Three communities in northern Michigan received Recreation Passport Grants last week.
The state grants provide up to $150,000 to develop outdoor recreation opportunities.
Shalda Park in Empire and Michigan Beach in Charlevoix both received grants. Another will fund the construction of a new park on the Platte River in Benzie County.
"This will be the only accessible place for kayak and canoe launching upstream of Platte Lake," said Ingemar Johansson, chair of the Honor Area Restoration Project (HARP.)
"People with mobility issues are going to be able to put in safely and float down the river from here," Johansson said.
HARP has been fundraising for the park for more than five years. In addition to a boat launch, plans include fishing docks and a a paved walking trail near U.S. Route 31 in Honor.
The state funding received last week will go towards a boardwalk trail along the river.
Johansson said the park will not only enhance recreation, but also help the local economy.
"The river is here, but when people drive through they don’t see it," Johansson said. "It’s an untapped beautiful resource that will make people stop here and access businesses."
Johansson said that public feedback on the project has been positive, and community members are eager to help.
"We’ll need volunteers to help maintain the park and look after it. We’re looking for 'HARP rangers.'"
Updates on the project and volunteer opportunities can be found on the group's website or Facebook page.
Construction of the Platte River Park is expected to begin this spring.
