Kohn Park-Sawyer

Kohn Park-Sawyer

Kohn Park reimagines an underutilized stretch of the Sawyer streetscape as a welcoming, inclusive neighborhood destination—transforming a quiet site along Sawyer Road into a thoughtfully designed community gathering space in the heart of Chikaming Township. Designed to serve residents of all ages and abilities, the park reinforces the Township’s commitment to accessible, high-quality public spaces that support everyday use and meaningful community connection.

Upland Design partnered with the Township and The Antero Group to advance the Kohn Park Master Plan from vision to reality. Our team guided the project through design development, permitting, bidding, and construction administration, delivering a fully buildable park that balances comfort, flexibility, and durability. Amenities were carefully selected to support both active recreation and passive enjoyment, including a shaded picnic area with accessible seating, a music-based play feature, pedestrian-scale lighting, bike amenities, and integrated site furnishings that define gathering spaces without limiting adaptability.

Universal accessibility was a central design driver. ADA-compliant parking, circulation routes, seating, and site elements are seamlessly incorporated throughout the park, ensuring an inclusive experience for all users. Landscape enhancements and clear wayfinding strengthen the park’s identity while improving safety, visibility, and ease of navigation. Thoughtful details such as drinking fountains with dog-watering access, bike repair infrastructure, and dog waste stations—encourage longer visits and broaden the park’s appeal.
Following a collaborative kickoff with Township leadership, Upland Design led the project through comprehensive construction documentation, coordinating survey data, grading and drainage, utilities, landscape design, and construction details into a cohesive, implementation-ready set of plans. The team supported public bidding, contractor selection, and construction oversight, providing on-site observation, submittal review, and closeout coordination to ensure the project was delivered in alignment with approved plans and funding requirements.
Kohn Park reflects Chikaming Township’s investment in vibrant public spaces that strengthen neighborhood identity and enhance daily life. Through inclusive design, careful planning, and hands-on delivery, the project creates a durable, welcoming park that will serve residents and visitors for years to come.

Project Details

CLIENT

Chikaming Township

PROJECT TYPE

Parks

Role: Landscape Architect
Principal: Michelle Kelly
Design Lead: Liz Dafoe
Partners: The Antero Group
Location: Downtown Sawyer, Michigan
Timeline: 2025-Present
Services Provided: Master Planning & Design, Construction Documents, and Construction Assistance

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