PHOTO COURTESY OF MUSKEGON COUNTY
A parcel of land on Lake Michigan in Muskegon County’s Norton Shores is set to be turned into a new public park, thanks to final approval of a grant of $5 million from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Trust Fund.
The state funding will be used to purchase and develop the acreage from Nugent Sand, with the first stage of the new Dune Harbor Park set to open later this year, reports mLive. The 214 acres includes an inland lake, as well as 400 feet of Lake Michigan frontage, formerly part of the sand mining company’s operations.
A $2.5 million land value donation from Nugent Sand Owner Bob Chandonnet and a $33,900 grant from the Land Conservancy made up an additional 33% local match to the trust fund grant.
Initial plans for the park will keep the southern portion of the land in its natural state, with trails for recreational use. A second grant has been applied for by the county to fund the purchase of an additional 162 acres for the second phase of Dune Harbor Park, with a recommendation for the second phase expected in December, reports MLive.
Muskegon County officials will offer an update on the park project via Zoom at 6 p.m. May 17. To join the meeting, visit the county’s website at co.muskegon.mi.us.
