Five years
ago, Kent County Parks officials developed a master plan for their crown jewel
attraction, Millennium Park. Much remains the same – a
testament to the planners’ vision – but proposed changes will be unveiled today
from 3-7pm at the park’s Beach House.
Millennium Park, which drew nearly 500,000 visitors
last year, stretches 1,500 acres along the Grand River on the city’s southwest side. It
connects Johnson Park with John Ball Park to amass nearly 1,800 acres of
green space total. Inside are picnic areas, a beach with volleyball courts and
other facilities, trails, sculptures and a host of other amenities nestled into
the natural setting.
Proposed changes
to the master plan are huddled in three areas.
Some
changes are under consideration for the gateway center on the park’s east end,
near John Ball Park. An “international play area” is
planned that will suggest such faraway destinations as the Alps and Easter
Island to youngsters. A new civic plaza, enlarged trailhead, welcome center and
park administrative offices are also possible.
In the
middle of the park, officials are planning a commons area, complete with picnic
areas, parking, restrooms and education facilities (both a heritage and nature
center). The major change here is the relocation of the nature center to cut
down on the amount of land disturbed throughout the park.
On the west
side, improvements to the wetlands system are planned – including a concerted
effort to rip out invasive species of plants. And the park’s trail system will
be enlarged to nearly 20 miles, according to the new plans.
To date,
nearly $20 million has been spent on land acquisition, construction and
conservation. The master plan’s original budget is $25 million; about $15
million coming from the county, $5 million from the state and another $5
million from private donors. Roger Sabine, parks director of Kent County, said additional funding would come
from grants and donors.
Source:
Roger Sabine, Kent County Parks Director
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