Mark, along with his brother Joe, are the owners and operators of longtime ABC member company the Davenport Brothers Construction, Inc. in Belleville, Michigan. This family owned and operated contracting firm is always looking for new challenges, so when Van Buren Township Downtown Development Authority announced plans to build a new, $1 million Splash Pad, Mark Davenport thought it was a project they could make a “splash” with.
“This was something rather new to us,” said Mark Davenport, Secretary at Davenport Brothers Construction, Inc. “We have certainly done a number of jobs that require this type of work, but never an actual water park attraction like this. It certainly presented a few challenges, but the scope of the work was interesting and the fact that this will be such an asset to the community made it that much more rewarding.”
Lisa Lothringer, assistant DDA director is thrilled with the 6,359-square-feet splash pad—the largest Splash Pad in Wayne County. According to her, the water park which includes a dump bucket and 19 different spray features has been an attraction for the community and even a draw for local businesses in the area.
“This is for the kids,” said Lothringer. “I think it has something to offer everyone from toddler to teenagers. The benches, shade sails and picnic seating in the dry zone and fencing all around creates a safe and inviting summer destination for families and one that will continue to be appreciated for years to come. Best of all it is free.”
Joe Davenport was honored to help with the installation of the memorial to local resident Egypt Covington. Her father, Chuck Covington and his family were on hand for a moving ceremony to unveil the memorial to his murdered daughter. The memorial was paid for by people who donated via a Go Fund Me account to the non-profit created in her name. It includes two benches, trees, and a monument marker. Mark felt it was appropriate to recognize the love of family in a place where many good memories will be made—and that Egypt’s remembrance will live on.
“Working with Davenport Brothers Construction on this project was a pleasure,” said Lothringer. “It was clear that Joe Davenport and Kelly Crain were not looking at this as just another construction job—to them it was personal because this is their home. From the first shovel in the ground to the day of the grand opening—this project was completed in just 70 working days.”
Not only did Davenport Brothers install a new splash pad but made much needed improvements to Quirk Park as well. They installed new pedestrian paths, playground equipment, and new signage and the creation of accessible parking spaces that are in conjunction with ADA compliance. The concession building, which has restrooms, remained and they put up a 10×20’ brick building with two changing rooms, with benches and a baby changing area.
“It’s the most beautiful thing for our community,” said Van Buren Supervisor Kevin McNamara. “Our kids should not have to go to other communities for recreation.”
