In Milan, we enjoy tree lined streets, a charming historic downtown, beautiful parks, safe neighborhoods and great schools. These are just the first impressions of what makes the City of Milan the best city for anyone looking for a great community to buy a home, open a business, raise a family and pursue a wonderful small town life experience.
The City of Milan is investing $600K to stabilize the lake wall and add a walkway
An additional $15K in grant dollars will fund a kayak and pedal boat rental program
The City of Milan is undertaking a $600,000 project to stabilize the roadway next to Ford Lake and add a paved walkway on the lake’s eastside with gathering spots benches, waste receptacles, and lighting. In addition, this project will include an access point for kayak and paddle boats.
Ford Lake, situated in the heart of downtown Milan, was created in the 1930’s when Henry Ford constructed a dam on the Saline River. In doing so, he forever reshaped the geography of Milan, Michigan. Today, Ford Lake remains a central part of Milan; however, access to and usage of the lake has deteriorated over the years. While people can reach a small area of the lake for fishing from the shore, it has been nearly three decades since lakeside and on-lake access was available.
Earlier this year, Milan was awarded a $10,000 Community Tourism Activation Plan (CTAP) grant from Destination Ann Arbor and $5,000 from the Greater Milan Area Community Foundation to activate Ford Lake. The grant monies combined with support from Milan Parks and Recreation, Milan Main Street and the City of Milan will fund a kayak and pedal boat rental program that will open to the public in spring 2019.
Jade Smith, Milan City Administrator believes that project combined with the boat rental program will have a positive impact on the economic vitality of Milan.
“On-water and lakeside access to Ford Lake will create more traffic for our businesses, establish a destination in our downtown for residents and visitors, build pride in place, elevate physical and mental health, and provide access to history as well as to the water.”
Milan Mayor Dominic Hamden said that “fixing the lake” is something that residents have wanted for many years.
“The initial concepts for the repair of the road and lakeshore pre-date my service on city council over nine years ago,” said Mayor Hamden. He believes it is an important undertaking for the City and is appreciative of the hard work and planning that went into the effort.
"Not only will this project ensure the integrity of Wabash Street,” said Hamden, “it will enhance the overall enjoyment of the lake and the quality of life for our residents.”
Rehabilitation and construction begins this fall with work concluding in spring 2019.
Mayor Hamden is looking forward to the spring.
“It will be wonderful to see residents and their families strolling along the lake, fishing from the shoreline, and enjoying boating on the water.”
A ground-breaking ceremony is scheduled for Friday, October 5 at 10 AM at Ford Lake (near Wabash Street).
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and the City of Milan Water
The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) has begun a statewide initiative to test drinking water from all schools that use well water and community water supplies. The test is looking for a group of manmade chemicals called per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). MDEQ is taking this precautionary step of testing these drinking water sources to determine if public health actions are needed.
The City of Milan’s water supply was tested by AECOM, MDEQ’s contractor. The test results can be found on the Michigan PFAS Action Response Team website, www.michigan.gov/pfasresponse. The results show that of the PFOA and PFOS tested, no PFAS were detected in the drinking water.
The City of Milan is committed to providing our customers with quality drinking water. As your water supplier, we are working closely with MDEQ to maintain the quality of your water.
For health related questions, contact the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) at 1-800-648-6942 and for information on PFAS including possible health outcomes, click here.
PFAS FAQ Sheet
Fall 2018 Program Guide
Milan Parks & Recreation offers a wide range of programs, activities and special events throughout the year. Check out our Program Guide and follow us on Facebook. check back periodically for upcoming programs or events.