Canton Township’s Preservation Park pavilion has been named the 2025 Project of the Year by the American Public Works Association (APWA) Michigan Chapter – Downriver Branch. The award was given in the Quality of Life category for projects costing between $1 million and $5 million.
The pavilion, completed in 2025, measures 70 feet by 30 feet and was constructed using 35,000 pounds of Douglas fir beams and oak wooden pins. The building process used a traditional Scandinavian timber joining technique with giant oak mallets. The open-air structure serves as the home for the Canton Farmers Market from mid-May to mid-October and is also available for rentals and special events.
“This pavilion project showcases Canton Township’s commitment to creating functional spaces that foster community interaction and engagement,“ said Anne Marie Graham-Hudak, Canton Supervisor. “Being recognized by the APWA Michigan Chapter’s Downriver Branch is an incredible honor that reflects the innovation, professionalism, and dedication our team and partners brought to the project.”
The $1 million project was managed by Canton Parks, Recreation & Community Services in partnership with Canton Municipal Services. Additional contributors included OHM Advisors’ design team and Summit Company contractors.
Improvements at Preservation Park also included expanded green space, new ADA-accessible features while maintaining historic character, a storage shed, and parking lot upgrades. Funding came from Wayne County SLFRF (State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds) under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), a Wayne County Parks Millage, and contributions from Canton Township.
The APWA award aims to recognize excellence in public works management by highlighting collaboration among agencies, consultants, engineers, and contractors involved in successful projects.
For more information about Preservation Park, visit www.cantonmi.gov/147 or call 734/394-5360.
