean for an average homeowner.

The proposals were both supported by the majority of those who cast a ballot, so we are now on our way to upgrading our parks and planning a community center. We are making our City a welcoming place for young families so they can grow their roots in Oak Park!

Small Business Synergy

THE CITIES OF SOUTHFIELD, LATHRUP VILLAGE AND OAK PARK HAVE PARTNERED to host networking and business education events for owners of small businesses in the area, aimed at helping them grow. Oak Park’s Dog & Pony Show Brewing was the site of the most recent event where folks learned about opportunities for small businesses in Oakland County and had the opportunity to network with other business owners in the region.

Representatives from Main Street Oakland County sponsored the event and promoted the new Shop OC Main Street website (shopocmainstreets.com/) which hosts local Oakland County businesses’ online sales, making it even easier to shop local. The three communi- ties will host these events quarterly, so keep an eye on social media and our website for the next event.

Don't forget to shop our small businesses this holiday season, and year-round. They help with local events, support our sports teams, and are there to give you great customer service. It’s easier to go shopping locally, try on clothes and get help from a knowledgeable owner than buy online, wrap it up to take it back if doesn’t suit your needs and then drive the return to the nearest shipping center. So, give the little guy a chance this holiday season. Shop Local!

To find out more about our local shops visit shopocmainstreets.com.

PARTNERING WITH OAK PARK SCHOOLS

IN 2016 AND 2017, WE PARTNERED WITH FIFTH GRADE TEACHERS to give students a view of City government by touring City departments and meeting the department heads who spoke to them about ways the City of Oak Park positively impacts their lives. To truly demonstrate this, we even held budget sessions where students decided whether to spend the recreation funding on the pool or on the parks.

The money we use for City improvements and programs comes from taxes. We all chip in to fund things so teaching the students’ their voices matter in this process was a lifelong lesson! We also taught them funds are limited so we discussed whether they should have a treat now or save for the shoes they want later.

IN 2018 AND 2019, WE PARTNERED WITH THE ART TEACHERS for a display about places in the City that mean something to the students. They wrote up an explanation to go with their art and then displayed it in City Hall where we celebrated with a Grand Opening and special arts t-shirts for all who participated.

The City Manager, Director of Public Safety and I attend Oak Park Schools’ Career Day regularly, where we explain to teens what preparation is needed and what is involved in doing our jobs. It’s an opportunity to meet and talk with teens. For March is Reading Month we read books to classes at our three elementary schools.

OUR OAK PARK YOUTH ASSISTANCE IS A PARTNERSHIP between the City, the Oak Park Schools and the 45th District Court with the goal of making a difference in the lives of teens at risk. Events are hosted annually, such as the Pancake Breakfast, where we raise money to help kids take music classes or pay for recreation classes that interest them. Christmas presents are provided for kids who wouldn’t otherwise celebrate. New ways to advocate for and support our local students are thought up regularly, all in hopes of providing better roads to success for our students.

Partnering with Oak Park Schools has always been a priority of mine and I look forward to growing and strengthening this partnership each and every year!