Canton Township officials have begun the first phase of a $15 million plan to improve Ridge Road Park.
Members of the board of trustees voted in favor of matching a $1 million grant from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) administered Spark Grant. The program made more than $65 million in available in coronavirus recovery funds and supports public recreation facilities, according to the website.
Leisure Services Director Greg Hohenberger told members of the board that he has also been notified that the project will receive some federal funding for improvements at the 134-acre park. Plans include a community education center, sledding hill, a universally accessible playground and walking paths along with other pedestrian amenities. Hohenberger said the plans are to keep the park as natural as possible and ensure that every feature is handicap accessible.
The total expense for the plan, when complete, is about $15 million, officials said, but the project will be completed in stages and as funding is available. Hohenberger told the board access to the park, parking, and walking trails would be in the first phase of the park improvements.
Canton Township Supervisor Anne Marie Graham-Hudak said the township will continue to apply for grants and other available funding to complete the project. She said the townshipboard is dedicated to the project.
She added that the goal in the township is for every resident to have a park within at 10-minute walk from their home, also a national standard.
