MARQUETTE, MI— The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has approved a grant to help revamp Marquette’s Father Marquette Park and turn the building at the site into an arts center.
The $458,800 Spark Grant will be used to rehabilitate the former Chamber of Commerce building and will transform the surrounding park space into community gateway and connecting trailhead for several local and regional trail systems, including the new Cultural Trail.
Main components include: 1) paved trail spur that connects to regional trail systems, 2) ADA accessible public bathroom, 3) trailhead information kiosk and entry sign both with solar lighting, 4) reconfiguring the existing parking lot for better traffic flow and improved stormwater management, 5) adding green infrastructure (bioswales, rain garden, native plant, shrub and tree species, etc.) to improve existing landscaping, habitat conditions and on-site stormwater treatment, and 6) public water station/drinking fountain for filling water bottles.
Michigan Spark Grants help local communities create, renovate, and redevelop public recreation opportunities. The award complements a recent $583,000 Revitalization and Placemaking grant given to the City of Marquette from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
