Niles Charter Township Secures Grant for Community Park Upgrades
The Niles Charter Township Board of Trustees has approved grant applications for improvements to Community Park, bringing the park one step closer to upgrading its facilities. The approved resolution authorizes a DNR Spark Grant application to fund the construction of 10 pickleball courts and a new shelter to replace the old building that was demolished.
The park shelter, which was built in 1940, was closed in 2020 due to COVID and was in poor condition. After commissioning a study by Wightman last year, the Niles Township Park Board developed a master plan to revitalize the park. The old building was demolished in December 2022, and now the township plans to add a new shelter and connect it to the Indian-Michigan River Valley Trail.
Pickleball, a popular recreational sport, has seen an increase in demand in the area, leading to the decision to include pickleball courts in the grant application. The Michigan Spark Grants aim to help local communities create, renovate, and redevelop public recreation opportunities, especially in areas most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Spark funding will have no impact on local taxes as no match from the township is required. The funds will be enough to complete both the shelter replacement and court relocation. The decision to include pickleball courts in the grant comes as the township considers options for its township hall, which could potentially impact the pickleball courts at South Fireman’s Park.
Township officials are committed to replacing the pickleball courts if they are removed due to the construction of a new township hall. The grant approval is seen as a positive step towards enhancing recreational opportunities for residents and visitors in Niles Charter Township.
