Collaboration is Key

The City of Allen Park continues to improve its park amenities for the residents of the community, with the help of collaborators like the Festivities Commission and the Allen Park Athletic Club (APAC).

Their efforts were bolstered by Savone Cement, which has helped on projects in Millward Park and Champaign Park. Parks and Recreation Director Rob Fulton praised the commitment of owner Mario Savone and his team.

“Mario has been instrumental in renovating parks and courts here in the AP Community,” Fulton said. “He and his family-owned company continue our goal of collaboration as he works not only with Parks and Recreation but all organizations throughout our community.”

Fulton added that with the huge commitment of $26,000, the Festivities Commission awarded the bid for work done at Millward Park to Savone Cement, for the addition of an ADA-compliant walkway from the parking lot to the walking track, along with a walkway that extends to the pavilion, where a new slab of cement has been installed.

In another show of collaboration between the Parks and Recreation Department and APAC, the City was able to add additional bleachers, new concrete under the bleachers and ADA-compliant viewing areas on both sides of ball diamond #3 at Champaign Park. Additionally, it will now be easier to get to the first base side as a new walkway and seating area have been installed. The total renovation was $36,000, with $18,000 from APAC and $18,000 from Parks and Rec.

“Working with APAC’s board has been simple and successful,” Fulton said. “That group had a vision and we were able to help make this happen. It is always beneficial to hear what others have to say. Even though we can’t possibly do everything, we can at least listen.”

Work has also been done at the ballfields at Riel Park and Cunningham Park. The ball fields have been totally updated, and are now state-of-the-art playing surfaces, Fulton said.

“They are much safer overall,” he added.

Fulton wants to make sure that residents know and appreciate all the collaboration it took between multiple parties to get these projects done. Individuals, organizations and businesses like Savone Cement are what make Allen Park special.

“The relationship between his company and the city is beneficial because of Mario’s commitment to excellence, communication, and a passion for Allen Park and its residents,” Fulton said of Savone, who is also a resident of the city.

He also wanted to call out Parks and Rec staff, upon the completion of ball diamond #3.

“I would like to extend my appreciation and gratitude to Ben Lollo, Kenny Galloway, Frank Goodwin and Kirk Said for their support and efforts for the hard work, and some very challenging moments, for assembling the bleachers at Champ Diamond #3,” Fulton said. “We are fortunate to have them on our team here at Parks and Recreation.”

Savone, for his part, is reluctant to take credit for himself, and instead directed accolades toward his team members, whom he said he’s “able to lean on.” He specifically singled out team leaders Steve Sabo and Fernando Flores for helping to keep things running smoothly on all the projects they were involved in.

“I’ve got great leaders in my company,” Savone said. “My guys, we go out and accomplish what the City wants us to do. Whether it’s fixing the roads or doing the park upgrades, the city knows it will be done to a high standard.”

He also credits his father – who sadly passed away in 2010 at the young age of 56 – for teaching him everything he knows about work and life.

“My dad taught me everything,” Savone said. “He always said it’s quality over quantity, and to always give your best in anything you do. Every day I wake up knowing that I’m involved with making this city better.”