Alma applies for $250,000 Consumers Energy grant for Euclid and Washington Park ball-field improvements; commission cautions no site commitment yet

The Alma City Commission approved submitting an application for a Consumers Energy Foundation 2025 Prosperity Award grant of $250,000 to assist with improvements to ball fields at Euclid Park and Washington Park.

Staff said the application focuses on enhancements at Euclid and Washington parks and represents the second phase after a notice of intent; city staff said about 12 communities remain under consideration in the grant round. Curtis, a staff member, told the commission the project scope is large enough that even if adding a second field at Washington Park proved infeasible, the combination of Euclid improvements and work at Washington would satisfy the grant’s project scope.

Commission discussion focused on not creating an expectation that the commission had made a firm commitment to placing a new field at Washington Park. Commissioners raised safety and logistical concerns — notably parking and vehicle circulation for parents and small children — and asked that planning staff explore parking solutions and ensure any site changes are reviewed by the planning commission because the change could be considered a major change in the park’s land use.

The commission approved the motion to submit the grant application by voice vote. Staff said final grant acceptance would not obligate the city to an exact layout and that alternatives could be proposed if the Washington Park location proves unsuitable.

Staff also briefed the commission on preliminary conceptual aerial plans and said Little League participation has grown significantly, creating demand for additional fields; any expansion would require planning commission review and commission approval for a land-use change.