(WWJ) Close to two dozen cities and towns across Michigan are getting big boost toward creating, renovating or redeveloping outdoor recreation opportunities for residents and visitors.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources says 460 applications came in for Michigan Spark Grants, which are designed to help communities that have struggled economically during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The DNR, which administers these grants, says in this round $14,178,900 will be split between 21 communities
"The response was more than we could have imagined,” said acting DNR Director Shannon Lott. “Clearly, the Michigan Spark Grants opportunity and outreach have tapped into a critical need in many areas of the state, and we are proud to deliver support that will help create and restore the quality public recreation resources that we know can improve public health, anchor communities and strengthen a sense of place.”.
Some of the funded projects in this round include:
• $1 million for the City of Trenton, in Wayne County, for a Kennedy Aquatic Center renewal project.
$1 million to rehabilitate the St. John Street Neighborhood Memorial Park along the Flint River, in Genesee County, through improved and accessible trails, parking and a kayak/canoe launch, plus a new playground.
$767,600 for the City of Lapeer, in Lapeer County, for rehabilitation of the Linear Park Pathway at Rowden Park.
• $716,600 to revitalize Alford Park in Sault Ste. Marie, in Chippewa County, with the addition of accessible pedestrian paths and amenities such as bike racks, picnic tables and benches.
• $475,000 for replacement of the aging boardwalk at the Covert Park Beach and Campground, located along the Lake Michigan shore in Van Buren County.
• $393,000 to renovate the Marlette Community Park, in Sanilac County, with an accessible walking trail and playground equipment and updated pavilions.
• $250,000 to rebuild the city of Muskegon’s existing community splash pad, in Muskegon County.
See the FULL LIST HERE.
“Every Michigander in every community deserves access to the great outdoors to connect with nature, exercise, and spend time with friends and family,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, in a statement.
“Under the bipartisan Building Michigan Together Plan that I signed last year, we made the largest one-time investment ever in our state and local parks. Now, we’re delivering those resources to move dirt and make a real difference in people’s lives while supporting good-paying jobs along the way.”
The Building Michigan Together Plan, signed in March 2022, included a historic $450 million infusion of federal American Rescue Plan Act funding in state and local parks, including $65 million to be administered by the DNR for projects like those described above.
Approximately $50 million in additional Michigan Spark Grants is expected to be awarded later this year.
Given the "overwhelming interest" in the first round, the DNR said will work with an advisory group to determine next steps and an application timeline for round two.
In the meantime, Lott encourages applicants who didn't get a Spark Grant funding in this round to explore the DNR's other recreation-centered grant opportunities, including the Land and Water Conservation Fund, the Recreation Passport and the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund programs. Applications for these three programs are due April 1 each year.
Learn more about the Michigan Spark Grants program — and all DNR-administered grant opportunities — at Michigan.gov/DNRGrants.
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