Harrison Twp, Mich: The Huron-Clinton Metroparks has been working to improve access and accessibility across a variety of facilities within their 13 parks. Equitable access to paddling and water activities is at the top of the list of improvements.
This year, Lake St. Clair Metropark received grant funding to improve the paddling access on the Black Creek, providing access to the waters of Black Creek North Marsh, Clinton River Water Trail, and Lake St. Clair.
The grant award provided $194,863 to support improvements to the launch area. Construction is now complete on an improved area that includes a new accessible floating dock, launch and gangway, two new sand launch areas, a parking area with trailer spaces, a drop off area, accessible walkways and parking. Along with 15 trees being planted. The grant funding was provided, in part, by the Coastal Management Program, Water Resources Division, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, under the National Coastal Zone Management Program, through a grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. The Metroparks added an additional $352,700 in matching funds to complete the project, bringing the overall project cost to just over $547,000.
“Grant funding like this allows us to leverage our existing budget to make even greater impacts in the community and continue improving our visitors’ experiences,” said Amy McMillan, Director of the Huron-Clinton Metroparks. “There’s nothing quite like getting on the water and connecting with nature, and I encourage you to get out and explore Lake St. Clair Metropark waterways, it is beautiful in any season. We’re grateful grant funding like this allows us to share that experience with even more visitors.”
Visitors can visit the completed project on the north end of the park this spring. Details of the park and scheduled programming can be found at www.metroparks.com.
About Huron-Clinton Metroparks
One of America’s premier metropolitan park systems, the Huron-Clinton Metroparks have served the people of Southeast Michigan since 1940. Managed by the Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority, the Metroparks are made up of 13 properties in Livingston, Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties. The Metroparks are open 365 days a year and encompass 25,000 acres of nature and recreational facilities. Each year more than 1.5 million people engage with the Metroparks to enjoy amenities such as picnicking, fishing, swimming, boating, hiking, nature study, biking, golf, disc golf, cross country skiing, sledding, snowshoeing and a diversity of outdoor programs and special events. The Metroparks also provide educational resources on science, nature, history and the environment. Learn more at Metroparks.com.
About EGLE
Working side-by-side with partners at local, regional, state and federal levels, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) safeguards our state’s environment while supporting the economic growth and development crucial for Michigan’s future. https://www.michigan.gov/egle
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