Calumet has been quietly busy since 2017. Bring back Calumet has made significant progress in redeveloping blighted structures and attracting businesses and new residents. The work has reinvigorated sites previously unoccupied for decades. Most of the village’s recent work is visibly seen in the 100 and 200 blocks of 5th Street. But down the road, a project to reimagine a park will motivate more development throughout downtown.
Closer to the Pine Street area has not had a lot of traffic. Has not had a lot of activity. We are starting to see that start to shift. As we see development start to trickle down, throughout the village and on fifth street in particular. And this site we really hope will activate people. Come to the middle, come to the heart of Calumet. And just hang out. – Megan Hasseldorn, village manager, village of Calumet
Hasseldorn anticipates work in the green space will wrap up in July. In time for the village Croatian heritage festival, and 150th anniversary celebrations. In the future calumet’s farmers’ market will return to the park in the heart of downtown. And during the winter the park’s new amenities can help spread out the copper dog’s Friday night attendees along the starting gate. The project invests 590,000 dollars in the park and will create accessible pathways, a band shell, and seating.
