Farmington Press | Published August 9, 2023
Beechview Breakers set swimming records
FARMINGTON HILLS — According to an email, the Beechview Breakers, which operate as part of the Beechview Swim and Tennis Club in Farmington Hills, had some record-breaking swims during the course of the team’s season.
Maryn Varga, who is part of the 8 and under girls squad, had two individual record-breaking performances in the 25-meter freestyle and 25-meter backstroke.
Kinley Birmelin also had two individual record-breaking performances, as she broke records in the 50-meter butterfly and 50-meter backstroke for the girls 9/10 squad.
The Breakers also set three 40 and under relay records.
Chase Hougard, Timothy Simpson, Amaia Brown and Varga broke the Beechview club record in the 200-meter freestyle relay, with Hougard, Simpson, Birmelin and Varga setting the Beechview pool record in the 200-meter freestyle relay.
Simpson, Stella Pandza, Birmelin and Varga set the Beechview pool record in the 200-meter medley relay.
The Breakers are led by head coach Eric Schuman and have participated in the Northwest Suburban Swim League — swimming meets against other clubs from Oakland County — for 55 years, according to the email.
MDOT shares freeway update
FARMINGTON HILLS — The Michigan Department of Transportation contract crews working on the I-696 Restore the Reuther Rebuilding Michigan project are beginning to rebuild major freeway interchange ramps, according to a press release from MDOT.
Through late August, the southbound M-10 ramp to eastbound 696 is scheduled to be closed while it is being rebuilt.
Southbound M-10 traffic traveling to eastbound I-696 will be detoured via eastbound 10 Mile Road, northbound Lahser Road and eastbound Coral Gables Street to eastbound I-696, according to the release.
The eastbound I-696 ramp to Orchard Lake Road is scheduled to be closed for rebuilding until early September.
During this work, traffic is set to be detoured using southbound M-10, southbound US-24, then northbound Franklin Road to westbound 11 Mile Road to get to Orchard Lake Road.
“This $275 million project includes rebuilding the roadway from the base up, including storm sewer replacement work, and rebuilding ramps at Orchard Lake Road, American Drive, Franklin Road, and US-24 (Telegraph Road),” the release states. “This year, eastbound I-696 is being rebuilt from I-275 to east of US-24 (Telegraph Road). The westbound lanes will be rebuilt in 2024. Project details can be found at drivingoakland.com.
Funding for this project is made possible by the Rebuilding Michigan program “to rebuild the state highways and bridges that are critical to the state’s economy and carry the most traffic. The investment strategy is aimed at fixes that result in longer useful lives and improve the condition of the state’s infrastructure.”
Based on economic modeling, this investment is expected to directly and indirectly support about 3,328 jobs, according to the release.
Hawk Makerspace schedule set to begin
FARMINGTON HILLS — The Hawk Makerspace is scheduled to offer classes and workshops for teens 12 and older and adults beginning in September, with registration now open, according to a press release from the city of Farmington Hills.
The schedule is set to feature classes on beginner sewing and T-shirt quilting, along with woodshop classes to teach people how to build corn-hole sets, Shaker-style tables, Adirondack chairs and more, the release states.
Classes typically run a minimum of six weeks, and workshops are often scheduled for one day, according to the release.
“The Makerspace has been designed to empower makers of all ages and abilities,” the release states. “The community resource provides users with access to a quality technical space and equipment. Staff also work with participants to foster a culture of community by way of shared resources, shared knowledge, shared experiences and shared responsibility.”
Designated woodshop and craft lab hours are also available to the public, with daily, monthly or annual studio passholder programs available for beginners, hobbyists and entrepreneurs, according to the release.
The Hawk Makerspace earned the 2022-23 Facility Design Award from the Michigan Recreation and Park Association.
The space was made possible through a grant from the Bosch Community Fund, according to the release.
For more information, visit fhgov.com/makerspace.
Preschool outdoor open house scheduled
FARMINGTON HILLS — Educators and staff at the city of Farmington Hills Nature Preschool, located in Heritage Park, are scheduled to host an open house for families interested in the school’s 2023-24 school term.
Families with children ages 3-5 are welcome, and registration is not required, according to a press release from the city of Farmington Hills.
The Farmington Hills Heritage Park Nature Preschool Open House is set for 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 22, at 24915 Farmington Road.
The Nature Preschool Open House will provide an opportunity for families to meet teachers and other preschool-affiliated families and to take a tour of the facility.
Indoor and outdoor activity stations are planned for the children, with information available for parents and guardians. Light refreshments will also be provided, according to the release.
“The Heritage Park Nature Preschool offers a meaningful and immersive nature-based learning program,” the release states. “The research-based curriculum focuses on play and discovery so that children can connect deeply with nature. Learning objectives are like a traditional preschool, but your child’s nature preschool experience will be anything but conventional.”
Half-day classes are available from September, after Labor Day, through early June, the release states.
To learn more about the Farmington Hills Heritage Park Nature Preschool or for more information, call (248) 473-1870 or email Nature Center Supervisor Ashlie Smith at asmith@fhgov.com.