Alma City Commission votes to apply for DNR park grant for Riverside Park improvements

The Alma City Commission voted to apply for a Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) grant to rebuild features at Riverside Park, approving option A with a 25% local match.

The commission approved a resolution to submit a Natural Resources Trust Fund/Land and Water Conservation Fund application covering the Riverside Park deck, pavilion repairs and replacement of deteriorated site amenities. The total Riverside Park project was described in the meeting as $460,000; the commission authorized applying with a 25% local match, which the commission and staff calculated as a $345,000 grant request and $115,000 local match.

Commissioners and staff discussed why the commission chose the Riverside Park package and not to include other riverwalk overlooks in the application. The meeting record shows engineer estimates for other riverwalk elements discussed during the hearing: a boat-launch overlook deck at about $310,000 and a separate conservation-park overlook at about $200,000. Staff noted those structures are maintenance‑intensive wood over-water walkways; several commissioners urged considering concrete on‑land alternatives to reduce long‑term maintenance costs and improve durability.

Staff member Eric presented the project options and funding programs, explaining the grant programs available: the Land and Water Conservation Fund (maximum $500,000; typical local match 50% required by the program) and the Natural Resources Trust Fund (maximum $400,000; minimum 25% local match). Eric said the Riverside Park-only application totals $460,000 and that applying at a 25% match would make the city’s required local contribution smaller while keeping the application competitive.

Commissioners and staff discussed practical and budget implications. Staff said any local match would most likely come from the city’s fund balance if the commission chose to increase the match. Commissioners raised concerns about future maintenance obligations for wood boardwalks and overlooks, noted that one overlook had been reconstructed earlier in the year with deeper-driven piers, and discussed partnering with neighboring St. Louis to extend trails rather than replacing every overlook.

During the public hearing Brenda Bratt of 416 Yale Ave asked whether ADA compliance could be included in the grant. Eric replied, “No, it's required. This is, this party requirement is that everything must meet the ADA,” and added that projects that go beyond basic requirements using universal design can score additional points.

The commission debated how aggressive to be on matching level. At the vote the motion on the table was to apply for Option A at a 25% local match. The motion carried; one commissioner recorded a vote in opposition and the motion passed.

The commission instructed staff to proceed with submitting the application for option A at a 25% match and to return with any scoring or follow‑up information the MDNR provides. Staff noted the MDNR applications are annual and that the application deadline is imminent (staff said they intended to submit next week).