Jaycees seeking DNR grant for mini golf.

By Rob Alway. Editor-in-Chief. 

LUDINGTON — The Ludington Area Jaycees service club is requesting the City of Ludington apply on its behalf for a $45,000 recreation passport grant from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for renovations at the mini golf course located at Stearns Park.

The grant requires a 25 percent local match, which the Jaycees would provide.

The 18-hole mini golf course was established in 1967 by the Jaycees. Proceeds from the golf course support what the club calls community projects. However, funds are not used for events such as the Ludington Area Jaycees’ Freedom Festival Fourth of July celebration parade or fireworks.

An estimate of $23,752.21 was given from Adventure Golf Services of Traverse City for installation of new turf to the facility. City Manager John Shay noted, in a memo to city councilors, that the estimate sent to the council excluded other costs to the site, such as site work, lighting and landscaping.

Heather Catron, chairman of the Jaycees’ board, said, during a public hearing, that the costs given by Adventure Golf Services were discounted and that if that company were to do all the work, the cost would be over $100,000.

She said the service club has had success getting many of the construction items donated, such as sand and concrete.

The Jaycees have an agreement with the city for use of the property. City Council is expected to vote on the grant application during its March 23 meeting.