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candgnews.com SEPTEMBER 17, 2025 Vol. 18, No. 19
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PROPER PLANNING TAKES SENIORS ABROAD 12A
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Enhancements planned for Heritage Park BY GENA JOHNSON gjohnson@candgnews.com
FARMINGTON HILLS — As part of an interlocal agreement between Oakland County and the city of Farmington Hills, the county will manage Heritage Park. The agreement was unanimously approved by the Farmington Hills City Council in August but will be implemented slowly after several community engagement sessions. The full operational agreement is expected to be underway by April. While specific plans were still being finalized, the $4 million investment at the park, located at 24915 Farmington Road, will provide additional services and programming, and a variety of enhancements. Ellen Schneckle, director of special services for Farmington Hills, said these could include widening pathways, installing benches along each route and adding other features that improve accessibility and safety across more than five miles of trails. New trails could also be implemented, allowing guests to access more areas of the park. The arrangement is also expected to come with increased management of invasive species — non-native plants that threaten the balance of the local ecosystem. “We are anticipating the county’s ability to assist us in managing those,” Schneckle said. Chris Ward, the director of Oakland County Parks, said he hopes the enhancements will drive more visitors to Heritage Park. He noted that the county is taking cues
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Cultural Arts Divisions recognized by Farmington Hills City Council BY GENA JOHNSON gjohnson@candgnews.com
FARMINGTON HILLS — At its meeting Sept. 8, the Farmington Hills City Council issued a proclamation for the 25th anniversary of the city’s Cultural Arts Division, recognizing its impact on the community. Current and former staff and volunteers with the Cultural Arts Division were lauded for their work, as were former and current members of the Farmington Area Arts Commission. “Art and recreation aren’t enrichment — they are life,” said Nancy Coumoundouros, retired cultural arts supervisor for the city of Farmington Hills. Coumoundouros started the Cultural Arts Division in 2000, inspired by residents saying they wanted to see more art around town. She recalled her interview with Dave Boyer, the director of Special Services at the time. He asked about
See HERITAGE PARK on page 4A Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
The Farmington Hills Nature Center at Heritage Park provides immersive learning programs ideal for school field trips, according to Oakland County Parks Director Chris Ward.
See CULTURAL ARTS on page 6A
ELEMENTARY OPEN HOUSE 10/28
HIGH SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE 10/8 + 10/21
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