Saugatuck Township gets $2.4M grant from state to establish a new park

SAUGATUCK TOWNSHIP, Mich. -- Saugatuck Township Manager Daniel DeFranco says the chance to establish a new park and nature preserve along the Kalamazoo River is a "transformational opportunity."

"It's great to be able to provide new recreational access to a whole population," he said.

The township announced it has received a $2,464,300 grant from the Michigan Natural Resource Trust Fund program to purchase a 119-acre property adjacent to 145 acres of state-owned marshland and directly across from the township-owned River Bluff Park, on the other side of the river.

DeFranco told WOOD Radio in a telephone interview the township developed two years ago a new five-year park plan.

"And in that, we identified the need for new athletic fields, a 5k cross-country course for our state champion cross-country team at the high school, discuss golf and an accessible kayak launch," he said.

It features about 2,200 feet of river frontage and inhabits diverse natural features, such as extensive coastal wetlands, a wooded ravine with a flowing tributary, shrub wetlands, and a large open field.

"What it does is preserve this really beautiful viewshed of the Kalamazoo River," DeFranco said. "That has been completely untouched in its natural state. So, if you go out to our River Bluff Park, you'll get to see about 2,200 feet of Kalamazoo River that will be protected in perpetuity."

Here is more information from the news release sent to WOOD Radio by Seyferth P.R.:

“As one of the last remaining large, undeveloped riverfront parcels in the Township, this site offers a rare opportunity to balance ecological protection with meaningful recreational development, and create a connected conservation corridor,” said Saugatuck Township Manager Daniel DeFranco. “Unlike other sections of the Kalamazoo River that have seen subdivision development and riverbank landscaping, this section has largely retained its natural landscape. Acquiring this property would prevent future fragmentation and protect the ecological integrity of this unique river corridor.”

Throughout the upcoming year, Saugatuck Township will prepare to open the park to the public, installing a defined parking area, entrance signage, trail maps, and a short interpretive trail loop to provide safe, passive public access. Additional features could include: universally accessible trails, a wetland boardwalk, river overlooks, nature-based play features, an outdoor classroom, a kayak launch, a fishing pier, and athletic-use amenities, such as a 9-hole disc golf course, flexible-use athletic amenities, and a 3.1-mile cross-country trail loop. The new features will be concentrated in an open field area, preserving over 75% of the site for natural space and restoration.

“The acquisition of this property is a transformational opportunity to expand recreation access, protect critical natural resources, and create a destination park serving those living and visiting in the Tri-Community Area and the broader region of West Michigan,” DeFranco said. “Through conservation-centered design and long-term stewardship, Saugatuck Township will ensure that Riverside Park becomes a model of natural resource protection, education, and responsible public access for generations to come.

“The grant from the Michigan Natural Resource Trust Fund for Riverside Park is significant in supporting our vision of the Township’s five-year Parks and Recreation plan and helping us create opportunities for valuable natural and recreational resources for our residents and visitors,” said DeFranco.

The Township has received over $7.2M in grants and other external funding sources since voters approved the Parks and Trails millage in 2022. By the end of 2026, the Parks & Trails Millage will have generated approximately $726,000 in local revenue over the three years it has been in place.

“Since the millage began, the Township has secured $7,287,347 in external grant funding for parks, land conservation, trails, and habitat restoration projects,” said DeFranco. “This equates to a return of approximately $10.04 in outside funding for every $1 collected through the millage. We’re grateful for the strong positive support from community members and regional stakeholders in wanting to improve recreational access while preserving high-quality natural resources in Saugatuck Township.”

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