Volunteers create new community room at substation
What had been a tired, dull room at the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office substation in Pontiac now is a comfortable and safe place for youngsters and other community members, thanks to a caring group of people that understands how impactful such a space can be.
Gone are the dingy walls — they’ve been scrubbed clean and spruced up with a fresh coat of paint and colorful, custom-designed, kid-themed decor. New tables and chairs, two largescreen TVs and cabinets packed with new board games and books complete the look that was envisioned when the project was proposed a few months ago by Sandi Marshall, office manager of CBI Design Professionals, Inc., a Bloomfield Hills-based architectural firm.
The goal: To design and outfit a secure, accessible and pleasant place for child custody exchanges, tutoring, neighborhood watch meetings and more. And it has all come to fruition, marked by a ribbon-cutting on Nov. 5.
“If it helps just one child, it was all worth it,” Marshall said.
The project was launched from conversations Marshall had with Community Policing Deputy Gill Garrett after she delivered Easter baskets for Pontiac children last spring. The two began talking about what was going on in the community — and brainstorming about making a difference.
The plan was in place by July, and Marshall got CBI Design Professionals owner Robert Clarke on board right away, who donated design services and also reached out to clients and contractors for monetary contributions and other help.
”They saw a need and were willing to pitch in to help, to support the cause,” said Sheriff Mike Bouchard. “This corporate citizen is making a difference to so many in the community.
The room upgrades were completed over the course of a few days. Garrett said he couldn’t wait to see the finished product — and tried to peek inside the room a few times when the work was going on but was told he had to wait for the big reveal.
“I was like a kid in a candy store,” he said, chucking.
Added Marshall: “It has been an amazing process to create a room that can be used by the community in many ways…and very rewarding.”
Garrett also said that plans call for electronic gaming systems to be added at a future date.
While the substation is officially closed to the public due to COVID-19 precautions, Bouchard said if the need arises to use the room before the health scare is over it will certainly become available.
The substation is at 110. E. Pike Street.