The City of Southfield received the third Oak Land Award from Oakland County Planning & Economic Development Services (OCPEDS) for its continuing efforts to sustain the city’s green infrastructure.
Southfield was recognized for having over 780 acres of park land and open spaces at 33 sites throughout the city, including 333 acres of dedicated nature preserves. Southfield partnered with OCPEDS on the Rouge Green Corridor – Urban Habitat Conservation & Stewardship Project, created to protect and improve the Rouge River watershed. Also of note, Southfield’s Carpenter Lake Nature Preserve won a 2010 Park Design Award from the Michigan Recreation and Park Association.
“We commend Southfield for its comprehensive approach to an enhanced quality of life through sustainability, planning and execution,” said Maureen D. Krauss, director of the Department of Economic Development & Community Affairs. “Southfield’s commitment to a green community benefits its residents and all of Oakland County.”
Merrie Carlock, City of Southfield, Landscape Architect/Park Planner, accepted the award on behalf of the City of Southfield during the third annual Oakland County Green Infrastructure celebration held on October 6 at the historic Ellis Barn, located on the grounds of Springfield Oaks County Park.
The Oak Land Award is designed to be passed on year after year from one recipient to the next. The nominee must have made outstanding contributions and demonstrated successful efforts toward the planning, promotion, design, development, or support of Green Infrastructure in Oakland County. Novi and Springfield Township are previous recipients of the Oak Land Award.
Dave Gendler, a local woodworking artist, created the award from a piece ash tree that was attacked by the Emerald Ash Borer in the City of Troy.
For more information about Oakland County Planning & Economic Development Services, see oakgov.com/peds.
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Source: Oakland County Michigan