County seeks Michigan DNR grant to make Lexington Park accessible; project estimated at about $890,000

The Sanac County Board of Commissioners voted Dec. 17 to adopt a Lexington Park accessibility plan and authorized staff to pursue a Michigan Department of Natural Resources trust fund grant to fund the project.

Commissioner Sarll described the project as a roughly $890,000 effort that would replace an aging pedestrian bridge (professionally inspected and estimated to need replacement within two to four years), construct a widened 10‑foot bridge to allow maintenance equipment access, build two camping cabins, convert an old tennis court into pickleball courts, add a dog park area and create a 1,100‑foot walking trail and observation decks to improve access across the park.

Sarll told the board that DNR trust fund grants are currently $400,000 (previously $300,000) and that the estimated engineering fees equal about 10% of the project cost (approximately $90,000). He said the county’s plan is to proceed with high‑priority bridge and cabin components if a full grant is not awarded, and that the county park commission would use park general funds and millage funds as necessary to support the project.

Board members voiced support for pursuing the grant. The resolution pledges protection of the site’s natural and wildlife values while improving public access and recreation opportunities. The motion to adopt the resolution passed by roll call vote.

Next steps recorded in the meeting record include submitting the grant application and pursuing design and contractor selection if the funding is secured or to proceed with prioritized pieces if the grant is not awarded.