The city of Southfield and the county encouraged residents to submit their input on the future of Beech Woods Park through an online survey or in person at the city’s tree lighting ceremony. Simon Rivers, the associate planner at the county parks department and a Southfield resident, said that he received feedback from around 40 residents at the tree lighting, and when asked to rank their top three highest priorities, residents said that they wanted walking paths, all-season restrooms and restoration of the Rouge River. As a Southfield resident and county parks employee, Rivers offered a unique perspective to the project. “We’ve seen how important parks and outdoor recreation have been ever since the pandemic, and I’m really excited that my job is collaborating within my city to improve our parks and our natural resources, because I started walking during the pandemic to get outside and reflect on life,” he said. “It’s really great for both your physical and your mental health, so I’m excited that we have some new stuff coming to Southfield and some new, exciting opportunities for parks and recreation.” For more information, visit www.oakgov.com/community/oakland-county-parks and select “get involved” and “planning.”

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