Dearborn · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Dearborn public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Levagood Park and Oak Park playground renovations
Council green-lit three grant applications: $400K for the Joe Louis Greenway Dearborn Link trail, $450K for an industrial greenbelt project on the south end, and $500K for a fully accessible playground at Levagood Park — though the playground requires a full $500K local match.
Camp Dearborn splashpad and bathhouse
Fireworks dates, a $50,000 accessible kayak launch grant, Milford Police armed service contract and a new Guernsey-sponsored summer concert series were all approved as part of the city's reinvestment in Camp Dearborn.
Oak Park Playground Renovation
The city accepted $134,155 in Wayne County Parks Millage money to renovate and upgrade the Oak Park playground, improving safety and accessibility for families.
Camp Dearborn Resident Complaint
A longtime camper said she was removed from Camp Dearborn over Memorial Day weekend without a clear reason, threatened with trespassing arrest, and later suspended despite paying $2,000 in fees — with no response from camp management. The council promised to look into it and refer it to the administration.
Library part-time layoffs during Esper/Bryant renovation
About 40 part-time library employees will be laid off while Bryant and Esper branches close for renovation, with Henry Ford Centennial absorbing all traffic. Employees and residents packed the meeting to object; the mayor and council countered that all positions remain funded in the budget and the library director has authority to rehire as needed.
Ford Field gate closures
The city permanently closed the upper Ford Field parking lot gates, upsetting residents who used the top lot for playground access. The mayor said it's a pilot aimed at traffic safety on Cherry Hill and promised to consider opening gates during daytime hours and to attend the neighborhood association meeting.