County Commission Gives $10,000 to Clark Township Park Development
By Karen Gould

Clark Township Recreation Park has received $10,000 from the Mackinac County Board of Commissioners, who continue to dole out funds for economic development projects. The commission grant meets an anonymous donor's pledge to match up to $10,000 for the township project.

Commissioners agreed to contribute to the park at their Thursday, May 10 meeting, pending the signing of a contract by the township recreation committee.

In the last year, commissioners have awarded $45,000 for economic development in the county. The process bypasses the county Economic Development Corporation, from which the commission has pulled most of its financial support in 2005, citing lack of progress being made by the group.

In 2006, commissioners gave $10,000 to establish a vintage snowmobile museum in Naubinway, $5,000 to the St. Ignace lighthouse project, and $10,000 to the proposed North Huron Scenic Pathway fund. This March, the St. Ignace Downtown Development Authority received $10,000 from the commission to further develop a park on the old railroad dock, where the lighthouse stands.

In March, commissioners decided to seek an economic development director for the county, although discussions on the new position have stalled.

The Clark Township Recreation Park is being constructed behind the Clark Township Hall on Blind Line Road in Cedarville. It will include a pavilion, which is under construction, two ball diamonds, basketball, tennis, and volleyball courts, and an ice skating rink.

The county contribution will be used for digging a well, adding electrical service, and preparing the site for irrigation, said Michelle Walk, Clark Township Recreation Committee member.

Recreation Committee Chairman Darrell Hill said the park would give residents a place to meet and a reason for tourists to come back to Cedarville.

Ms. Walk agreed.

"It will provide additional income to businesses, because we will have the space to do events," said Ms. Walk, "and it will enhance the community as a whole from a tourism perspective."

Questions asked by County Commission Chair Dawn Nelson about granting funds remained unanswered and no discussion was undertaken by the board when she reminded commissioners they have not set any guidelines or rules for the grants they have been giving various projects.

"How often are we going to do this per unit?" she asked. "Are we going to have a cap on what we're going to match?"

The next regular meeting of the county commission is Thursday, May 24, at 3:30 p.m. in the County Courthouse annex building.