KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) — A temporary chain-link fence has circled Arcadia Creek Festival Place near downtown Kalamazoo this week ahead of the first phase of a major transformation to the park and venue.
The park has been closed since the start of the month. Kalamazoo city officials told News 8 in an email that soil borings and other environmental testing are underway. Demolitions approved by the state’s environmental agency will move ahead in the meantime in the Phase 1 section of the park. The portion dissects the festival site and runs along a portion of N Edwards St. and Koopson’s Alley. More demolition work is expected later this winter.
Arcadia Creek phasing site plan
The preferred design went up to the city commission back in June after businesses and downtown residents shared their input in the spring. Some of the highlights include a terraced lawn, expanded playground, dual pavilion and stage, as well as a removable fencing system.
First look at possible Arcadia Creek Festival Place
Funding the project is a budget of $3.6 million in federal and state dollars. In February of 2024, $1.6 million of American Rescue Plan funding was set for the project by the city commission amid a contentious meeting. That paved the way for a $2 million grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
According to Communications Director Mike Smith, the city is actively raising money for phases 2 and 3. Features in this section of the place include an overlook next to Arcadia Creek and a green space next to North Edward Street…