By David Fleet

Editor

Goodrich

-On Monday night the village council voted 4-1 to seek a grant from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to improve the entry to the Goodrich Commons from the Hegel Road downtown access, also known as “the turn-around drive.”

The village will apply for a $75,000 grant with a match in funds, donated materials or services of $19,000. The grant application is due April 1.

The grant will be used to fund an accessible walkway starting just off Hegel Road entry point down the grass hill to the pavilion. Recently the Goodrich Village Volunteers installed a monument park sign at that entry, along with a flowering garden and trees.

“This grant, if awarded, will improve the driveway and create a more recognizable and usable entry point into the park for pedestrians from the downtown,” said Angie Adamec, member of the Goodrich Parks and Recreation Committee.

The Recreation Passport local grant program uses a portion of the funds gathered from the purchase of the state park entrance tag now attached to license plates.

In 2010 the Recreation Passport replaced the Motor Vehicle Permit or window sticker required for entry tostate parks, recreation areas and boating access sites. According to the MDNR the grant program may only be used for local development projects. The program is focused on renovating and improving existing parks, but the development of new parks is eligible.

“The Parks and Recreation Committee welcomes input or suggestions from residents that will contribute to the planning stages of this community project,” added Adamec. “If the village is awarded this grant, we will welcome those who may wish to contribute their expertise, time, efforts or materials to this long-awaited project.”

All donated services and materials would help the village fulfill its portion of the matching funds. The Parks and Recreation Committee usually meets the first Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m., Goodrich Administration building, lower level. For more information call 810-636-2570