SAUGATUCK TWP., MI (WHTC-AM/FM, Dec. 17, 2025) – A new park should be springing up soon along the Lakeshore.
On Tuesday, Saugatuck Township officials announced the awarding of a $2.4 million-plus grant from the Michigan Natural Resource Trust Fund, which will go towards purchasing 119 acres off of Old Allegan Road. This plot, adjacent to 145 acres of state-owned marshland, is directly across from the township-owned River Bluff Park along the Kalamazoo River.
When developed, this new public park and nature preserve, which will be called Riverside Park, will feature around 2,200 feet of river frontage, with diverse natural features such as extensive coastal wetlands, a wooded ravine with a flowing tributary, shrub wetlands, and a large open field. Over the next year, the township plans to install a defined parking area, entrance signage, trail maps, and a short interpretive trail loop for safe, passive public access.
Since township voters approved a Parks and Trails millage three years ago, the township has secured over $7.2 million in grants and other external funding sources, and looks to have generated about $726,000 in local revenue through this levy by the end of 2026.
Comments