The South Beach in South Haven, long known as the family beach, is gaining popularity among others, and that could grow in the coming year with $500,000 worth of improvements.
That's $250,000 from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund and another $250,000 in matching funds from the
City of South Haven.
The beach will get a new promenade, a trail mat that is accessible, painted crosswalks and accessible parking aisles as part of the recently approved project. The promenade also will extend to the existing HarborWalk.
Mayor Bob Burr and city staff members traveled in icy weather to Lansing to make a pitch for the proposal that emphasized the city's plan to make the beach and lakefront accessible to all.
"It took us three hours to get to our destination, but it was well worth it," says Burr. "The announcement of the City of South Haven as one of the recipients was gratifying. All of our hard work paid off."
This is the second straight year the city applied for funds for improvements to the South Beach. A concession stand was not included in the city's application for funding in the most recent application. This year, South Haven ranked 15th of the 102 applicants.
City staff will begin the planning stages for construction after the state legislature approves the expenditure.
Writer: Kathy Jennings
Source: Brian Dissette, City of South Haven
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