Several grant-funded parks projects are progressing in St. Joseph Township.
Township manager Denise Cook provided updates this week on the status of three projects within the county.
At Kedzie Park, cook said the new handicap-accessible playground equipment has been delivered and sidewalks have been installed, and crews are just waiting for good weather to get the playground surface poured.
Construction of a new pavilion at Knauf Park is also nearing completion, with the structure mostly built. The pavilion will have built-in restrooms, as well as a shelter and water fountains for people and dogs. Knauf Park is a parking and picnic area at one of the points of access to the Nature Trail system on Vineland Ave.
Cook said the Pavilion at Knauf Park should be finished within the next month, with additional stone and siding work still needing to be finished.
The Carronde Park water trail project is set to begin June 5th, according to Cook’s update. That project will include a new kayak launch, fishing platforms, tennis court repairs, improved sidewalks, paved parking, benches, picnic tables, new pickleball courts and more. It is expected to be completed by the end of September.
Funding for the Carronde Park upgrades comes in part from a $200,000 Great Lakes Fishery Grant. An earlier grant $200,000 was secured via a Michigan Department of Natural Resources grant, with additional $200,000 match coming from the township.