The city’s Park and Recreation Commission supported City Manager Joe Hefele’s request to submit grant applications to the State of Michigan, which, if approved, would lead to restroom improvements at the lakefront pavilion and updated playground equipment at the beach.

Hefele has until April 1 to submit a grant application to the state to qualify for funds from the DNR Trust Fund which could be used toward the playground and pavilion projects.

He intends to submit the same request, for between $215,000 and $235,000 for possible funding, via the Michigan Passport program.

Hefele said because some of the playground equipment, especially the monkey bars, are deemed safety hazards, and the bathrooms don’t comply with Americans with Disabilities Act standards, he believes the applications should score well.

News File Photo

“I like our odds,” he said. “We are addressing things that need to be addressed and it is a good project. I think we will score well.”

Municipalities are only eligible for DNR Trust Fund money if they haven’t received state aid in 10 years. The city meets that criteria, as the last time it utilized money from the state fund was for work on the bike path.

The city already has a $30,000 donation for improvement projects to be applied to the projects. Hefele said the trust fund grant requires a $14,000 to $19,000 match from the city. The city may seek donations from local service organizations, businesses, and residents to raise the match funding.

It is also seeking letters of support for the project, which will be forwarded to the state for consideration.

The gazebo at Westminster Park is in dire needs of repairs that will cost about $21,000. Hefele intends to work with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation for a possible Patronicity crowdfunding campaign to raise the needed money.

News file photo The playground at Rogers City's Lakeside Park appears in this February 2021 News file photo.

“If we don’t get on these repairs soon, we will absolutely lose this building,” he said. “If we can raise the money we have a shot to have the project done in time for the city’s Sesquicentennial celebration that will take place during the Nautical Festival.

Hefele said the city should know if it awarded the money for the playground and pavilion late this year, and if things go well, construction could begin in the fall of 2022, after the summer beach season.

Steve Schulwitz can be reached at 989-358-5689 at sschulwitz@thealpenanews.com. Follow him on Twitter @ss_alpenanews.com.