Page 11 - NV4TH2023

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Community ‘Unity’

New Skatepark will offer safe site for wheeled sports

Unity Skatepark in Northville
Township is officially rolling following
a groundbreaking ceremony for
the10,000-square-foot amenity.
Northville Township Supervisor
Mark J. Abbo and resident Gabriella
Duhn performed the ceremonial
groundbreaking as leaders from
throughout the community looked on.
Preparation at the skatepark site work
was scheduled to begin this week.
The project is a culmination of a
two-year effort to provide a safe space
for the community to embrace
wheeled sports. Township resident
Dominic Duhn died after being struck
by a vehicle while riding his skate-
board on Sheldon Road in September Northville officials were joined by members of the Duhn family during the
groundbreaking at Unity Skatepark.
2020.
His brother, Enzo, his best friend, thing positive from his tragic death. $655,500 project. More than $360,000
Jack Tsalis, and his parents envisioned Their idea captivated hundreds of peo- was raised through various supporters
the skatepark as a way to create some- ple who contributed funding to get the and fundraisers hosted by the Duhn
project launched and built through the family and their 501(c)(3) foundation.
Dominic Duhn Foundation, Inc. “Our family is excited to see this
“This is an exciting day for project begin as we are fully apprecia-
Northville Township as we take this tive of so many people helping us get to
ceremonial first step toward building this point with their generous dona-
an amenity that will serve this commu- tions,” said Gabriella Duhn, champion
nity for decades,” Abbo said. of the project. “I just know that
The skatepark will have a pump Dominic is smiling down on us know-
track, rails, a bowl, ledges, pads and ing that this skatepark will serve as a
embankments. Community members place for all to come together in unity
played a key role in selecting those to have a good time with a lot of laugh-
course elements, as park designer ter just like he lived his life.”
California-based Spohn Ranch, Inc. “We know many of our residents
sought out their input via meetings and have a passion for skateboarding,” said
surveys in early 2023. Northville Parks and Recreation
“This has been a grassroots project Director Debra Bilbrey-Honsowetz.
from the beginning, from the fundrais- “This is a recreation gem and we hope
ing to the design input,” Abbo said. “It by providing this space, we introduce
Township Supervisor Mark Abbo and truly is a project for the community more people to the wheeled sports
Gabriella Duhn celebrate the start of built by the community. community. It's a great way to spend
Unity Skatepark, dedicated to her late The Dominic Duhn Foundation time outdoors and enjoy Northville
son, Dominic Duhn. continues to raise money for the Township to its fullest.”