History
July 2020
The Tim Pope playground was dedicated in July 2020.
Click here to view the video
Dec. 13, 2019
The Tim Pope Play Structure remodel is complete and open for use with separate structures geared toward the 2-5 and 5-12 age groups. A re-dedication event scheduled for May 2, 2020, will be rescheduled once the coronavirus pandemic subsides.
Oct. 10, 2019
After delighting youngsters for 22 years, the Tim Pope Memorial Play Structure at ITC Community Sports Park is getting an upgrade.
The play structure and parking lot closest to the structure both closed Oct. 21, 2019, and will remain closed for about a month. The new version, made of maintenance-free recycled plastic, will include safety and accessibility upgrades along with lots of features designed to inspire the imagination.
It will mirror the design of the existing structure and include the original wooden pickets adorned with the names of those who made the 1997 play structure a reality. A grand opening celebration of the new play structure will take place in the spring.
Dec. 2007
Novi-based ITC Holdings Corp. purchases the naming rights to Community Sports Park, which was re-branded as ITC Community Sports Park. A community-wide event was held in conjunction with the dedication in June 2008.
Father’s Day 1997
Tim Pope was a former Novi City Council Member who passed away, unexpectedly, in 1995. Pope often visited a fun and happy playground with his son, Andrew. It was his dream that a similar play structure would be built in Novi for Novi’s children. With input from the children of Novi and donations from friends, family and area businesses, the Tim Pope Memorial Play Structure was completed using the hard work of many volunteers over five days and opened on Father’s Day 1997.
Oct. 14, 1993
About 74 acres of land was purchased to become Community Sports Park.