West Michigan receiving $19.9M for nature projects

West Michigan receiving $19.9M for nature projects

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Fifteen West Michigan communities are receiving state grants to support outdoor recreation projects.

The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund is providing 79 local governments in the state with funding for various projects.

In the region, communities will share a total of $19.9 million in funding this year.

West Michigan recipients

Algoma Township: $50,000 for development of trails and boardwalks through forested wetlands at River’s Edge Park, a fishing landing on the Rogue River, picnic areas, restroom and parking and interpretive signs.

Allegan County DNR: $150,000 for Echo Point Shooting Range renovations at the Allegan State Game Area.

City of Ionia: $221,800 to assist with the development of a trailhead park along the Fred Meijer Grand River Valley Trail. Those improvements include an energy-efficient restroom building, picnic shelter, playground and other amenities.

City of Grand Haven: $280,000 to assist with renovations of Waterfront Stadium Park and an additional $280,000 for Mulligans Hollow parking improvements. Funds for the Waterfront renovation will assist with the removal of current concrete pads and bleacher seating and replacing it with an outdoor amphitheater.

City of Holland: $165,000 for entrance improvements to the DeGraaf Nature Center Park. A new entrance will be constructed and furnished with an entrance sign, parking spaces and a shade shelter with a year-round fireplace.

City of Muskegon: $220,700 to assist with the development of Pere Marquette Park, including the addition of a playground and access paths, as well as improving and renovating an existing restroom.

City of Rockford: $150,000 for development of phase IV of the Rogue River Nature Trail, which will construct several hundred more feet of riverside boardwalk along the Rogue River in the downtown.

City of Wyoming: $300,000 for the redevelopment of Ideal Park, which was heavily damaged by a tornado in 2014. Among the improvements are trails, parking, a pavilion, playground and basketball court.

Laketon Township: $300,000 to improve Horton Park. Improvements will be made to the boat launch area and funds will help with construction of a pier, kayak launch, ADA accessible walkways, universally accessible playground and more.

Odessa Township: $300,000 to assist with construction of a 1.4-mile portion (phase 1B) of the 2.5-mile phase 1 of Jordan Lake Trail. The funded portion will provide multiple nature and lake observation opportunities and provide a safer path for area cross country and track students.

Ottawa County: $200,000 to develop about two miles of the Spoonville Trail on a segment to the Village of Nunica.

Ottawa County DNR: $300,000 to replace the channel restroom building along the Grand River Channel at Grand Haven State Park.

Park Township: $148,400 to improve the Keppel Forest, including enhancements and expansions to the existing trail system, upgraded entrance areas and creation of a meadow with indigenous prairie plants.

Port Sheldon: $300,000 to renovate more than 50-year-old facilities at Windsnest Park, including restrooms, parking, pavilion, playground, overlook and others.

Village of Saranac: $181,500 for Boat Launch Park to construct a trailhead parking area, construction of a pavilion building, universal access parking and walks and more amenities.

Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund

For more than 40 years, the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund has supported the development of outdoor recreation activities throughout the state.

In total, the fund has granted state agencies and local governments more than $1 billion to improve outdoor recreation in all of Michigan's 83 counties.