The Save the Ponds Committee has announced a fundraising kick-off event to be held at Paris County Park, in Mecosta County on Friday, Nov. 22nd at 10:00 A.M. The Save The Ponds committee is a group of motivated citizens who are working to raise funding to revitalize the historic fishponds within Paris County Park. The organization has hit the ground running by partnering with the Mecosta County Community Foundation in a fiscal sponsorship agreement to establish a donation page, shortly followed by the establishment of a website and page on Facebook to promote and inform those interested in their revitalization efforts. 

The Big Splash Kick-Off event will celebrate the first large financial contribution to the project, which has been provided by the Mecosta County Board of Commissioners through an allocation of Marijuana Excise Tax funds in the amount of $75,000. Committee members invite the community to attend the check presentation and to learn more about how they can help to play a role in the initiative.

 

^{Recent photo of fish pond connecting raceway (courtesy of Mecosta County Park Commission).}

Additional initial partner organizations in the restoration effort include the Mecosta County Park Commission, Mecosta County Development Corporation, and Mecosta County Visitors Bureau. Kelly Wawsczyk, Director of the MCDC believes the project has great merit. “By revitalizing iconic attractions, you’re not only preserving cherished memories but also creating new opportunities for economic growth and community. Attracting visitors to a destination can significantly boost the local economy through various means: job creation, infrastructure development, increased revenue, and an enhanced quality of life for generations. I am excited to revive such an iconic attraction, allowing many families to relive memories, celebrate present moments, and create future traditions,” Wawsczyk said.

Committee Chairman Rick Hatkowski expressed the urgent need for the community to get involved. “Due to the age of these concrete structures, they are crumbling and falling apart. Walls have collapsed and the area has been closed to public access due to safety concerns. Everybody we have talked to has fond memories of the park and fishponds; we have really strong feelings about preserving this historic site. It is in rough shape, but we are going to fix it,” Hatkowski said.

The committee has established six phases of restoration with the hope that upon completion of Phases 1 and 2, the fishpond area may once again be open to public visitation while restoration and fundraising efforts continue toward Phases 3-6. Information on each phase of the project is available on the committee website.

The restoration efforts take place within Paris County Park which is managed by the Mecosta County Park Commission. Parks Superintendent, Jeff Abel, is grateful for the community led restoration initiative. “We have applied for grants and placed multiple parks millage proposals on the ballot, but to date, were unable to receive the necessary funding to restore these recreational amenities. The Park Commission is being faced with the decision of what the future holds for this historic site and permanent closure or demolition is the last thing we would want to see happen. The Save The Ponds committee sees the value in this site, as we do, and is taking action in an attempt to save these amenities for future generations to enjoy,” Abel said.

 

^{Photo of the front fish pond and state hatchery building from 1934 (courtesy of Mecosta County Park Commission).}

The Paris Fishponds were originally established in 1881 as the state’s second oldest fish rearing agency. The site was renovated and expanded in the 1930’s by the Works Progress Administration (WPA). The site was closed by the Department of Natural Resources in 1964, was acquired by the Mecosta County Park Commission in 1973, and was opened as a County Park in 1976. Currently one fishpond remains publicly accessible with resident Rainbow Trout for visitors to view and feed using on site fish food dispensers.

The Save The Ponds committee welcomes individuals and organizations interested in helping to preserve this historic site to attend the Kick-Off event on Friday, Nov. 22 at 10:00 A.M. It will be held at Paris County Park, located on Northland Dr. 

The committee will also be taking part in the upcoming Community Giving Day Event on Dec. 3 from 11:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. at the Big Rapids Eagles location. 

For additional information on the fundraising committee visit www.ParisPonds.org or “Save The Ponds – Paris, Michigan” on Facebook. For additional information on the Mecosta County Parks visit www.MecostaCountyParks.com.

_{Release and photos courtesy of the Mecosta County Park Commission?.}