Saugatuck Township Secures Nearly $2.5m Grant from State to Establish a New Park

December 18, 2025

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The new Riverside Park is a 119-acre public park and nature preserve along the Kalamazoo River.

Saugatuck Township has received a recommendation from the Michigan Natural Resource Trust Fund board for a $2,464,300 grant that would help fund the township’s acquisition of a 119-acre property along the Kalamazoo River for Riverside Park, a new public park and nature preserve.

The property sits adjacent to 145 acres of state-owned marshland and directly across from the Township-owned River Bluff Park. It features about 2,200 feet of river frontage and inhabits diverse natural features, such as extensive coastal wetlands, a wooded ravine with a flowing tributary, shrub wetlands, and a large open field.

“As one of the last remaining large, undeveloped riverfront parcels in the Township, this site offers a rare opportunity to balance ecological protection with meaningful recreational development, and create a connected conservation corridor,” said Saugatuck Township Manager Daniel DeFranco. “Unlike other sections of the Kalamazoo River that have seen subdivision development and riverbank landscaping, this section has largely retained its natural landscape. Acquiring this property would prevent future fragmentation and protect the ecological integrity of this unique river corridor.”

The Trust Fund board’s recommendation will now be reviewed by the Michigan Legislature as part of the State’s appropriation process and approval. If approved and fully funded, Saugatuck Township will acquire the property and prepare to open the park to the public.

Plans for Riverside Park’s initial phase include: a defined parking area, entrance signage, trail maps, and a short interpretive trail loop to provide safe, passive public access. Future development could include: universally accessible trails, a wetland boardwalk, river overlooks, nature-based play features, an outdoor classroom, a kayak launch, a fishing pier, and athletic-use amenities, such as a 9-hole disc golf course, flexible-use athletic amenities, and a 3.1-mile cross-country trail loop. The new features will be concentrated in an open field area, preserving over 75% of the site for natural space and restoration.

“The acquisition of this property is a transformational opportunity to expand recreation access, protect critical natural resources, and create a destination park serving those living and visiting in the Tri-Community Area and the broader region of West Michigan,” DeFranco said. “Through conservation-centered design and long-term stewardship, Saugatuck Township will ensure that Riverside Park becomes a model of natural resource protection, education, and responsible public access for generations to come.

“The grant from the Michigan Natural Resource Trust Fund for Riverside Park would be significant in supporting our vision of the Township’s five-year Parks and Recreation plan and helping us create opportunities for valuable natural and recreational resources for our residents and visitors,” said DeFranco.

The MNRTF grant requires a local match from the community. The Parks and Trails millage, approved by voters in 2022, has helped the Township secure 80% of the local match. A public fundraising campaign will be launched in early 2026 to secure the remaining 20%.

The Township has received over $7.2M in grants and other external funding sources since voters approved the Parks and Trails millage. By the end of 2026, the Parks & Trails Millage will have generated approximately $726,000 in local revenue over the three years it has been in place. “Since the millage began, the Township has secured $7,287,347 in external grant funding for parks, land conservation, trails, and habitat restoration projects,” said DeFranco. “This equates to a return of approximately $10.04 in outside funding for every $1 collected through the millage. We’re grateful for the strong positive support from community members and regional stakeholders in wanting to improve recreational access while preserving high-quality natural resources in Saugatuck Township.”

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Saugatuck Township Secures Nearly $2.5m Grant from State to Establish a New Park

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