Changes at Cascade Township’s Tassell Park are aimed at enhancing the park’s natural beauty as well as connectivity, recreation, and enrichment opportunities for the community.
The township acquired two parcels adjacent to the park in 2019, demolishing the former Tuffy Muffler building on the corner of Cascade Road Southeast and Thornapple River Drive Southeast. Those sites will be repurposed into public space, featuring a new park gateway, plaza, water feature, playground and splash pad.
The walkway along the Thornapple River will be transformed into a boardwalk making the shoreline more user-friendly for fishing and recreation.
The riverbank will be enhanced with native plants and landscaping curbing erosion.
The Cascade Downtown Development Authority is funding the $10 million project. The DDA also funded the $2.8 million acquisition of the two adjacent properties.
Park improvements are expected to be completed by spring 2028.
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