Community Corner

Lawn Work Planned for Farmington's Riley Park

The lawn and some brick paver sections will be replaced, due to heavy use of the park.

The  has announced plans to give the  lawn in downtown Farmington a makeover in May.

According to a release issued Monday by the DDA, events that require more intense use of the property, including tents with stakes or weights, will be moved to hard-surfaced areas around the park. Rhythmz in Riley Park, a concert series that begins in June, will remain on the lawn.

F.J. LaFontaine & Sons Landscaping Company, based in Farmington Hills, will complete the work, which includes removing and replacing the existing lawn, ensuring proper grades and repairing sections of the brick paver patio on the north side of the Walter E. Sundquist Pavilion. 

Find out what's happening in Farmington-Farmington Hillswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The release indicated that the process to replace the lawn will begin with an application of an herbicide that will “kill” all existing vegetation, including noxious weeds. Those areas will be cordoned off, and residents are urged to steer clear. Once the entire area dries, the restoration work will begin.

Conditions of the lawn have deteriorated since the area first opened in October, 2005, largely because of intense use. In addition to hosting Rhythmz in Riley Park and the Farmington Farmers and Artisans Market, the park and pavilion are a central point for the Downtown Farmington Founders Festival, Art on the Grand, Harvest Moon and Holly Days celebrations.

Find out what's happening in Farmington-Farmington Hillswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“The DDA recognizes the importance of Riley Park as a community focal point,” DDA president Bob Rock said. “We need to take this step to ensure its condition fits the community’s expectations.”


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Farmington-Farmington Hills