A capital improvement project at Davis Bridge County Park has been recommended for funding by the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Board. The grant amount of $299,800 toward a total estimated project cost of $428,500 would be used to complete water access and shoreline restoration improvements within the park. The funding recommendations of the Trust Fund board will be submitted to the Legislature for approval and appropriation of funds.

Main components of the park update include a new fishing platform, installation of an ADA kayak/canoe launch, a new vault toilet building, a water access pathway, a new watercraft launch dock, sidewalk installations, picnic area enhancements, and paved parking spaces.

With the installation of the water access components of the project, shoreline erosion issues will be remediated, as the new amenities will replace the areas of highest erosion concern within the property. The water access pathway has been designed specifically to assist ice fishermen with a sloped access route during the winter period while preventing future erosion concerns caused from visitors walking over un-developed portions of the riverbank.

The addition of an ADA kayak/canoe launch at this location provides connectivity with a similar structure being installed within Brower County Park and is a continuation of on-going efforts in the development of a Muskegon River Water Trail within the greater Big Rapids area.

The Park Commission considers this capital improvement project as the initial phase of a 2-phase improvement plan for Davis Bridge County Park. Secondary improvements would include significant upgrades for visitors accessing Michigan’s Dragon Trail at Hardy Dam with amenities such as bike racks, bike repair stations, additional parking spaces, additional vault restrooms and continued paving of the roadway and parking areas.

Davis Bridge Park is managed by the Mecosta County Park Commission in partnership with Consumers Energy as the landowner. Plans and Engineering related to this project were made possible through grant funding provided by the Ice Mountain Environmental Stewardship Fund.

For additional information regarding this project or the Mecosta County Parks visit www.MecostaCountyParks.com.