The Kent County Board of Commissioners approved the purchase of land that will expand two popular parks in the County: Fallasburg Park in Lowell and Chief Hazy Cloud Park in Ada Township. The Board’s vote on August 24 adds more than 157 acres to the County’s Parks.
“Both of these acquisitions are great examples of what can be accomplished when public agencies and private non-profit organizations work together to provide needed resources for our residents,” said Jim Saalfeld, Chair of the Kent County Board of Commissioners. “These parks are great legacies for the current residents of Kent County, and I am proud that this Board understood the need to preserve and expand these parks for future generations through the purchase of this additional property.”
Two parcels totaling 12.8 acres of land at the gateway to Fallasburg Park offer a mix of open fields, woods and historic stone walls. Parks Department staff say adding these parcels provide for more sustainable overflow event parking while preserving the natural and historic character of the park setting. “Visitors to the park may have assumed we already owned this land. It frames the park’s main entrance, with its iconic low stone wall and scenic wooded backdrop,” said Roger Sabine, Parks Department Director. “Buying the property preserves this setting and offers new opportunities for trail connections and facilities for large events. This is also a continuation of our ongoing plan to preserve the most scenic and historic areas surrounding Fallasburg Park so future generations can enjoy the same quality of experiences that we do today.”
The Lowell Area Community fund awarded a grant of $110,000 toward this project, and Kent County will be paying the remaining $169,000.
The Chief Hazy Cloud expansion plan will double the park size by acquiring approximately 145 acres of land adjacent to Chief Hazy Cloud Park in Ada Township on the Grand River. This purchase will keep key riverfront property preserved for outdoor enthusiasts, residents and families. In December 2016, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Trust Fund awarded grant funding to cover up to 70 percent ($2,152,500) of the cost of the acquisition, estimated at $3,075,000. The $922,500 local match will be funded with $300,000 from Ada Township; $322,500 from private donors; and $300,000 from the County.
More about all of the Kent County Parks can be found at www.kentcountyparks.org.
