Commissioners recommend two park grant applications: Bailey Nature Preserve and Charlton Park

Barry County commissioners on March 18 voted to recommend two park grant applications that would fund accessibility and recreational improvements if awarded.

Parks staff requested approval to submit a Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) grant application for improvements at Bailey Nature Preserve. Dan Patton said the project estimate is about $577,000 and the MNRTF request would be $400,000, leaving a local match of $177,000. Patton said roughly $145,000 of that match is currently available in the Parks budget and the remainder could come from the Bailey endowment; he emphasized the board would still have to approve acceptance of any awarded funds. “There is no commitment of dollars at this time other than I need a commitment to apply,” he said.

The board voted to recommend adoption of Resolution 25‑10 authorizing the MNRTF application. No mover/second was recorded on the transcript; the chair called the vote and members said “aye.” The motion carried.

Separately, Patton asked to submit a Michigan Recreation Passport grant application for improvements at Charlton Park, including a wheelchair-accessible canoe/kayak launch, a concrete accessible parking space and other parking improvements. The total project estimate is $301,500 and the requested grant amount is $150,000; Patton said matching funds are already identified. Motion by Commissioner Tunis, support by Commissioner Hatfield, to recommend Resolution 25‑11. The board voted aye and the motion carried.

Patton said both applications are for submission only; if the county is awarded either grant the board would vote again to accept and appropriate funds. He estimated, for the MNRTF project, construction and award timelines could push work into 2027 and cautioned that long lead times make precise cost estimates difficult. Commissioners commended Parks staff for aggressively pursuing grant funds.

Public comment during the meeting included concerns from a resident who said some county spending priorities — including park funding — should be reviewed in light of other county obligations such as the jail.

Votes at a glance

- Resolution 25‑10: Resolution to authorize application for Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant for improvements at Bailey Nature Preserve — motion to recommend; outcome: motion carries (vote recorded as voice vote "aye").

- Resolution 25‑11: Resolution to authorize application for Michigan Recreation Passport grant for improvements at Charlton Park — motion by Tunis, support by Hatfield; outcome: motion carries (voice vote "aye").