Packard Proving Grounds Open the Doors to the Public

The whole community was invited to the Open House on Van Dyke between 22 and 23 Mile roads Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Many came to see the historic facilities of the once world renowned testing facility for the Packard Motor Car Company. Since 2002 the Packard Motor Car Foundation has been supporting the facility making extensive landscaping improvements, including elm trees along the driveways.

This event provides everyone a chance to walk through history. Sue Tolonen of the Foundation said many groups, schools and families come for tours of the 14-acre establishment. "We are on the National Register of Historic Places in America which qualifies us to be eligible for grants," said Tolonen. "We have a Facebook page and we have many events here including two upcoming Car Shows and the Farmers Market every Saturday from May to October."

The buildings were open to tour through with many interesting historic items including some Packard vehicles. Movies with historic documentation were shown and there was plenty to learn about. The Johnny Trudell Band played some big band music and a petting zoo kept the little ones occupied. The best part was the tour in the Packard Taxi up the grounds, past the classic car display and on to the original Packard Test Track and back around.

The Packard Proving Grounds will host another Open House in the fall on October 16, 2011.