The Grand Haven Area Community Foundation (GHACF) is providing $308,000 for five projects in Northwest Ottawa County and our surrounding communities.
The largest grant — $125,000 — is being awarded to the village of Spring Lake for the redevelopment of Tanglefoot Park. This project will provide universal access to the Grand River and community green space while promoting connections and engaging the citizens within and around the community.
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A rendering of the accessible splash pad that will be built at Tanglefoot Park in Spring Lake.
“We are so grateful to the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation for the Impact Grant that was awarded to the village for our Tanglefoot Transformation,” says Chris Burns, Spring Lake village manager. “This generous grant is going to ensure that Tanglefoot has a beautiful splash pad for the community to enjoy. We’re all so excited by this particular amenity because of the enjoyment it’s going to bring and the memories that it’s going to make. Thank you so much for joining us in this project. We couldn’t do it without you.”
Tanglefoot Park, previously utilized as an RV park in the village, will be redesigned to include a universal-access floating kayak/canoe launch, sculpture park, trailhead for Lakeside Trail, a children’s splash pad area, a fireplace and patio area, and an event center, which will serve as the village’s Farm and Garden Market year-round.
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A rendering of the structure that will go up at Tanglefoot park in Spring Lake.
“Living in Northwest Ottawa County, we understand the significance of access to the incredible waterfront and green spaces within our community,” says Holly Cole, GHACF vice president of grants and program. “The transformation of Tanglefoot Park will impact our community now and long into the future.”
Other grants
The other four Community Impact grants include:
Muskegon Early Childhood Development and Literacy Initiative (via Community Foundation Muskegon County) — $10,000 for “PK-4-All,” a pilot program to support approximately 350 children from families who may not qualify for federal or state-funded preschool.
The Outdoor Discovery Center (ODC) Network — $83,000 for “Project 180,” a nature-based summer education program that addresses learning loss due to the pandemic for children in Ottawa County. Through the program, at least 400 local schoolchildren will participate in a day camp-styled program complete with lunch, academic and social growth, and opportunities in the natural world.
The Frauenthal Center (via Community Foundation for Muskegon County) — $50,000 for “The Next 90 Years — Frauenthal Center Preservation Campaign,” to address the renovations, preservations, and structural needs of the Frauenthal Center. The Frauenthal Center serves as a cultural venue and attraction for the larger West Michigan community. It provides a central location for cultural and community events, including concerts, art exhibits, weddings, speaking engagements, and theater performances.
Courtyard Concerts — Up to $40,000 for the “Free Friday Night Summer Concert Series,” which will provide a series of multi-genre concerts at the Lynne Sherwood Waterfront Stadium throughout the summer season. The concerts will be free to the public and will abide by current state COVID-19 restrictions.
The next grant deadline is Oct. 6. Preliminary applications are due Aug. 18.
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