Grant recommended for Cass County park

State Rep. Aaron Miller announced this week that a state grant has been recommended by the Natural Resources Trust Fund to install new barrier-free fixtures at the Dodd Park Water Trail in Cass County.
Miller said the development will make the park on the Dowagiac River more accessible for people with physical challenges. The $277,500 project-development grant is one of 44 recommendations made by the NRTF board of trustees for projects in 30 counties. The board also recommended 26 recreational land-acquisition grants across the state.
The Dodd Park grant will be used to install new barrier-free, waterless restrooms and a camping area complete with two cabins, picnic grills and fire rings, along with accessible pathways. The development on the largest cold-water river system in Southwest Michigan also includes trailhead signage, a Universal Design compliant kayak/canoe launch, a bridge and parking expansion.