LANSING— Senator Gretchen Whitmer (D-East Lansing) today announced that Ingham County has been awarded more than $2.9 million from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund for land acquisition and recreational development projects. The funds were matched with over $1.4 million in local funds.

“These funds will go a long way towards improving our community’s natural resources and recreational opportunities,” said Sen. Whitmer. “These parks are an important asset to Ingham County and through these new expansions and improvements, more people can enjoy them and take advantage of the outdoor activities they offer.”

The projects include the following:

• Lake Lansing Park North will be allotted $1.9 million to expand their property by adding on 75 acres of forest and 45 acres of wetland.
• White Park will undergo two separate expansions. The park will receive $429,000 to expand 2.93 acres of land adjacent to White Park. The project will also secure connecting property, provide a location for a trailhead/park entry plaza, and also provide for additional connections to the pedestrian/bicycle system. The second White Park project includes $65,800 to purchase another 1.75 acres adjacent to White Park to provide pedestrian access to the park from the north.
• McCormick Park improvements include $391,000 for renovations of the outdoor court, activity area, canoe-kayak launch, fishing/observation structures, landscaping, and lighted pathway.
• Burchfield Park Fishing Dock will receive $60,000 to fund the development of a 10 foot wide, 550 foot long fishing dock and pathway that will also serve as a boardwalk.

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