Livonia
Michigan
City of Livonia
History:
The area that is now Livonia was originally inhabited by Potowatami Indians. Rich soil and abundant harvests had first attracted pioneers from New England and New York to this area. They brought with them a new way of life and perhaps the very name "Livonia" - the name of a town in New York State, Pennsylvania State and a region of the Baltic Sea comprising present day Estonia and Latvia.
By March 17, 1835, when an act of territorial legislature set the boundaries of Livonia Township, a forested wilderness had become an area of prosperous dairy farms and fruit orchards.
For the first 100 years, Livonians raised sheep and dairy cattle and grew vegetables and grain. Growth was slow. But gradually, over the years, dirt trails became roads and ten hard-surfaced highways.
In the late 1940's, the area took its first dramatic step from agriculture to commerce and industry. In 1948, the General Motors Corporation built an automatic transmission plant, soon to be followed by a Ford Motor Company parts depot.
In 1949, the Michigan Racing Association built a thoroughbred an harness race track at a cost of 5 million dollars. In order for the entire area of the Township of Livonia to benefit from racetrack revenues, it became necessary to incorporate.
In 1950, the residents of Livonia Township voted to become a City. On May 23, 1950, the entire Township was incorporated into the City of Livonia. Livonia has grown from a population of 17,000 in 1950 to over 100,000 in 1998.
The City of Livonia has held on to much of its heritage through historic preservation, and the acquisition and development of over 1800 acres of park land and open space. Greenmead Historical Village is a 103-acre farm/museum of Livonia's history at the southwest corner of Eight Mile and Newburgh Roads.
Recent News
November 2023 Senior Center Bulletin
BULLETIN The Senior Bulletin (PDF) lists current information on all daily activities, meeting times, and locations. A printed version of the bulletin is also available at the Civic Park Senior Center. ACTIVITIES / RESOURCES Click here…
Read More »Livonia Senior Center Bulletin August 2023
The Latest Senior Bulletin is Here! Enjoy our latest monthly edition of the Senior Bulletin at the link below. Make sure to sign up early for events that require it before they sell out, or browse our variety of programs through Livonia Parks and…
Read More »Livonia Senior Center Bulletin July 2023
Click here to View the Information About "Livonia Senior Center Bulletin July 2023"
Read More »Livonia Senior Center Bulletin June 11, 2023
The Latest Senior Bulletin is Here Enjoy our latest monthly edition of the Senior Bulletin for this month at the link below. Make sure to sign up early for events that require it before they sell out, or browse our variety of programs through…
Read More »City of Livonia - Chipper Services Have Resumed Early For The 2023 Season
Chipper service for brush and branch disposal has resumed early for the 2023 season due to the volume of damaged trees from the latest storms. Branches and limbs must be longer than four feet in length. Branches should be stacked with all of the cut…
Read More »City Of Livonia Parks And Recreation News - March 1, 2023
Go Green With a St. Patrick's Party for Kids March 15 Bring the kids to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on their day off from school 2-4 p.m. Wednesday, March 15! Livonia Public Schools have a Professional Development Day and this…
Read More »Livonia Senior Center Bulletin - March 2, 2023
Click Here to view the Livonia Senior Center Bulletin - March 2, 2023
Read More »City of Livonia - Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off
Livonia residents can resume dropping off their Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) and Electronic Waste (E-Waste) at ERG Environmental Services (ERG), 13040 Merriman Road, located on the east side of the street, just north of Industrial Drive from…
Read More »City of Livonia Parks And Recreation News - February 21, 2023
Healthy Livonia's 100 Days to Health Just Five Days Away! We’re less than one week away from the Healthy Livonia 100 Days to Health! It’s a great way to test out a variety of group fitness classes for a low price while working to…
Read More »City Of Livonia Parks And Recreation News - February 15, 2023
Celebrate Black History Month with History Lecture Series at Greenmead Stop by Greenmead Historical Park's Alexander Blue House 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21, for the second program in our History Lecture Series, "Tales Here and Now: Black History…
Read More »City Of Livonia Parks And Recreation News - February 7, 2023
We're Now Hiring for Summer Jobs! Even though there may be snow on the ground, we're looking ahead to the summer. We're actively hiring for summer positions ranging from camp supervisors and counselors to lifeguards, swim instructors, athletic…
Read More »Livonia Senior Center Bulletin - February 2023
Click Here to view the Livonia Senior Center Bulletin - February 2023
Read More »City Of Livonia Parks And Recreation News - January 24, 2023
Pavilion Rentals Begin Feb. 7 In-Person for Residents, Feb. 8 Online Pavilion rentals for the May 1- Sept. 30 season begin Tuesday, Feb. 7, for Livonia residents. Starting at 5 a.m., residents will be able to go in person to the Kirksey…
Read More »City Of Livonia Parks And Recreation News - January 10, 2023
Family Dances Just Over Two Weeks Away! We’re just a few weeks away from the Mother/Son Dance, Daddy/Daughter Dances and our NEW sensory-friendly Family Dance all at the Kirksey Recreation Center. Make sure to register before these…
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