City of Southfield celebrates completion of Carpenter Lake Nature Preserve renovations August 1

The Southfield Parks & Recreation Department will host a Reopening Ceremony to celebrate the completion of recent renovations at Carpenter Lake Nature Preserve on Thursday, August 1 at 11 a.m. at 27225 W. Ten Mile Road.

The Reopening Ceremony will include remarks from several city officials, including Mayor Kenson Siver, City Administrator Fred Zorn, Parks & Recreation Director Terry Fields, and Boulder Garden benefactor Attorney Marshall Lasser.

The project included the addition of 25 new parking spaces for a total of 71, including three accessible spaces and parking for two school buses. Other new features include a small open-air shelter (16' x 20'), an all-season restroom facility (256-square-feet with three unisex stalls and a drinking fountain), and ADA accessibility curb ramps with a marked crosswalk from Boulder Garden to the restroom/shelter area. These improvements will help support a diverse range of nature programs for all ages.

"We are pleased with the recent improvements at the City's beloved Carpenter Lake Nature Preserve," commented Mayor Dr. Ken Siver. "The Boulder Garden has quickly become a fan favorite at the park, and we are very appreciative of the financial support from local attorney Marshall Lasser for making this very unique and educational component possible."

Carpenter Lake Nature Preserve opened in October 2008 and is located just east of Inkster Road on the Ravines Branch of the Rouge River. This 42-acre preserve is a haven for wildlife and offers a serene environment for walking, fishing, and learning about native plants and animals. Interpretive signage along the trails provides educational insights into the park's vernal ponds, deciduous forest, and lake ecology, making it accessible and enjoyable for visitors of all ages and abilities.

In response to the growing interest in outdoor activities, the Parks & Recreation Department prioritized investments in outdoor spaces. Thanks to a $600,000 Michigan Economic Development Grant secured by State Senator Jeremy Moss, these upgrades began in 2023. The park was temporarily closed on July 31, 2023 to ensure the safety of the public and workers during the renovation.

In 2016, attorney Marshall Lasser proposed a significant donation to Carpenter Lake, leading to the creation of a captivating boulder garden featuring stones from the Great Lakes region. Mayor Ken Siver championed the project, which was approved by the Parks & Recreation Department, the Parks & Recreation Board, and the City Council. The Boulder Garden, a perfect fit for the passive nature of Carpenter Lake Nature Preserve, began construction in fall 2017 with rocks sourced from quarries in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Wisconsin, and southeast Ontario, Canada. The boulders, ranging from one to 2.7 billion years old, feature QR codes and interpretive signage for educational exploration.

The event is open to the public and light refreshments will be served. For more information, contact Parks & Recreation at (248) 796-4620.