EAST LANSING, Mich. — Community members are invited to provide feedback on an exciting Farmers Market Pavilion and Park Improvement Project proposed for Valley Court Park.
In June 2022, the City of East Lansing submitted a grant proposal to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) for a $1 million grant through the MEDC’s Revitalization and Placemaking Program (RAP) to support the proposed project and, in September 2022, it was announced that the grant was approved and will be awarded if the project moves forward.
The proposed public infrastructure project includes construction of a permanent pavilion with public restrooms, storage and other infrastructure to enhance downtown East Lansing's Valley Court Park for farmers markets, events, performances and other programming. Additionally, an existing playground will be re-located in closer proximity to the space’s active, public areas and will be designed to be fully accessible to better serve a broader range of children and families. The project will also make an intentional connection to the heart of downtown through key pedestrian-scale infrastructure, which may include features such as new sidewalks and crosswalks, lighting, public art, green infrastructure and café seating. Lastly, a historic property in need of repair located in the park will be renovated to both continue its current use, which supports events and other park activation, and maintain its integrity for future rehabilitation.
Staff has initiated the public approval process for this proposed project, including additional engagement opportunities for the public and local stakeholders. The City welcomes feedback from the community, which will be shared with the East Lansing City Council and East Lansing boards and commissions during the formal review process. Comments can be sent to pavilion@cityofeastlansing.com.
Community feedback can also be shared during the public outreach events and public meetings posted in the engagement calendar on the project’s webpage, www.cityofeastlansing.com/pavilion.
“We are excited to begin the approval process and planning for this proposed project and invite all interested community members and stakeholders to provide us with their feedback as we work to bring it to fruition,” East Lansing Parks, Recreation & Arts Director Cathy DeShambo said. “We will be kicking off our engagement and outreach efforts with an information table at the East Lansing Farmers Market this Sunday, Oct. 16 during the Autumn Fest event.”
“This is an exciting project for the community that will significantly enhance Valley Court Park, while also strengthening its connection to our downtown core. We are thrilled about the possibility of having a permanent, covered structure for our farmers market and the other programming and events that would provide numerous opportunities for our community to visit downtown,” East Lansing Planning, Building & Development Director Thomas Fehrenbach said.