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(Editor’s Note: The Peninsula Township Parks Committee is currently in the process of updating its five-year parks and recreation plan, including the expansion of Bowers Harbor Park. In her note below, Parks Committee member Michele Zebell offers more info about the project, including how OMP residents can help secure grant funds by pledging any amount towards the project. -jb)
In 2017, following an extensive study, the Bowers Harbor Expansion plan was completed. Among other improvements, the plan features accessible trails and boardwalks, a picnic pavilion, the restoration of meadows, wildflowers and grass, additional tree cover, and the recent addition of a fenced dog park. As these wonderful improvements come with an estimated cost of $1.4 million, the Township is applying for a state grant designated specifically for recreation.
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The maximum possible grant award is $1 million, leaving $400,000 to be raised separately from grant funding. The Township has committed $50,000 to the project and is looking to the community to offer pledges for the remaining $350,000. Pledges provide necessary matching funds; they are also a demonstration of community support for the Bowers Harbor Park Expansion Project and the grant application.
The 60-acre expansion property is a wonderful compliment to the original Bowers Harbor Park, and with the improvements, will be a beautiful, accessible naturalized area. If you share this vision for the expansion and would like to see it realized, the Township encourages you to demonstrate that support with a pledge. Please note that successful grant recipients will be notified between January and July of 2023; your pledge will only be due if the Township is awarded the grant.
To make a pledge, send an email with the subject line “BHP Exp Pledge” to [email protected]. Please include your name and address with your pledge amount. Your response by December 19 is greatly appreciated. Thank you.
(Editor’s Note: If you’d like to fill out a pledge card, download the card here, print it, fill it out, and email the completed card to Michele at [email protected] or drop it off at the Township office, 13235 Center Road. As time is of the essence regarding this particular grant, if you’re thinking of making a pledge, this week is the time to do it. -jb)
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More details on the proposed improvements would be helpful. Also, why is the township requesting a state grant now, 5 years after the plan was completed?