Reed City’s newly constructed pocket park is nearing a grand opening.

City Manager Rich Saladin said the park is aiming for an opening in the next few months and will likely be named “Celebration Park” following next week’s city commission meeting vote.

“There is still construction needed that is waiting for warmer weather, like the synthetic turf, fireplace, performance pavilion and shade sails,” Saladin said. “We expect it to be completed in late April with an opening sometime in May.”

Early planning for the park began in 2021. After years of adjustments and funding, groundbreaking took place on July 17, 2025.

When completed, the park will have an interactive splash pad, outdoor fireplace, performance stage, artificial turf play area and various seating options. Located at the corner of Chestnut Street and Slosson Avenue, the former groundwater treatment building on the property has also been repurposed into an indoor community gathering space with lockers and bathrooms. A removable ice rink is planned for the space during the winter months.

The total cost of the project is about $1.7 million. The city received a $1.5 million grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, with additional funds from local donors, businesses and organizations such as the Crossroads Recreation Connection. 

For more information on the park's blueprint and funding, visit our previous story here: https://wbrn.com/breaking-news/797445.