The city’s first dog park will be constructed in a reimagined Eugene S. Nowicki Park this year.
By: Mary Beth Almond | Rochester Post | Published January 8, 2025
ROCHESTER HILLS — Although 2024 was a tough year for the city of Rochester Hills — following the June shooting at the Brooklands Splash Pad — Mayor Bryan Barnett said it was a year that reminded him “even in the darkest of times, hope, resilience, and gratitude can shine through.”
Immediately after the June 15 shooting, Barnett shared that the tragedy itself would not define the city, its response would.
Over the past six months, hundreds of thousands of dollars have been raised to support the 10 people injured in the shooting and their families — through roadside lemonade stands, 5K runs, bike groups and restaurant fundraisers.
And the support doesn’t stop there. A resiliency center, a program of Common Ground, is set to open in January at the corner of Auburn and Dequindre to provide free support to the community.
“Rochester Hills has turned tragedy into triumph. Despair into optimism. Fear into hope,” Barnett said in a statement.
Looking back on 2024, there is much to celebrate, according to Barnett. Some points of pride for the city over the past year include: Innovation Hills being named the Great Lakes Park of the Year, receiving the Park Design of the Year Award, and being recognized as the Top Place to Take Kids in metro Detroit; the work of 20 artists displayed in the new Brooklands Plaza development as part of “Art on Auburn 2;” and $300,000 shared among 17 nonprofits through the city’s Nonprofit Assistance Program.
“In total, (17) nonprofits were supported through this, ranging from $14,000 to $30,000 each, and they focused on the following areas, including education, mental health, emergency housing assistance and food assistance,” said Joe Synder, the city’s finance director.
In 2024, Rochester Hills celebrated its 40th year as a city with several events throughout the year, including an 80s-themed 5K event that raised money for the victims of the splash pad shooting. Officials also opened the only pedestrian suspension bridge in metro Detroit at Innovation Hills, providing access to 48-acres of preserved green space. Barnett shared some highlights of the Rochester Hills Fire Department, including when Todd Gary, a 43-year veteran of the Rochester Hills Fire Department, was named the city’s sixth fire chief and Bill Cooke, a 31-year veteran of the department, was named deputy fire chief. Toward the end of the year, officials also recognized the heroic actions of Fire Lt. Chris Ogg, who saved the lives of two residents trapped inside their burning home, Kate and Knoll Prokop.
“Lt. Ogg is our hero. He saved our lives,” said Kate Prokop.
Looking ahead at 2025
Over the next year, Barnett plans to focus on continuing to make the community great.
One of his top goals is to retain the city’s statewide leadership, in terms of parks development and green space acquisition. Two large projects that will assist in that effort include the development of Brooklands Plaza Park and the designs for the city’s first dog park in Nowicki Park in 2025.
“Our residents love their parks and I want to double down on our investments in this area,” Barnett said.
Eugene S. Nowicki Park, which includes 35 acres of property in an area just across from Adams High School and north of the Village of Rochester Hills, is currently a blank canvas the city is hoping more residents will begin to use after it’s reimagined. The city’s first dog park is being planned there, along with boardwalks, playgrounds, and other innovative features for people of all abilities and resources.
In 2025, the city will also begin work on Brooklands Plaza Park, which is next to the city’s first splash pad at 1585 E. Auburn Road.
“We’re envisioning a city center, a place to gather, a place to come together,” Barnett shared.
Another big focus for Barnett in 2025 is making intentional infrastructure improvements with the city’s roads and water and sewer systems.
“This is kind of boring compared to parks investment, but we take great pride in making sure our roads are in great shape and that we aren’t seeing many of the infrastructure problems our neighboring communities are experiencing. This is important for one of our other goals … to host a Detroit Lions Super Bowl victory parade … so we need great roads,” he said.
As the nation, state and many cities around us struggle with burdensome debt, Barnett said he wants to be the first city of its size to be completely debt free in the state of Michigan.
“Thoughtful management of our residents’ tax dollars and prudent spending and investing has (put) us on a path to achieve this mid-year. This would be absolutely historic and almost unheard of nationally,” Barnett added.
All of the goals, Barnett said, align with the city’s stated mission — for Rochester Hills to be the preeminent place to live, work and raise your family.
“That has been my professional goal every day that I have been blessed to be the mayor of Rochester Hills,” Barnett said.
For more information, contact the city of Rochester Hills at (248) 656-4600.