Ludington seeks grant funds for Copeyan Park fishing pier.

Ludington seeks grant funds for Copeyan Park fishing pier.

LUDINGTON — Copeyan Park will see more than just a splash pad in the near future, as part of the park’s improvements. The City of Ludington is applying for a Michigan Department of Recreation Passport Grant which will assist the city to fund a fishing pier at the park. The splash pad project, funded through private donations, will be part of the city’s match to fund a fishing pier onto Pere Marquette Lake. A public hearing is being held Monday, March 11, during the regular city council meeting.

The formal application is titled Copeyan Park Splash Pad and Fishing Pier Improvements. Matching funds, a total of $180,000, which have come from private donors, will pay for the splash pad while the city itself will contribute $50,000 from its general fund for the $150,000 fishing pier. Total cost of the entire project will be $380,000.

The splash pad will be located at Copeyan Park as well, near the existed playground. Its grassroots committee is currently working on reaching a $50,000 crowdfunding goal by April 27 so it can receive a matching grant through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s Public Spaces Community Places program.

See related story here.

The council is also expected to reenact its decision from Aug. 22, 2016 and Sept. 25, 2017, authorizing the construction of the splash pad. The purpose of the resolution is in response to a law suit from residents  Dianne Seelhoff and Tom Rotta who are alleging the city has violated the Michigan Open Meetings Act in making its decision to approve the splash pad.

City council meets at 6:30 p.m. at the municipal building, 400 S. Harrison St.