Lakefront Property Ribbon Cutting Celebration!


On September 20th, 2016, Northfield Township signed closing documents on the purchase of the 23 acres formerly referred to as “the Van Curler Property” – the vacant land next to the Whitmore Lake Post Office.  It has been a desire in this community for many years to have a public access point to Whitmore Lake.  Earlier this spring, when the purchase price on this particular property decreased dramatically (below market value), the Northfield Township Board of Trustees jumped at the opportunity to offer our community what they have been asking for. Offering public lake access has been a topic of conversation from the Planning Commission, the Board of Trustees, the Parks & Recreation Board and various other entities for many years.

                Currently, Northfield Township’s Downtown Planning Group is working with the township planners, McKenna Associates, to create a vision and plan for the property.  While it has not yet been determined what exactly this land will be used for, the main focus of the planning and one of the primary reasons for this particular property purchase will be to offer a community park with some sort of access to Whitmore Lake.  That being said, swimming will not be allowed at this time for safety and liability reasons.

                This summer, a Township Forum was developed on-line to gain input from the community about what they would like to see for our community.  Some of the top suggestions included:

  • A waterfront park/playground
  • A public swim area
  • A picnic area with picnic shelters
  • A band stand/band shell
  • Walking/biking paths

This forum is still open for public comment.  We welcome you to take a look and voice your opinions.  We want to do what is best for the community, but can only do that with your input.

In celebration of this wonderful addition to the Township, we will be hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sunday, October 23rdThis is a community-wide celebration and everyone is invited.  We will have a host of fun activities for everyone beginning at 2:00pm, with the official ribbon-cutting at 3:00pm: 

  • Trunk-or-Treating
  • Pumpkin Decorating
  • Halloween photo opportunities with the WLHS drama club
  • Guest Appearances from the WLHS marching band, football team and volleyball team
  • Pet Adoption Information from Dragonfly Rescue
  • Dancers from the Fine Arts Academy
  • Refreshments provided by local vendors 

Please join us in this grand celebration!

van curler pic1