HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolutions - 2026.06.11 - 42983
AGENDA ITEM: Funding for In-Line Skating Rink at Harding Park with the City of Ferndale
DEPARTMENT: Board of Commissioners
MEETING: Board of Commissioners
DATE: Thursday, June 11, 2026 6:30 PM - Click to View Agenda
ITEM SUMMARY SHEET
COMMITTEE REPORT TO BOARD
Resolution #2026-6640
Motion to approve the In-Line Skating Rink at Harding Park with the City of Ferndale as
recommended by the Oakland County Community and Public Spaces Study Group in the amount of
$10,000 and authorize the Chair of the Board of Commissioners to execute any necessary
agreements. Further, that the necessary budget amendment shall be incorporated into a
subsequent Quarterly Forecast Report.
ITEM CATEGORY SPONSORED BY
Resolution Penny Luebs
INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
The Community and Public Spaces (CAPS) Study Group met on June 1 to discuss the
recommendation of the MEDC-approved project with the City of Ferndale to create a new In-Line
Skating Rink at Harding Park. The total cost of the project is $125,000. The City of Ferndale must
raise $62,500 by July 10, 2026, to receive the MEDC match of $62,500. Per CAPS guidelines,
CAPS will consider awarding each participant up to 35% of the total crowdfunding amount, with a
cap of $10,000. The CAPS Study Group's final recommendation was to pledge $10,000 to this
project.
About the Project
The City of Ferndale Parks & Recreation Department is thrilled to launch an exciting initiative to
develop a state-of-the-art, universally-accessible inline skating rink at Harding Park in Ferndale,
Michigan—and we need your support! This project responds directly to overwhelming community
enthusiasm for a modern, high-quality space where skaters of all ages and abilities can enjoy the
sport. We’re aiming to raise $62,500, which will be matched dollar-for-dollar, enabling us to
construct a facility that adheres to the latest universal accessibility and design standards. Once
completed, this will be the only dedicated inline skating rink in Ferndale and a premier destination
for skaters across the region. Join us in turning this exciting vision into reality!
For over 50 years, Harding Park's existing rink has served as a beloved gathering space for our
community. We have maintained it for as long as possible, but it has reached a point where repairs
are no longer feasible, making it difficult for skaters to fully enjoy the space. The vision for this
project is to create a safe, inclusive, and modern inline skating facility that will benefit skaters of all
abilities for generations to come. Funding from this campaign will support:
• Removal and replacement of the old inline skating rink.
• Installation of brand new sports flooring for a high-quality skating experience.
• Construction of ADA, barrier free accessible pathways from the parking lot and walking paths
to the rink.
• New benches, trash & recycling bins for an improved visitor experience.
• New native landscaping to resolve standing water issues near the rink.
This project was approved for additional funding through MEDC for including universally designed
components.
POLICY ANALYSIS
• Per the City of Ferndale, once complete, the rink would be maintained by the City. A
maintenance plan is already approved and included in their budget.
• In addition to universally accessible components, the project also considered environmental
factors and will include systems for stormwater management.
• The tentative start time for this project is the end of July/beginning of August.
FISCAL IMPACT: Subsequent QR Budget Amendment Required
Committee members can contact Barbara Winter, Policy and Fiscal Analysis Supervisor at
248.821.3065 or winterb@oakgov.com or the department contact persons listed for additional
information.
CONTACT
Breanne Progar, Analyst
Penny Luebs, Commissioner
ITEM REVIEW TRACKING
Aaron Snover, Board of Commissioners Created/Initiated - 6/11/2026
AGENDA DEADLINE: 05/28/2026 4:30 PM
ATTACHMENTS
1. Ferndale Final - Oakland County CAPS Review Guidelines
COMMITTEE TRACKING
2026-06-03 Economic Development & Infrastructure - Recommend to Board
2026-06-11 Full Board - Adopt
Motioned by: Commissioner Michael Gingell
Seconded by: Commissioner Robert Hoffman
Yes: Charles Cavell, Ann Erickson Gault, Michael Gingell, Marcia Gershenson, Robert Hoffman,
Brendan Johnson, Karen Joliat, Christine Long, Penny Luebs, Gwen Markham, William Miller III,
Kristen Nelson, Angela Powell, Robert Smiley, Yolanda Smith Charles, Michael Spisz, Linnie
Taylor, Philip Weipert, David Woodward (19)
No: None (0)
Abstain: None (0)
Absent: (0)
Passed
• Any applicant that the Oakland County CAPS Study Group reviews will have already
undergone MEDC’s application review and approval, per MEDC’s Public Spaces
Community Places Application Guide .
• Once the application has been recommended by the Study Group, it will be referred
to the EDI Committee for recommendation to the Full Board.
1. Funding Considerations
What dollar amount is Oakland County being asked to pledge toward this project?
NOTE: The funding amount awarded to each participant will be up to 35% of the
total crowdfunding amount, with a cap of $10,000.
$10,000
2. Has the applicant been considered for the Oakland County (OC) CAPS donor match
already?
If yes, the applicant will be placed on “hold” to receive Oakland County funding
until new/other applicants have the opportunity to receive funding.
☐ Yes
☒ No
3. Strategic Alignment and Policy Consistency (10 points)
Does the project advance County goals and long-term strategies? (Oakland County
Strategic Framework)
Criteria
0–2 Little to no alignment with County goals or strategic priorities.
3–5
Partial alignment; connection to County goals is present but
limited or unclear.
6–8
Strong alignment; clearly supports identified County goals
and long-term strategies.
9–10
Exceptional alignment; directly advances multiple strategic
priorities with measurable impact.
Score Awarded: 10 / 10
4. Fiscal Stewardship (10 points)
Does the project demonstrate responsible use of public funds through a clear plan
for long-term operations and maintenance without future subsidy?
Criteria
0–2 Budget or sustainability plan is unclear, unrealistic, or dependent on
future subsidy.
3–5 Basic financial plan provided but lacks long-term clarity or full
sustainability.
6–8 Solid financial plan with reasonable long-term operational
sustainability.
9–10 Comprehensive, well-documented financial plan demonstrating
strong fiscal responsibility and long-term independence.
Score Awarded: 10 / 10
5. Community Impact and Equity Outcomes (5 points)
Does the project demonstrate meaningful public benefit through community
support and inclusive access?
Criteria
0
Limited public benefit; minimal evidence of community support or
inclusive access.
3 Demonstrates moderate public benefit and some community support.
5
Demonstrates strong public benefit, documented community support,
and clear inclusive access.
Score Awarded: 5 / 5
6. Design Quality and Placemaking Value (5 points)
Does the project demonstrate durability and long-term usability for the community?
Criteria
0 Design lacks durability or long-term usability.
3 Functional design with reasonable durability and usability.
5 High-quality design demonstrating durability, long-term value, and strong
placemaking impact.
Score Awarded: 5 / 5
7. Will the Oakland County Caps Study Group recommend the use of Oakland County
donor funds for this project?
☒ Yes
☐ No
Total Score Awarded: 30/ 30