Press Release | Office of the Mayor | Westland Names New Parks and Recreation Director and Announces Recreation Improvements

For Immediate Release | Official Press Release

PRESS RELEASE

OFFICE OF THE MAYOR

36300 Warren Road | Westland, Michigan | 48185

Office 734.467.3200 | Fax 734.422.1230

WWW.CITYOFWESTLAND.COM

Westland Names New Parks and Recreation Director and Announces Recreation Improvements

Westland, MI (April 16, 2019) - On Monday, April 15 the Westland City Council confirmed the appointment of Kyle Mulligan to serve as Westland's Parks and Recreation Director and approved several planned recreation improvements.

Mulligan, who will begin his employment on Monday, May 6, has a Bachelor's Degree in Recreation, Parks and Leisure Services Administration from Central Michigan University. He also has an extensive background in youth recreation services and event coordinating.

"Mr. Mulligan brings with him passion and energy along with experience working with youth recreation operations and programming," commented Mayor Wild. "He will be a great asset as we work to build a larger portfolio of recreational offerings within the City."

On the same night, Council also approved a list of projects set forth for the Parks and Recreation Department including the purchase of bleachers for Kosowski Park in the City's Historic Norwayne Neighborhood.

Approval was also granted for materials to erect a large gazebo at Stottlemyer Park. The City has awarded the contract to Amish Country Gazebo's, the low bidder for the project. The gazebo will be 30 feet in diameter and octagonal in shape. Labor will be provided by the Building Trades Career Development students at William D. Ford Technical Center as part of their curriculum. Additional enhancements to Stottlemeyer Park include the purchase and installation of new playground equipment comprising of a new children's play structure with multiple platforms, canopies, slides, and climbing apparatuses.

Funding for all three parks improvements are provided for by grants from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).

The Council also approved a construction management contract with Northville based J.S. Vig Construction for the renovation of the Mike Modano Ice Arena front lobby and restrooms. This project will be partially paid for by a Wayne County Parks Grant to the tune of $42,432.00, with the cost to the City not to exceed $177,568.00, which will be funded through the Capital Improvement Fund.

"The City of Westland continues to work diligently to invest in its recreational amenities," commented Mayor Wild.

For more information, please call the Mayor's Office at (734)467-3200

Westland, Michigan is the state's 10th largest municipality, with a population of over 84,000 people who exhibit a great deal of pride in their All-American City. Westland has a thriving business community along with beautiful residential areas. The citizens enjoy a wide array of amenities and a quality of life that is second to none.

In 2014, Westland was rated as one of 24/7 Wall Street's America's Best 50 Cities to Live, offering residents and visitors an ideal blend of single-family affordable homes, apartments and condominiums, great schools, and access to numerous outdoor activities. Public safety is delivered by full-service, professional law enforcement and firefighting personnel. Westland Police Department, whose motto is protect and serve, provides emergency dispatch services to four cities and over 100,000 residents; the Westland Fire Department are licensed paramedics who responded to over 9,000 calls for service last year, about 85% being medical based. They never forget their mission of preserving life and property.

Westland is well-known as the premier destination for shopping and dining in Wayne County with hundreds of shops and restaurants anchored by the Westland Shopping Center, one of the country's original four regional malls.

Infinite opportunities are available in Westland for the recreation aficionado including, more than 40 parks and 1,500 acres of trails, a 9-hole golf course, hockey arena, athletic fields, playscapes, a Farmers and Artisans Market and more. One of Michigan's most environmentally friendly cities, Westland has a progressive curbside recycling program with one of the highest participation rates in the nation and the City is raising the bar for cultural experiences with the placement of public art throughout the City.

The City is served by two public school districts; Wayne-Westland Community Schools serving 12,000 youth was recently named one of the Best School in Michigan by WXYZ-TV and is the proud recipient of 14 Golden Apple and two Michigan Blue Ribbon Exemplary School Awards. Livonia Public Schools, educating nearly 15,000 students, is proud of their MEAP/MME scores that exceed state averages and the District has also earned Golden Apple and Michigan Blue Ribbon Exemplary School Awards.

The City provides competitive incentives for those who are interested in investing in Westland, making it one of the hottest investment markets in the region. Our Fast-Track to Business Team, which consists of key decision makers who work diligently on a development plan will "cut the red tape" and expedite the approval process for new business development.