OAK PARK, Mich. — July 8, 2026 — The City of Oak Park and the Oak Park Corridor Improvement Authority invite residents, businesses, stakeholders, and media to celebrate the official grand opening of the revitalized 11 Mile Water Tower Social District on Thursday, July 9.

The celebration begins with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 3 p.m., followed by a community event from 4 to 8 p.m. featuring live music, food, family activities, local businesses, and opportunities to experience Oak Park’s newest gathering space.

Located along the 11 Mile corridor, the revitalized Water Tower Social District was designed to create a vibrant, walkable destination where residents and visitors can gather, connect, and support local businesses. The space features outdoor seating, shade structures, fire pits, games, public art, and flexible event space for future community programming.

Adding to the district’s unique character are colorful murals by acclaimed Detroit artist Desiree Kelly, whose artwork now serves as a visual landmark along the corridor.

“The Water Tower Social District reflects our commitment to creating vibrant community spaces that bring people together and support local businesses,” said City Manager Erik Tungate. “This project is an exciting step forward for Oak Park and the continued revitalization of the 11 Mile corridor.”

“This is a space designed for community,” said Mayor Marian McClellan. “We look forward to seeing residents, families, and visitors enjoy the district for years to come.”

WHO:

Oak Park City officials and leadership

Oak Park Corridor Improvement Authority

Local businesses and community partners

Residents and visitors

WHAT:

Water Tower Social District Grand Opening & Community Celebration including a:

• Ribbon cutting ceremony

• Live music by Stereobabe

• Business-sponsored golf holes

• Face painting

• Food trucks and Kona Ice

• Lawn games

• Fire pits and outdoor seating

• Local bars, breweries, and restaurants

WHEN:

Thursday, July 9, 2026

3 p.m. – Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

4–8 p.m. – Community Celebration

WHERE:

Water Tower Social District

14700 Kingston Avenue

Oak Park, MI 48237

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES & VISUALS:

Coverage of the 3 p.m. ribbon cutting ceremony, interviews with City leadership, business owners, and project partners, and visuals of the public art, community activities, and newly revitalized Water Tower Social District.

Media are welcome to attend both the ribbon cutting and community celebration; to coordinate interviews or advance coverage, call or text Communications Director Brittany Toth via cell at (248) 915-4656.

About the City of Oak Park

The City of Oak Park was founded in 1945 as a commuter community and remains an integral inner‑ring suburb of Metro Detroit. Oak Park is known for its tight‑knit neighborhoods, tree-lined streets and wooded parks. Today, the city offers a quaint, yet vibrant atmosphere rich with history, culture, diversity and opportunity. The city continues to build upon a strong tradition of attainable housing options, safe and stable neighborhoods, recreational amenities and close proximity to Metropolitan Detroit. Oak Park has experienced a recent wave of reinvestment, new development, events, eateries and more. To learn more about all things Oak Park, visit www.oakparkmi.gov and follow the city on social media.

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