To: Martin L. Cousineau, Finance Committee Chairperson
From: Patrick Linihan, Parks and Recreation Director
title
RE: Approval of a request by Genesee County's Parks & Recreation Commission to apply for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant, in the amount of $500,000.00; to provide for the renovation and development of the entrance and lots of Bluebell Beach; this grant requires a 50% match; no use of general fund
recommendation
BOARD ACTION REQUESTED:
Genesee County Parks and Recreation staff requests the approval to apply for a grant from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Land and Water Conservation Fund, to renovate and develop the entrance and lots of Bluebell Beach. Grant Amount Requested: $500,000.00.
BACKGROUND:
Bluebell Beach is a popular destination during the summer months, providing access to the beach, universally accessible splash pad, and the Iron Belle Trail. In consideration of its current condition, a renovation of the entrance, access drive, and lots would improve access to the park and park features, increase safety, and enhance aesthetics to increase visibility and awareness.
DISCUSSION:
This projects requires a fifty percent (50%) match from local sources.
NO USE OF GENERAL FUND.
IMPACT ON HUMAN RESOURCES:
None.
IMPACT ON BUDGET:
No impact on budget - grant application.
IMPACT ON FACILITIES:
None.
IMPACT ON TECHNOLOGY:
None.
CONFORMITY TO COUNTY PRIORITIES:
This project conforms to county priorities by supporting Healthy, Livable & Safe Communities, promoting public health to create safer and healthier residents by increasing access to the park, features and trails. This project also supports the promotion of safe communities, increasing safety through visibility and awareness. This project promotes continuous improvements to facilities and park lands for visitors and residents of Genesee County.
resolution
TO THE HONORABLE CHAIRPERSON AND MEMBERS OF THE GENESEE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:
WHEREAS, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Land and Water Conservation Fund, is accepting grant applications; and
WHEREAS, grant funds could provide park improvements, including the development of an entrance, access drive, and parking lot, improving access within Bluebell Beach; and
WHEREAS, Genesee County, as the grant recipient/applicant, would be required to commit a local match from its own resource to support any confirmed funds, with a fifty percent (50%) match of the total project requirement, totaling $500,000.00, to be funded by the Genesee County Parks and Recreation budget and local sources.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by this Board of County Commissioners of Genesee County, Michigan, that the request by the Parks and Recreation Director to authorize submitting an application to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Land and Water Conservation Fund, for a grant, in the amount of $500,000.00, to fund park improvements and to improve recreation opportunities within Bluebell Beach, is approved (a copy of the memorandum request being on file with the official records of the March 11, 2026 meeting of the Finance Committee of this Board).