WESTLAND, Mich. – More walkability is on the way for the city of Westland.
Later this month, the city will officially debut Nankin Square, a new 3.2-acre recreation area just off Nankin Boulevard between Warren and Wayne roads.
The park features an outdoor amphitheater, walking trails, a nature play area, and space for up to four food trucks.
Alex Garza, Westland’s chief business development officer, gave a preview of what residents can expect.
“You want to talk about economic stimulant — this is about the biggest economic stimulant,” Garza said.
A space for everyone
The outdoor amphitheater is likely the first thing to catch visitors’ eyes. Garza says it can hold thousands.
“This is our grand lawn, going to have up to 4,000 people standing,” he said.
When the park officially opens, a summer concert series will kick things off. Beyond the concerts, the space is designed with community gathering in mind.
“This area right here will be like our beer garden, different games will be here — these are actually chess tables, we haven’t put the chess sets yet,” Garza said.
Nature play, creeks, canopy trees
The park was also designed with families in mind. A dedicated nature play area sits at the far end of the park, away from the road, alongside a creek and a path that connects to City Hall.
“This is our nature play area,” Garza said, noting the trees are a key feature.
“These are all real — these are willow trees. Once they’re grown in, they will grow over each other. It’s going to be like a canopy,” he said.
A $10M investment with broad support
Garza says the more than $10 million project was made possible with funding from nearly every level of government. The transformation — from the site of a former Service Merchandise store to a community anchor — is already generating buzz.
“The number one thing we get from folks is how unique this park is,” Garza said.
Mall redevelopment on the horizon
That buzz is extending beyond the park’s borders. Garza says potential developers have been showing interest in the Westland Mall.
“As soon as we started building this park and amphitheater, we started getting calls about the mall property — people saying, ‘You’re investing so much there, what can we do?’” he said.
Garza says the company that owns the Westland Mall has put the property back up for sale. Developers he has heard from are interested in transforming it into a mixed-use space that could include residential units, offices and additional retail.
As for Nankin Square, an official opening date is expected to be announced this week.