You Could Name Novi's Newest Park

The city of Novi is moving forward with its plans to develop property, and the city staff is asking for your help in giving the park a new name.

The property, located in the north part of Novi near Walled Lake, was acquired by the city in the 1980s and was designated as parkland in March 2010.

Since then, the city has kept the park's original name of "The Landings" from a proposed development that once planned to go on the site.

But now the city the 11-acre property with walking trails, a pier and picnic areas as early as August, and City Council members agreed the park should get a new name that better reflects the area.

A citywide contest is being held to find the perfect name for the park.

You can submit your suggestion by picking up a form at the Novi Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services office in the .

You can also enter your nomination by emailing it to parknaming@cityofnovi.org. Your email should include the park name, a brief summary of the name's significance, and your name and address.

The city asks that nominations for the park name be based on the following criteria:

• Neighborhood or geographical identification
• Natural or geological feature
• Historical or cultural significance
• No site shall be given the same name as an existing public facility or school site

Submissions are due by Feb. 17.

After that, a committee of members of the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Commission; members of the Historical Commission; and youth from the surrounding neighborhood will pick its top choice and present it to the City Council to approve at a meeting in March.

Novi Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director Jason Mangum said the city is encouraging all residents to make suggestions.

"It's really a great way for citizens to get involved," he said.