Clinton Township Department of Public Services Director Mary Bednar cuts the ribbon for a new paved path in Prince Drewry Park on Aug. 14. Bednar is pictured with Trustee Dan Kress, far left, Treasurer Paul Gieleghem, center, Supervisor Bob Cannon, second from right, and Trustee Julie Matuzak, far right.
By: Nick Powers | Fraser-Clinton Chronicle | Published August 27, 2024
CLINTON TOWNSHIP — Need to get some steps in?
Prince Drewry Park now offers a nearly half-mile path, it’s just a few feet shy, where you can do just that. The path winds around the perimeter of the park located on Quinn Road near Parker Elementary.
Department of Public Services Director Mary Bednar said that construction on the path started about a year ago. She said once the project got underway the contractor had a surplus of dirt and gifted it to the project. This filled divots in the field, allowing them to be more level.
“We worked in partnership with this contractor, who basically donated all the dirt and then regraded it as part of his contract with the pathway,” Bednar said. “So that we could make the park an even nicer place and these fields more usable for the people in the neighborhood.”
Bednar said DPS has about $200,000 in improvements planned for Drewry Park’s playground equipment and other amenities. She said the township applied for and received a grant from GameTime for playground equipment for up to $125,000. These improvements help build kids’ confidence to eventually move on to more advanced playscapes and give adults places to exercise.
Clinton Township Supervisor Bob Cannon said residents who attended the Quinn Road Reunion, a celebration that happens annually in the neighborhood on the road, appreciated the improvements.
“They love the way the park now looks, and they know it’s going to get better,” Cannon said.
Clinton Township Treasurer Paul Gieleghem said the project would not be possible if the Clintondale Community Schools district didn’t donate land near Parker Elementary.
“This is going to be continuous improvement, and we appreciate all the people who joined in to make it happen,” he said.
Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel spoke at the event and praised the project.
“These things really do make a difference in the community,” Mark Hackel said. “I thank you for making Macomb County shine with what you’re doing here in Clinton Township.”
State Rep. Alicia St. Germaine, R-Harrison Township, also commended the park.
“I just think this is wonderful,” St. Germaine said. “I love to drive by here on the way to Target and see all the kids playing outside. I think it’s great.”
Call Staff Writer Nick Powers at (586) 498-1059.