Phyllis A. Demars Tot Lot at chene-Trombley Park

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 included 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.

The City and Foundation were pleased to announce that the play area was to 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, allowed for significant expansion of size and features. We presented the city with a total of $195,000 to cover the equipment and installation. There is 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. The playground has been a busy popular neighborhood attraction since its grand opening in October 2023!