Unity Skatepark in Northville Township is officially rolling following a groundbreaking ceremony for the 10,000-square-foot amenity last week.
Northville Township Supervisor Mark J. Abbo and resident Gabriella Duhn performed the ceremonial groundbreaking as leaders from throughout the community looked on. Preparation at the skatepark site work was scheduled to begin this week.
The project is a culmination of a two-year effort to provide a safe space for the community to embrace wheeled sports. Township resident Dominic Duhn died after being struck by a vehicle while riding his skateboard on Sheldon Road in September 2020.
His brother, Enzo, his best friend, Jack Tsalis, and his parents envisioned the skatepark as a way to bring something positive out of his tragic death. Their idea captivated hundreds of people who contributed funding to get the project launched and built through the Dominic Duhn Foundation, Inc.
“This is an exciting day for Northville Township as we take this ceremonial first step toward building an amenity that will serve this community for decades,” Abbo said.
The skatepark will have a pump track, rails, a bowl, ledges, pads and embankments. Community members played a key role in selecting those course elements, as park designer California-based Spohn Ranch, Inc. sought out their input via meetings and surveys in early 2023.
“This has been a grassroots project from the beginning, from the fundraising to the design input,” Abbo said. “It truly is a project for the community built by the community.
Besides the design, Spohn Ranch is handling the construction. The company expects to complete the skate park in October.
The Dominic Duhn Foundation continues to raise money for the $655,500 project. Northville Township has committed the land and $150,000 to the new park along with the $83,327 the township receives from the Wayne County Parks millage allocation. The City of Northville has committed $8,123 from their Wayne County Parks millage allocation. More than $360,000 was raised through various supporters and fundraisers hosted by the Duhn family and their 501(c)(3) foundation.
“Our family is excited to see this project begin as we are fully appreciative of so many people helping us get to this point with their generous donations,” said Gabriella Duhn, champion of the project.
“I just know that Dominic is smiling down on us knowing that this skatepark will serve as a place for all to come together in unity to have a good time with a lot of laughter just like he lived his life.”
The park will include a memorial to honor Duhn as well.
“We know many of our residents have a passion for skateboarding,” said Northville Parks and Recreation Director Debra Bilbrey-Honsowetz. “This is a recreation gem and we hope by providing this space, we introduce more people to the wheeled sports community. It's a great way to spend time outdoors and enjoy Northville Township to its fullest.”
