It's a little early to be thinking of enjoying a day at the park, but the Big Rapids Parks and Recreation Board already has plans. Big Rapids has been granted a Michigan Department of Resources Passport grant for improvements to Mitchell Creek Park says current Assistant City Manager Mark Gifford.

“Parking lot improvements, we're going to redo the trail, add a couple new pedestrian lights, we'll have some more seating. It's just going to be a nice improvement for the whole downtown and and especially the park and its users.”

Big Rapids received the maximum $45,000 allowed by the state and must match it with $55,000 in local funds for the project. Gifford says residents can expect to see construction begin this summer.