Tom Tolen / Jessica Mathews / news@whmi.com


A new park that opened last month in Brighton Township was made possible, in part, via generous donations from local residents.

The park is located at 5330 Old US-23 and boasts a range of amenities that are aimed at providing a space for reflection, recreation, and inclusivity. It features an Armed Forces Tribute Area, an inclusive playground, picnic shelters, a half-court basketball area, a War Dog Memorial, and a dog run.

The inclusive playground allows children of all abilities to play together. It’s been designated as a Gold Universal Playspace by the non-profit Unlimited Play - making it the first gold-certified playground in Michigan.

Funded mostly through federal dollars, the township also acknowledged the contributions of various citizens whose efforts were said to be instrumental in bringing the project to fruition.

Brighton residents John and Jennifer Conely donated four parcels of land on Old US-23 that, in large part, expanded in Veterans Park, which was dedicated on June 17th. Conely said he would "like to be involved because my family settled in Brighton Township in the 1830s.” In addition, funding for the building of the War Dog Memorial was donated by Livingston County Clerk Elizabeth Hundley and her husband, Bruce, a Vietnam War veteran. The service dog honored in the War Dog Memorial sculpture is a likeness of Dawn, the name of Bruce Hundley’s service dog in the Vietnam conflict.

The project came about because the township-owned several parcels of land off Old US-23 and wanted to use the land for a township park.

As a result of a combination of federal funds and private contributions, township residents now have a new park on Old 23, just past Weber Street. The entrance is located next to the county EMS station.