Pocket park to enhance downtown Shelby.

Pocket park to enhance downtown Shelby.

SHELBY — Emily Stuhldreher, the Village of Shelby economic development fellow, initiated a plan to purchase property to create a pocket park downtown.

“The proposed park will provide a pleasing connector between Shelby’s Main Street and the Hart-Montague Rail-Trail,” states a press release from the village. “(Stuhldreher) worked with the property owner to begin the process for the village to purchase the property, then worked with the village council to obtain approval for the purchase.

“The village council has continued its focus to improve the downtown area and promote Shelby businesses. Now, Shelby will have a park area in the middle of the downtown that can provide a comfortable place to relax, have coffee or a meal with friends and rest while on a bike ride through the area.

“The park will be usable almost as soon as the purchase is completed later in November. The village Christmas tree is slated to be displayed in the park this year.

“Stuhldreher is working on plans for the development of the park next spring. Anyone interested in helping to formulate the plans for the park are asked to contact Ms. Stuhldreher directly at ‪734-277-2200‬, or contact the village office at ‪231-861-4400‬.”

The pocket park will be located in an open area next to Magooz Floor Covering on Michigan Avenue. The Oceana County Community Foundation recently provided the village a $3,000 grant toward the project.

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