Grant board OKs Port Huron, St. Clair County and Casco park projects
Port Huron has been approved by the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund board for grants of $100,000 and $300,000 for work at Lighthouse Beach and the Riverside Boat Launch.
"The Michigan Trust Fund board recommended that we be funded," said Nancy Winzer, Port Huron recreation director. "We are the two top projects in the state, so that is pretty exciting."
The funding recommendation has to be approved by the Michigan House of Representatives and state Senate.
"Usually, if you are recommended by the board, it’s a pretty good indicator you will be approved," Winzer said.
"We are very excited and impressed and pleased that Port Huron would be in the top two."
The Port Huron projects were ranked by Michigan Department of Natural Resources staff for presentaton to the trust fund board.
"Those grant applications were written by Kim Harmer," said James Freed, Port Huron city manager. "This woman has turned out like $2 million in grants this year."
Harmer is Port Huron's former planning director.
Winzer said one of the major renovations at Lighthouse Beach would be to the bathhouse to make it universally accessible.
Work at Riverside would include renovations to the restrooms, the parking lot and the launch ramps.
"In the summer, that was pretty packed," Winzer said. "It does need some major improvement as far as the bathrooms, the parking lot and the ramp itself."
She said the Legislature likely will not take up the recommendations until the summer.
In the meantime, the city is moving forward with renovations planned for Pine Grove Park.
In August, City Council approved a grant contract of $275,000 for improvements for the construction of bathroom and concessions facilities and other work at the park. The city will be matching the grant with $120,000 from its share of the county parks tax and general fund dollars.
That project will include installation of permanent restrooms, 88 parking spaces and universally designed benches and accessible walkways, among other amenities.
"I was in Lansing ... when the board met, and there were a lot of people who were like, 'There’s a lot going on in Port Huron,'" Winzer said.
"We have beautiful parks anyway, and people are noticing."
She said the trust fund is helping the city renovate its parks and other recreational facilities.
"We're very lucky the trust fund is there to help us," Winzer said. "Little by little, we are going to have a spruced-up park system."
The trust fund board also recommended a grant request of $300,000 by St. Clair County to develop 2.1 acres of vacant park property next to the Blue Water River Walk and the St. Clair River and just north of the coastal wetlands.
A request from Port Huron Township for $210,000 for improvements at Bakers Field was not among the recommendations.
The board recommended a grant of $148,000 for Casco Township to acquire a 19.21-acre parcel from the Six Rivers Land Conservancy to develop the township's first public park.
Contact Bob Gross at (810) 989-6263 or rgross@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @RobertGross477.
Local projects
- Port Huron, Lighthouse Beach and Park Universal Design Facilities, $100,000. Development of a restroom building, observation patio, play equipment and fitness stations at Lighthouse Beach and Park, an 8-acre public park where Lake Huron enters the St. Clair River, along the Island Loop National Water Trail. The area was dedicated as a public park in 1925 and is adjacent to historic Fort Gratiot Lighthouse and an active U.S. Coast Guard Station. It is surrounded by a vibrant neighborhood and along a public bus route. The site is a natural stop for kayaks navigating the Island Loop Water Trail before continuing into the challenging currents of the St. Clair River.
- Riverside Boat Launch Restrooms and Parking Lot, $300,000. Development to replace the parking lot, restroom building, and site amenities at Riverside Boat Launch, a 3.6-acre launch site with 400 feet of river frontage along the Black River on the Island Loop National Water Trail. It is a popular launch site for small boats, watercraft, kayaks and canoes, or to fish and watch waterfowl activity. The site is located within an active neighborhood connected by sidewalk to the International Bluewater Bridge overpass pedestrian path that links Port Huron Township with Port Huron, the International Flag Plaza and the St. Clair River.
- St. Clair County, Blue Water River Walk Park Development, $300,000. Development of a 2.1-acre vacant park property next to the Blue Water River Walk and the St. Clair River and just north of the coastal wetlands. Facilities to be developed include a picnic plaza, walkways, artificial turf play area, bridges, park identification signs, interpretive signage and a bike rack. The site will be restored from its existing condition as an old railroad corridor using native shrubs and plants, storm water drainage swales, and dry riverbed. The improvements will enhance wildlife habitat and public access at the site.
- Casco Township, Public Park Acquisition, $148,000. Acquisition of a 19.21-acre parcel from the Six Rivers Land Conservancy to develop a public park, which would be the first in the township. The property has 1,397 linear feet of frontage on the Belle River, contains emergent wetlands, scrub -shrub wetlands, and a floodplain. This park is intended to be used for passive recreation opportunities. If acquired, a driveway and parking area would be provided, as well as pedestrian pathways (such as rustic trails and a boardwalk), benches for fishing and nature viewing, temporary restroom facilities, picnic areas (including tables and a pavilion), a playground, and natural kayak launch for paddlers to access the Belle River. This access point will lead to the extension of the current water trail along the Belle River, which is currently developed and maintained by the Blueways of St. Clair.