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Port Huron council authorizes two grant applications for Lincoln Park improvements
Summary
The Port Huron City Council unanimously authorized submitting two state grant applications—up to $250,000 from the Michigan DNR Trust Fund and up to $150,000 from the Recreation Passport—to fund ADA accessibility upgrades and court renovations at Lincoln Park, with local matching funds required.
The Port Huron City Council voted to authorize two state grant applications to support improvements at Lincoln Park, including up to $250,000 from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Trust Fund and up to $150,000 from the Recreation Passport program. The council also authorized accepting any awards and providing the required local matches.
Residents urged caution and community-driven planning during a public hearing. "Lincoln Park is a beautiful treasure in this community," said Tyler Moldovan of the Lightship Neighborhood. Chris Lemanky, a Port Huron resident, told council he opposed spending $250,000 for what he described as unnecessary changes and asked council to recognize longtime volunteer stewards of the park’s plantings: "I don't think that putting $250,000 towards the development is appropriate…".
Council members and the city manager said the proposed work is limited to accessibility and repairs rather than a full redesign. "This is to create ADA parking spaces at the scenic turnout…an ADA pathway to the park...and renovations to the existing pickleball and basketball courts. We are not changing the park in any way. We are not redesigning the entire park," said the city manager during the discussion.
Council moved the motions to authorize submitting both applications; the motions were moved by Mayor Pro Tem Archibald and supported by Council member Pemberton (DNR Trust Fund) and by Council member Lam (Recreation Passport). Roll call votes recorded were unanimous in favor.
The city explained that the Recreation Passport–matched improvements will be paired with local funding mechanisms where required; for the Recreation Passport item, council clarified that any local match will be funded from the Neighborhood Improvement Authority tax capture and restricted to that geographic area. The council said staff will continue to solicit neighborhood input and follow plans developed through prior community meetings.
What happens next: Staff will submit the grant applications as authorized; if awards are made, council will return to accept funds and establish the local match and implementation plan.
