Plans are underway to improve a Jackson park following the sale of City-owned property. At their Tuesday, Sept. 28 meeting, the Jackson City Council voted to sell vacant commercial property on the 900 block of N. West Avenue to Absolute Net Properties for $1.5 million. To accommodate future commercial developments constructed on the property, the adjacent Optimist Park will be reshaped and given new investment.
Partial funds from the property sale will go to reshaping the park. Parks and Recreation Department Director Kelli Hoover says a new playground, basketball court and landscaping will be installed in the improved park once construction is underway at the commercial property. “This new development is presenting a unique opportunity to re-invest in Optimist Park, which is in need of new recreation offerings,” Hoover said. “This park is getting new life so it can continue to serve the Jackson community.”
N. West Avenue is Jackson’s main commercial corridor with restaurants, shopping centers, offices and quick access to I-94 and U.S. 127. Announcements about what businesses are coming to the property will come from the developer at a future date. City Manager Jonathan Greene says the development is expected to bring up to 45 full-time jobs. “The sale of this City-owned property boosts our local economy and enhances a City park, so this is something that improves Jackson for everyone,” Greene said.
The new Optimist Park will still be reachable by Lincoln Street. Park improvement plans will be released by the City when they become available.