BY PHIL CUSTODIO
Clarkston News Editor
Clarkston City Council voted unanimously, Monday, to approve applying for a state grant for Depot Park.
The city sought $50,000 in cash and in-kind donations from the community to match a $50,000 Department of Natural Resources grant. The community responded with about $20,000 in cash and pledges and another $59,000 in in-kind pledges of labor or supplies, for a total of $79,000.
“I never dreamed it would be that successful,” said Council member Sue Wylie.
The Playground Challenge fundraiser for Depot Park also raised about $41,000, exceeding the goal of $30,000, mostly by the Clarkston Area Optimists.
“Several playground improvements including replacement of the large playscape will begin this spring,” said City Manager Jonathan Smith. “We’re hoping to be approved for another $50,000 from the DNR, bringing the total to $129,000.”
That exceeds the Phase I goal of $100,000 for ADA pathway accessibility, but the Friends of Depot Park Committee are envisioning additional phases for improved lighting, bandshell, pavilions, boardwalk into the wetlands, accessibility ramp for the gazebo, and other projects, so the fundraising will continue, Smith said.
The goal of the ADA pathway is to connect different areas of the park through a wheelchair-accessible pathway, made from environmentally friendly materials such as recycled tires, he said.
They’re looking at porous material to facilitate drainage. The path would surround the playground, allowing access to wheelchair-bound children while also providing a border for the playground.
Friends of Depot Park is considering a rubberized material for the playground instead of woodchips because it is safer and longer lasting, but the cost is over $100,000, Smith said.
“That is on hold for now,” he said.
Application deadline for the grant is April 1. The DNR will announce development project recommendations in December. The state legislature approves the budget, which includes the grants, in early spring 2020. Approved grant projects need to be completed by 2022, within two years of formal grant award.