We recently awarded five second-round Community Impact grant awards, totaling $308,000, in support of Northwest Ottawa County and our surrounding communities. This includes a $125,000 grant to the Village of Spring Lake for the redevelopment of Tanglefoot Park. This project will provide universal access to the Grand River and community green space while promoting connections and engaging the citizens within and around Spring Lake.
“We are so grateful to the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation for the Impact Grant that was awarded to the Village for our Tanglefoot Transformation. This generous grant is going to ensure that Tanglefoot has a beautiful splash pad for the community to enjoy. We’re all so excited by this particular amenity because of the enjoyment it’s going to bring and the memories that it’s going to make. Thank you so much for joining us in this project. We couldn’t do it without you.” —Chris Burns, Village of Spring Lake Manager
Tanglefoot Park, previously utilized as an RV Park in the Village of Spring Lake, will be redesigned to provide the community universal access to the Grand River and public green space. The project includes a universal access floating kayak/canoe launch, sculpture park, Lakeside Trail trailhead, a children’s splash pad area, a fireplace and patio area, and an event center which will serve as the Village’s Farm and Garden Market year-round.
“Living in Northwest Ottawa County, we understand the significance of access to the incredible waterfront and green spaces within our community,” said Holly Cole, GHACF Vice President of Grants & Program. “The transformation of Tanglefoot Park will impact our community now and long into the future.”
Additional Community Impact grants include:
Muskegon Early Childhood Development and Literacy Initiative (via Community Foundation Muskegon County) — $10,000 for “PK-4-All,” a pilot program to support approximately 350 children from families who may not qualify for federal or state funded preschool.
The ODC Network — $83,000 for “Project 180,” a nature-based summer education program that addresses learning loss due to the pandemic for children in Ottawa County. Through the program, at least 400 local school children will participant in a day camp styled program complete with lunch, academic and social growth, and opportunities in the natural world.
The Frauenthal Center (Community Foundation for Muskegon County) — $50,000 for “The Next 90 Years – Frauenthal Center Preservation Campaign” to address the renovations, preservations, and structural needs of the Frauenthal Center. The Frauenthal Center serves as a cultural venue and attraction for the larger West Michigan community. It provides a central location for cultural and community events including concerts, art exhibits, weddings, speaking engagements, and theater performances.
Courtyard Concerts, Inc. — $40,000 for “Free Friday Night Summer Concert Series,” which will provide a series of multi-genre concerts at the Lynne Sherwood Waterfront Stadium throughout the summer season. The concerts will be free to the public and will abide by current state COVID-19 restrictions.
The next grant deadline is October 6, 2021. Preliminary applications are due August 18, 2021.
Learn more about our Grants program at ghacf.org/grants.