Carpenter Lake Nature Preserve Improvement Project begins July 31

July 31, 2023

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Carpenter Lake Nature Preserve will be closed to the public beginning on Monday, July 31 until October 2023

Infrastructure improvements at Carpenter Lake Nature Preserve, located on Ten Mile Road just east of Inkster Road, are slated to begin on Monday, July 31 for Phase 1 of the project which includes improvement of the parking lot as well as construction of a small shelter and all-season restroom facility.

The project is funded in part by a $600,000 Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) Michigan Enhancement Grant to enhance the utilization of the nature preserve and public open spaces.

The Carpenter Lake Nature Preserve Improvement Project’s scope of work includes:

Expansion and improvement of parking lot;
Provision for the gas and electric services at the site;
Construction of a small classroom size open air shelter for nature programs (with a capacity for 25 participants); and
Construction of all season restroom facility.

Carpenter Lake Nature Preserve will be closed to the public beginning on Monday, July 31 with an anticipated completion of Phase 1 tentatively scheduled for the end of October 2023. City officials and contractors will determine at that time if the park will reopen to the public prior to Phase 2 construction, or if it will remain closed until the total project is completed in spring of 2024.

Carpenter Lake Nature Preserve was acquired by the City of Southfield in 2003 and officially opened to the public in 2008. The 42-acre preserve is a protected natural area and green space reserved for the public’s enjoyment, study of nature and wildlife, environmental education programs and fishing. The Preserve features extensive nature trails with interpretive signage, trailheads, numerous benches, and easily-accessible fishing and viewing platforms. The Preserve is located on Carpenter Lake, a six-acre impoundment of the Ravines Branch of the Rouge River. Most of the parkland is wooded with mature deciduous forest and an abundance of wildlife.

For more information, contact Southfield Parks & Recreation at (248) 796-4620.