Parks committee recommends accessible swing and Wright Park walkway; downtown restroom costs seen as prohibitive

The city’s Parks Committee recommended that the commission target Gratiot County Parks & Recreation millage funding for two accessibility projects at Wright Park: a wheelchair‑accessible swing and an improved accessible walkway.

The recommendation matters because it identifies specific, fundable park improvements the committee believes will broaden access and can fit within anticipated county millage grant parameters.

Committee members reviewed alternatives including a downtown public restroom, a dog park, a new pavilion for Holiday Park and walkway improvements. The Parks Committee concluded the wheelchair swing and Wright Park walkway provide the most value for the likely county funding. The committee described the wheelchair swing as a platform supported on four corners that comes down to ground level and is easy to maintain; it noted the park already has other accessible features but lacks a swing usable by wheelchair users.

On the downtown restroom, staff and committee members said costs are high: the committee estimated a restroom that would meet durability and safety expectations would cost roughly $300,000. Members discussed additional questions that drive cost and ongoing operations, including whether a restroom would be heated for year‑round service, how operating and maintenance costs would be funded, and management of security issues (for example, unauthorized overnight use). The committee advised that if the commission pursues a restroom, a targeted grant match campaign (a referenced ‘patronosity’ program matching up to $50,000) or other grant sources could be explored, but no final decision was made.

The Parks Committee also discussed a dog park but said a preferred site is now planned for Little League expansion and gated facilities could be more expensive than expected; the dog park remains under consideration. The committee recommended the commission be the sponsor for a Little League application to the Consumers Energy Prosperity program because the league is not a 501(c)(3); staff said the city will prepare the application and bring it back to the commission for formal approval.

Actions and follow‑ups: The Parks Committee’s recommendation to pursue the accessible swing and walkway was presented to the commission; the commission received the report and did not take immediate funding action at the meeting. Staff were authorized to work with Little League on the Consumers Energy application and to return to the commission with any formal agreements for approval.