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Work is set to begin on the new Senior Wellness Center, 

with improvements to theKirksey Rec Center 

Mayor Maureen Miller Brosnan announced the beginning of construction on the new Livonia Senior Wellness Center, as well as renovations to the Jack E. Kirksey Recreation Center. The city will break ground in June and construction will begin in July. This will be a big project continuing through most of 2025. 

There are three phases to the construction: 

Phase 1 in July 2024 – Construction begins on the new Senior Wellness Center, which will include 25,000 square feet of space, a combination of new construction off the northeast side of the Rec Center and repurposed space in the current Rec Center. At the same time, a new gym will be built on the west end of the Rec Center. 

Phase 2 in September 2024 – Construction will begin inside The Rec. The equipment in the Strength Hub will be relocated to half of the MAC Gym. The other half of the MAC Gym will remain available, as well as the Main gym, Cardio Hub, and walking track. 

Phase 3 in July 2025 – This phase begins once the West Gym is complete. The Senior Wellness Center should be near completion also. Main Gyms, walking track, and the Cardio Hub will be unavailable to patrons as new spaces are built. Half of the MAC Gym will remain unavailable, but the new West Gym will be available. 

It is estimated that the complete project will be finished in December 2025. 

“This is truly a transformative project,” said Mayor Brosnan. “Building a new Livonia Senior Wellness Center opens the existing space at Five Mile and Farmington and paves the way for a new walkable city center with mixed-use residential, restaurants and active community spaces, creating a functional downtown.”

Residents, Rec Center patrons, and visitors to the city can stay updated and “in the know” every step of the way. There are three main ways to follow the project:  

1. Follow the city on social media at Livonia Parks and Recreation and Livonia Community Facebook to be notified of any closures or programs that will impact patrons of the Rec Center. 

2. Subscribe to the Parks and Recreation e-newsletter that is sent out every Tuesday. Go to Livonia.gov. Navigate to “How Do I?” Then look for the subheading of “Sign Up For.” Under there, click on “E-newsletters” and look for “Parks and Recreation News.” 

3. Visit LivoniaBuilt.org or scan the QR code wherever it is available. This is the best source for the most up-to-the-minute updates on what’s going on with the construction of the Senior Wellness Center and the renovations at The Rec.  

Our hometown Livonia Civilian Police Academy graduation

When Donna Walker sent this typewriter a set of pictures from the recent Civilian Police Academy graduation I had planned to run the pictures she was gracious enough to send. But then I got to thinking, I know some benefits and appreciate Livonia hosting a CPA, but I started down the road of seeking out how Livonia benefits from a CPA. Here is my take on the Academy:

A Citizens' Police Academy (CPA) can be a valuable tool for enhancing community relations and fostering mutual understanding between law enforcement officers and the public.

A CPA offers participants an excellent chance to better comprehend the procedures, guidelines, responsibilities, demands, policies, and laws that influence police officers' behavior and decisions. Through hands-on experiences, participants learn about law enforcement techniques in simple, understandable terms, helping to clarify misconceptions and alleviate fears by illuminating the actual work of law enforcement officers.

A CPA allows citizens to meet the individuals behind the badge, humanizing officers and cultivating empathy and compassion. Positive relationships are built and barriers are broken down when citizens engage with officers in a non-confrontational environment.

A CPA enhances transparency and trust by giving citizens a glimpse into the inner workings of the police department. Understanding the challenges faced by officers can lead to a more informed and supportive community.

CPA graduates become community ambassadors, promoting positive views of the police department. Their direct experience helps counteract negative stereotypes and misinformation.

A CPA fosters communication between officers and citizens, allowing for an exchange of questions, concerns, and constructive dialogue.

This typewriter joins those who understand that a Citizens' Police Academy serves as a bridge between law enforcement and the community, promoting understanding, trust, and positive relationships, and contributing to the creation of safer, more united neighborhoods.

So thank you Donna Walker for forcing me out of my comfort zone and sending me out to study just how is it that Livonia benefits. It is more than a picture with lots of smiling folks, it is a part of the progressive movement in Livonia that seeks to engage our residents to take ownership and understand roles and policies, and to express appreciation for Livonia being a safe hometown for 94,000 residents.

Where will you be on June 1st? I hope supporting Livonia Save Our Youth at their annual Run/Walk 2 Save our Youth.

The Run to Save Our Youth has often been described on the pages of Musings as a fun gathering benefiting an ambitious hometown organization that puts the health and safety of our young folks at the top of the quality of life definition of Livonia.

I can't run the 5K and if I could walk that far I would, but that hasn't stopped me from coming out and enjoying the smiles and laughter as family and friends start and finish the run/walk.

You can register for this run/walk by using the bar code in this article. Let's make this the biggest and best one ever.

With my apologies, this typewriter and keyboard will be on the road again, this time on a tour of North Carolina, Ocracoke Island, Ashville, Mrs. Hanes Moravian Cookies in Winston Salem, and a visit to Charleston South Carolina. I have not been back to my dad's hometown, Farmville, North Carolina, where Mom and Dad are buried in quite a while, or my birth city Charlotte, since I was born, so I am ready for my solo trip down memory lane.

That being said, I wish my friends at LSOY all the best at what can only be described as another go-to Livonia fun day. And for a good cause.

Mail Address

19514 Bainbridge 48152

E-mail address

rwilliamjoyner@gmail.com

Cell address

734-674-5871

The typewriter is not available for phone calls or emails Saturday and Sunday. Mental health and rehabilitation time. Out and about enjoying life.

What motivates FridayMusings:

We can't only define Livonia as taking small steps toward maintaining the way things were. That will give us mediocre outcomes. Our goal needs to be innovative and transformative.