“The city was recommended for funding for a DNR grant for Waterfront Park.”
That’s East Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation Director Derek Melville.
“Combined with that grant, it is the next park that was recommended by the parks and recreation commission and the city commission for implementation as part of the parks and improvement millage plan.”
Fourteen companies submitted project proposals. Grand Rapids-based Abonmarche was the lowest bidder at just over $88,000. It’s also known for developing lakeshore and wetland projects.
“They’ve done work for two river projects: St. Joe River and Black River Park, and then two sites on Lake Michigan, including a sensitive dune walkway and area there.”
The project includes the construction of sustainable, accessible trails and boardwalks, overlook decks, an outdoor classroom, educational signage, a toddler playground, and expansion of the existing parking lot.
“The community engagement, and when I say that, it will be a robust community engagement opportunity, there’ll be multiple phases of that.”
The city will match a $500,000 National Park Service grant received in 2025 from the city’s parks improvement millage.
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