Our parks deserve better

What’s Really Happening in Plymouth?

While the city celebrates fundraising success in one neighborhood, others are being left behind.

Families are finding tire swings removed, slides boarded up, and entire playgrounds torn down — with no explanation other than, “The millage failed, so this is the consequence.”

It’s Not a Budget Problem — It’s a Prioritization Problem

In just the past few months, the City of Plymouth has approved major capital spending, including:

$250,000 for event barricades
$137,000 for a downtown sidewalk sweeper
$165,000 for a streetscape design contract, much of which aligns with the DDA Master Plan (a plan that outlines a $15M implementation cost)

These are just a few examples. There are likely dozens more lower-cost items that add up over time.
Meanwhile, basic park equipment remains unusable, and the city continues to say there’s “no funding available.”

On top of that, I question why this very predictable problem has gone unaddressed for nearly a decade.

Why Are Parks an Afterthought?

$120,000 was budgeted for Lions Park in three consecutive years: 2023, 2024, and 2025. But that funding is only now being used. In 2025.

Where did it go in 2023 and 2024?
What fund was it reappropriated to?
Why wasn’t it used for another playground in need?

The General Fund has held a significant surplus for over 8 years. It’s been over $1.8 million in each of those years — and in some years, more than $3 million. Some of that may be earmarked for future projects or debt, but surely, a playground or two could’ve been funded during that time.

There are 8 playground structures within the City of Plymouth. Kiwanis, Rotary, and Lions Parks have or will have replacements thanks to donations from local clubs and groups, with the City matching those funds.

That leaves just 5 playgrounds still needing long-term investment. We shouldn't need a millage to fund them.

We Need More Than Patience — We Need a Plan

Residents shouldn’t have to raise $100,000+ just to get a playground fixed. That’s not sustainable. It’s not equitable.

Some residents have already begun advocating for a Parks and Recreation Advisory Board — a community-driven group to help plan for the long-term health of our parks. This request hasn’t been answered.

Some residents may want to see other features added, like:

Sensory play areas
ADA-friendly playground elements like ramps instead of stairs
Outdoor fitness equipment
Shaded seating for older adults
Or even a local dog park

We won’t know what residents want unless we give them an opportunity to engage with the City and help shape a plan.

What You Can Do