$2.6 million upgrades planned at city park

A sample graphic of the type to be installed at the new
prehistoric-themed attraction at Tattan Park in Westland.

Westland officials are preparing for the arrival of dinosaurs and alien creatures in the city.

The creatures are part of recently approved renovations and improvements at Tattan Park in the community. Members of the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) have approved funding renovations and redesign at two projects to enhance the existing amenities at the park.

Dinosaurs will flourish at the complete rebranding of the popular H20 Zone Splash Pad. The new prehistoric-themed upgrades are being replaced and designed by Rain Drop, based in Ashland, Ohio. The total cost for the splash pad update is $332,636.17.

The Play Planet play scape will be renovated into an
all-inclusive play structure to be called Mission to Mars
including three life-size Martians.

Additional components of the project include the installation of graphic wrap on other features in the park and the addition of interactive sounds and lights, giving the area an immersive, child- friendly dinosaur experience. The extra design work is slated to cost $55,000 and is being completed by Westland-based DPI Graphics. All work is expected to be completed by Memorial Day weekend 2022, according to officials. 

The second project replaces the Play Planet play scape with a state-of-the-art, all-inclusive play structure, to be named, “Mission to Mars.” The new space-themed playground at the park will include towering rocket ships, lunar rovers, slides, and play activities that let children experience zero gravity. Throughout the play area, there will be ADA accessible surfacing, plenty of room to move about, tons of ways to play, including sensory play and innovative activities for people of all ages and physical abilities to enjoy together, officials said.  

“And no Mission to Mars is complete without a real Martian,” commented Mayor William R. Wild. “Yes, there will be three life-sized Martians at Tattan Park.” 

Construction on the Play Planet project will be completed by Sinclair Recreation, based in Holland and the total cost of the installation is $2,610,485. Sinclair will begin deconstructing the existing structure after the summer 2022 season to prepare the site for installation of the new structures in spring of 2023. Plans are under way to refurbish the existing play planet play scape and auxiliary accessories and relocate them to Lincoln-Johnson Field in the historic Norwayne district of the city.

“The DDA has made significant investments into Tattan Park over the years,” continued Wild. 

“These projects will make visiting the park an experience unlike anything in this region and we can't wait for our residents and visitors to join the adventure.”