The Eagle

Canton Preservation Park Pavilion honored as project of the year

The new Preservation Park pavilion in Canton Township has been named as the 2025 Project of the Year in the Quality of Life category of the American Public Works Association Michigan Chapter.

The project, completed in 2025, involved the construction of a 70-foot by 30-foot pavilion, which required 35,000 pounds of Douglas fir beams and oak wooden pins to complete the traditional Scandinavian style of joining timbers and wooden pins. Oak mallets were used to secure the pins, to ensure a durable and aesthetically pleasing structure, a spokesman explained. The primary function of the new open-air pavilion is to house the Canton Farmers Market, which takes place every Sunday from mid-May to mid-October. The pavilion is also available for rentals and special events.

“This pavilion project showcases Canton Township’s commitment to creating functional spaces that foster community interaction and engagement,” said Canton Township Supervisor Anne Marie Graham-Hudak.  “Being recognized by the APWA Michigan Chapter’s Downriver Branch is an incredible honor that reflects the innovation, professionalism, and dedication our team and partners brought to the project.” 

This $1 million construction project was led by Canton Parks, Recreation & Community Services, and implemented in collaboration with Canton Municipal Services, as well as various partners including: OHM Advisors’ design team and the Summit Company contractors, officials said. 

Further improvements included the expansion of green space within the park, as well as the addition of ADA-accessibility to the site while maintaining its historic character, plus the installation of a storage shed, and parking lot enhancements.

The site improvements were funded by Wayne County SLFRF (State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds), which is part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), as well as a Wayne County Parks Millage, and Canton Township. 

The APWA Michigan Chapter Public Works Project of the Year Award was established to promote excellence in the management and administration of public works projects by recognizing the alliance between the managing agency, the consultant/architect/engineer, and the contractor who, working together, complete public works projects.