Resident presents 'On River Park' plan and asks council to pursue waterways trail and state historical marker

Dale Grieve, a lifelong Saint Charles resident, delivered an informational presentation to the Village of Saint Charles council proposing an "On River Park," a waterways trail between Saint Charles and Saginaw, and placement of a state historical marker at Sid Park. Grieve said he has traveled the Saginaw Valley River system for decades and has studied Saint Charles history for more than 40 years, and he distributed a report and map to council members for their consideration.

Grieve described the project as a recreational and heritage initiative intended to attract canoe and motorboat traffic and to highlight the village’s historical role in the river system. "I'm here this evening to discuss briefly the possibilities of an on river park, state historical marker, and waterways trails beginning and ending in Saint Charles," he said. He emphasized local benefits including fishing, exercise, and outdoor destination opportunities.

Council members asked clarifying questions about the proposed route, signage and daily-trip logistics. A council member noted that the river is a federal navigable waterway and that Congress, through the Army Corps of Engineers, has authority over certain river uses; Grieve acknowledged that designation and said he prepared materials for distribution to local branches of government. Grieve’s packet was accepted for distribution to council members for further review.

The council did not take formal action on the proposal during the meeting; council members asked staff to keep Grieve’s materials on file and to follow up with any questions or related permitting issues. The next step identified on the record was distribution of Grieve’s report and map to council members and any staff who handle parks or historical-marker applications.