The City of Marquette has been approved for a $458,800 award from the Michigan Spark Grants Program (Spark grant), administered by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, to revitalize the under-utilized Father Marquette/Lion’s Lakeside Park and transform the vacant, former Marquette Chamber of Commerce building into a community gateway and regional recreation trailhead. Michigan Spark Grants help local communities create, renovate, and redevelop public recreation opportunities for residents and visitors and are made possible by the Building Michigan Together Plan which infuses federal funding in state and local parks.

The Project will rehabilitate a vacant, blighted, public and historic building in South Marquette and will transform the surrounding park space into community gateway and connecting trailhead for several local and regional trail systems including the new Cultural Trail. Main components include: 1) paved trail spur that connects to regional trail systems, 2) ADA accessible public bathroom, 3) trailhead information kiosk and entry sign both with solar lighting, 4) reconfiguring the existing parking lot for better traffic flow and improved stormwater management, 5) adding green infrastructure (bioswales, rain garden, native plant, shrub and tree species, etc.) to improve existing landscaping, habitat conditions and on-site stormwater treatment, and 6) public water station/drinking fountain for filling water bottles

The Spark Grant will complement the RAP 2.0 award, ensuring a revitalized and improved public space inside and out at the historic and culturally significant site. The City Arts and Culture, Parks and Recreation Divisions will be the lead on the project. Superior Watershed Partnership assisted with the successful grant proposal.