LANSING — State Representatives Leslie Love (D-Detroit) and Frank Liberati (D-Allen Park) praised the passage today of House Bill 5377, which appropriates money from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund. Thanks to two separate grants, Redford Township and Southgate will receive nearly $50,000 each for projects in their community.
“I am thrilled for the people of Redford that now, in conjunction with the DNR, we will be able to see serious movement on the improvement of a vital recreational area,” said Rep. Love. “Having safe, inviting communal spaces is important not only for the residents, but for attracting new talent to the area. I’m excited to see this project through to completion.”
Redford Township is due to receive $50,000 for the renovation of an existing tennis court area in Kraft Park. As the court is currently underutilized, it will be turned into a multi-use facility including a tennis court, basketball court and skate park. The new facilities are intended not only to better serve the needs of residents, but to improve site drainage and aide in the restoration of the 200-acre wooded wetland area adjacent to the former picnicking area in the park.
Southgate will receive $49,500 in funding to construct additional wings on the main pavilion at the recently established Market Center Park, providing supplemental seating areas for users of the adjacent amphitheater and surrounding park area.
“Since its opening last fall, the Market Center Park has been a fantastic addition to the city, for both Southgate residents and visitors alike,” said Rep. Liberati. “This expansion will allow the park to accommodate more guests and host larger and more inviting events for the Downriver community and beyond.”
The MNRTF is a restricted fund established in 1976 to provide funding for public acquisition of lands for resource protection and outdoor recreation, as well as for public outdoor recreation development projects. It is funded through interest earned on funds derived from the development of publicly owned minerals. Over the past 39 years, the trust fund has granted more than $1 billion to state and local units of government to develop and improve recreation opportunities in Michigan.