Pickleball Court Plans at Linden County Park: The county is planning new pickleball courts at Linden County Park after a previous attempt was halted in 2022. On Wednesday, Feb. 26, commissioners may approve an application for a $400,000 grant from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund. If secured, the grant would require a 26% match from county millage funds.
Renewed Plans After 2022 Setback
Pickleball’s popularity has remained strong, according to Parks and Recreation Director Patrick Linihan. A previous grant for courts was returned due to a $300,000 stormwater retention cost. The new plan shifts the location to reduce impervious surfaces.
“We moved the location and were not going to have the amount of impervious surfaces that are going to require that. We are thinking we have a pretty good shot to get it.” – (Patrick Linihan)
Additional Park Improvement Grants
Commissioners will also consider grants for other parks. At Bluebell Beach, the county is requesting $500,000 to repave entrances and parking lots. This would require a 50% funding match. Linihan noted the original lots, built in the 1970s, have deteriorated over time.
“There was a time crunch and a budget crunch at the time it was put in. Over the years, (the work) hasn’t held up so we’re looking to redo it.” – (Patrick Linihan)
Another proposal seeks $80,000 to develop a greenhouse at For-Mar Preserve and Arboretum. The 383-acre site, donated in 1970, would use the greenhouse to grow native plants for park use. This grant also requires a 26% county match.
Funding and Next Steps
The county’s parks millage funds about 85% of its Parks and Recreation budget. Voters renewed the 10-year, 0.75-mill property tax in August 2022. If approved, the grant applications could bring major improvements to multiple parks.
News in Brief: Pickleball Court Plans at Linden County Park
County commissioners will decide Feb. 26 on applying for a $400,000 grant to build pickleball courts at Linden County Park. Other proposals include $500,000 for Bluebell Beach parking lot repairs and $80,000 for a greenhouse at For-Mar Preserve. If awarded, these grants require matching county funds.
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