Novi's Landings Park Renamed 'Pavilion Shore'

park will now officially be known as Pavilion Shore Park after the Novi City Council voted to rename the area at its meeting Monday night.

The 11-acre park, which is located in the north part of the city near Walled Lake, with walking trails, a picnic area and access to the water this summer.

The name was suggested by Bob Niemi for the pavilion that stood at this location for summer recreation, dancing and band performances during the 20's, 30's, 40's and 50's.

“I am pleased we had a great response to our park naming solicitation. It shows how involved our community members are and their interest in the development of this park,” said Director of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director Jason Mangum. “Mr. Niemi is thrilled his suggestion was chosen. He recalls having heard his parents and grandparents speak fondly of summers spent on the shores of the lake, dancing under the pavilion.”

The name "The Landings" comes from a proposed development that was once planned to go on the site.

The city asked community members to by asking for suggestions earlier this year. Approximately 80 names were submitted, and a committee of community members narrowed the names down to three choices for the council to choose from.

Committee members included Charlie Staab, Butch Wingfield and Matt Tecklenburg from the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Commission; John Macinnis, and Roy Prentice from the Historical Commission; Sarah Rachiele, a 5th grade student from Hickory Woods Elementary School; the Levy family who reside near the park; and senior citizen and longtime Novi resident Ernie Aruffo.

The other two options for the park name were Casino Point (or Casino Shores), suggested for the old Walled Lake Casino dance hall, and Potawatomi Park, for the Native Americans who used to populate the area.

Several city council members mentioned that they liked the name Casino Point, but were concerned about the impression it would give about the area.

"I think over the years that the meaning of certain words happen to change. In the year 2012, to name a park Casino Park and Casino Shores, although it has very great historical value, it would be very confusing to our new generation of people," said Mayor Bob Gatt.

Both council members Terry Margolis and Laura Casey said they liked Potawatami, but were concerned that people would not be able to pronounce it.

Mayor Pro-tem Dave Staudt suggested that some of the other submitted names be used to name areas of the park, such as the trails. All of the other submissions can be viewed on the PDF attached to this article.

Council also thanked citizens for their participation in naming the park.

Initial Plans for Suburban Collection Showplace Hotel Approved

The council approved the preliminary site plan for the Hyatt Place hotel on the site of the . The will be six stories with 128 rooms. 

The hotel will go on the east side of the Showplace in a current parking area, removing 221 parking spots. The Planning Commission originally did not approve the plan due to the loss of parking, but the Showplace officials were able to provide a study that showed the amount of parking at the Showplace was sufficient for its business.