Chene-Trombley Park

New landscaping, lighting upgrades, a restroom, sail-shade pavilion with picnic tables plus a walking path for parents and children to exercise will combine to create an all-new, welcoming environment. The Phyllis A. DeMars Tot Lot, named after a long-time resident and teacher, will feature a wheelchair-friendly rubberized surface and an ADA-compliant friendship swing with face-to-face seating for multiple people to enjoy a ride.

In February 2022, the mayor and city council committed to a renovation of Chene-Trombley Park on Ridgemont Road, just west of Mack Avenue. The master plan for the project includes a dinosaur-themed tot-lot, walking path, toilet facilities, picnic pavilion, attractive masonry entryway, and decorative fencing around the perimeter. To help cover costs, the city requested a grant from the Foundation for the Tot Lot area.

Phyllis A. Demars Tot Lot & Swing Area

The City and Foundation are pleased to announce that the play area will be named the Phyllis A. DeMars Tot Lot. & Swing Area Phyllis (Cracchiolo) DeMars was a resident and longtime teacher in Grosse Pointe with a particular devotion to children with special needs throughout her career. The generosity of the DeMars and Cracchiolo families, combined with donations from many individuals and local businesses, has allowed for significant expansion of size and features. There will be rubber matting to accommodate wheeled vehicles, a swing set with a “friendship swing” to allow parents and children to ride together, a surface-level merry-go-round, and an accessible sand digger so all kids can search for “fossils” in the sandbox.