Appropriations Requests for : Village of Brooklyn

1. Cosponsoring legislators:

No Cosponsors

Recipient Information

2. Intended legislatively directed spending item recipient:

Village of Brooklyn

3. Physical address of legislatively directed spending item recipient and the intended location of the project or activity:

Village Office - 121 N. Main St. Brooklyn, MI 49230; Weatherwax Park - 115 Monroe St, Brooklyn, MI 49230

4. The recipient's employer identification number:

38-6008349

Funding Details

5. Requested amount of the legislatively directed spending item:

$800,000.00

6. What is the purpose and how does the legislatively directed spending item provide a public benefit that is an appropriate use of taxpayer money?

Weatherwax Park has been designated as a Village park for over a decade but has remained relatively underdeveloped. It currently consists primarily of a parking lot with a small grassy area, including a grill, public restrooms, and picnic tables (5-Year Parks & Recreation Plan, page 25). Redeveloping this space into a more functional and welcoming park will provide a significant benefit to Brooklyn’s downtown and surrounding areas while building on the assets that already exist at the site. The need for redevelopment is clearly documented in the Village’s 5-Year Parks & Recreation Plan. Page 25 outlines existing amenities and recommends improvements including a pavilion, expanded gathering areas, and improved parking, elements that have been incorporated into the proposed site plan. Community survey responses and Public Open House comments (page 35) emphasize the desire for more community events, improved accessibility, enhanced facilities, and adequate parking. The Implementation section (pages 38 and 40) identifies designing and developing Weatherwax Park as a top priority. Weatherwax Park’s downtown location makes it uniquely suited for public events and gatherings. The Village already hosts its annual “Art in the Park” event at this location. As Brooklyn serves as a hub for surrounding lake communities, the demand for a centrally located, flexible event space continues to grow. Its proximity to Michigan International Speedway and nearby communities such as Jackson and Ann Arbor further increases visitation. The redesign will incorporate accessible pathways, gathering areas, and amenities consistent with ADA standards to ensure equitable access for all users. A well-designed, accessible park space within walking distance of downtown businesses will support economic vitality while enhancing quality of life. As downtown continues to grow with new businesses and restaurants, transforming this underutilized space into an inviting, accessible community park will meet documented public demand and create a lasting public asset for residents and visitors.

7. Has the legislatively directed spending item previously received or been awarded any of the following types of funding in the past 5 years?

✓ Yes: Local Funding

Amount received: $200,000.00

8. Estimated time frame for completion of the legislatively directed spending item project:

10/01/2026 – 9/30/2027

Additional Information For Nonprofit Corporations

9. Is the recipient a nonprofit corporation?

No

Certification By Sponsoring Legislator

• "I certify that my immediate family members, legislative staff members, and I have no direct or indirect pecuniary interest in the requested legislatively directed spending item."
• "I certify that the intended recipient of this legislatively directed spending item is not a for-profit entity."
• "I certify that the information in this form is true to the best of my knowledge."

Senator Sue Shink