To: Martin L. Cousineau, Finance Committee Chairperson
From: Patrick Linihan, Parks and Recreation Director
title
RE: Approval of a grant award from Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund, in the amount of $125,000.00, to provide for the renovation of the parking lot at Stepping Stone Falls Park; the budget for this grant is attached
recommendation
BOARD ACTION REQUESTED:
Genesee County Parks and Recreation staff requests approval to accept a Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant, in the amount of $125,000.00, to renovate the lot at Stepping Stone Falls park.
BACKGROUND:
Stepping Stone Falls has become a popular destination for residents and visitors of Genesee County. It is where the Flint River becomes Mott Lake, over the Mott Lake Dam, and one of the most scenic locations in Genesee County. The park features picnic areas, fishing opportunities, and areas to launch a kayak/canoe. The park also hosts a section of the non-motorized Iron Belle Trail/ Flint River Bike Path, which connects to Bluebell Beach and Bluegill Boat Launch, and extends to Chevy Commons in Flint one way and to Richfield County Park the other.
DISCUSSION:
Engaging visitors and assessing our facility, Genesee County Parks recognizes the condition of the parking lot at Stepping Stone Falls requires attention and improvement. With increased recreational opportunities and highlighted park features, visitor traffic has greatly increased. Renovating and developing the parking lot will improve visitor experience, increase accessibility to the Flint River/Mott Lake, increase accessibility to the Iron Belle Trail/ Flint River Bike Path, and enhance safety within the park, providing quality access to the park. To further expand on the improved accessibility and visitor experience, an accessible picnic area will increase opportunities to people of all abilities.
IMPACT ON HUMAN RESOURCES:
None.
IMPACT ON BUDGET:
NO USE OF GENERAL FUND.
Match in the amount of $133,000.00 from Parks funds.
IMPACT ON FACILITIES:
None.
IMPACT ON TECHNOLOGY:
None.
CONFORMITY TO COUNTY PRIORITIES:
This project aligns with the county’s priorities by supporting safe, accessible, and well-maintained public spaces. The project will improve experiences at a valued county park, and help preserve recreational opportunities for residents and visitors.
resolution
TO THE HONORABLE CHAIRPERSON AND MEMBERS OF THE GENESEE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:
BE IT RESOLVED, by this Board of County Commissioners of Genesee County, Michigan, that the request by the Parks and Recreation Director to authorize accepting the grant award from, and entering into a grant agreement with, the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund, in the amount of $125,000.00, to be deposited into account 2088-770.45-558.000, to fund the renovation of the lot at Stepping Stone Falls for the period through July 24, 2028, with a required match amount of $133,000.00 to be provided by Parks funds, is approved (a copy of the memorandum request and supporting documents being on file with the official records of the September 16, 2026 meeting of the Finance Committee of this Board), the Chairperson of this Board is authorized to execute the grant agreement on behalf of Genesee County, and the Chief Financial Officer is directed, as necessary, to amend the budget lines associated with this project.