Westland Gears Up for a Brand New $12M Park
There’s some exciting news coming out of Westland — city bigwigs are dotting their i’s and crossing their t’s for a cool $12 million park they’re hoping will fire up a rejuvenated downtown vibe. The park, endearingly labelled the Nankin Square, is all set to come alive on a sprawling 3.9 acres nestled between the Westland Community Health Center on Warren Road and the city’s prominent fire station on Central City Parkway.
In big plans, this much-awaited recreational haven is anticipated to break ground this very month and be completely open to public by September 2025. One of the primary hopes pinned on this park is to breathe new life into the nearby Westland Mall property, which has unfortunately been the unpleasant talk of the town for years.
Nankin Square, An Alluring Cornerstone
More than just a park, Nankin Square is set to be an all-inclusive entertainment hub, packed with an amphitheater, playgrounds for kids, a walking path, a lush grand lawn, dedicated space for food trucks, and more. And if you thought that was exciting, there’s more! The park is also envisaged as a venue for outdoor fitness events, concerts, and an array of other fun activities.
Unleashing A New Era
The city administration is of the belief that Nankin Square could be the powerhouse to transform the Westland Mall property into a coveted spot for a comprehensive, mixed-use development. Similar successful ventures rolled out in neighboring areas like Livonia, are proof-of-concept that such developments can create a sense of community and attract young, enthusiastic families.
Given that Westland currently lacks a traditional downtown, city officials are foreseeing the area around Warren Road as a potential downtown. And the Nankin Square project is undoubtedly a pivotal piece of this grand vision.
Affordability And Support
The estimated budget for the Nankin Square project is around $11.6 million. Westland’s Tax Increment Finance Authority has generously pitched in $8 million for the project. Additional financial aid has been arranged through grants received from the State of Michigan and Wayne County, covering the rest of the project cost.
