Paw Paw River County Park in Watervliet could be getting some improvements. Berrien County Parks Director Jill Adams tells WSJM News the county in 2020 acquired 63 acres of land next to the existing park. Due to the parcel being across the river, it isn’t currently accessible from the park. However, Adams says the county is hoping to seek a grant to change that.
“We would put in a pedestrian bridge over the river, and we would expand the hard surface trails throughout the 63 acres, as well as build overlook decks and work on the river stabilization so we could have fishing access,” Adams said.
The Berrien County Board of Commissioners this week could consider whether to let the parks department seek a $300,000 grant from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund.
“The overall amount of the project would be $400,000 and that would include $300,000 in grant funds with a $100,000 match.”
Adams says applicants for the state grant program typically learn in December if they’ve been approved. The county needs to apply by April 1. If the grant is obtained, the county could begin the work at Paw Paw River County Park next year.
