New Grayling rec spaces: We want your input

GRAYLING – The Grayling community will have three opportunities this month to learn more about and give feedback on a set of potential recreation spaces proposed to be developed near downtown.

Collectively known as the Rayburn Connector Project, the proposal includes new outdoor pickleball courts at the Crawford County Commission on Aging (COA), a self-serve kayak and paddleboard rental kiosk at City Park, improved pathways and construction of a pavilion at the Grayling School Forest, and new trail connections linking the City, COA, Rayburn Tract and school forest to the existing Grayling Bicycle Turnpike trailhead and Iron Belle Trail.

Project partners are applying to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ Spark grant program to fund the work. Grayling is one of 39 communities across Michigan selected to apply for the current round of funding. Partners include the City of Grayling, Crawford AuSable School District, Crawford County Commission on Aging and the Crawford County Pathways Committee.

As part of that application process, a series of in-person opportunities are being held for residents to learn about and share their opinions on the proposal. Each community engagement session is family friendly and will offer light refreshments and transportation at no cost to attendees through the Crawford County Transportation Authority (Dial-A-Ride). Call (989) 348-5409 to schedule a ride.

Dates and locations are as follows:

• Jan. 10 from 12:30-2 p.m. – Crawford County Commission on Aging, 308 Lawndale St., join for lunch at 11:30 a.m. (chicken stir fry) and session starts immediately afterward.
• Jan. 16 from 11:30 a.m. to noon. Grayling School Forest, off Beaver Island Road, short hike around existing school forest trails, brown bag lunch provided (moderate hiking difficulty, please dress for the weather)Jan. 16 from 3:30-6:15 p.m. – AuSable Artisan Village, 219 Michigan Ave. Full project details and input opportunity with kids’ programming availableFor those unable to attend in-person sessions, an online option will be available at huronpines.org and on the City of Grayling website.Michigan Spark grants help create and redevelop public recreation opportunities, particularly in communities whose economy and health were most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Grants support projects which provide accessible recreation facilities and spaces to boost people’s health, introduce new experiences, build on existing infrastructure and improve access to recreation. The state program is supported by pandemic-era federal investments in state and local parks. The most recent round of funding awarded $22 million to 31 Michigan communities in October.

  Abigail Ertel is Community Program Director for Huron Pines, a nonprofit conservation organization assisting partners with the grant application process.

  

   

  “Grayling is a community very tied to natural resources and the outdoors, with partners who are dedicated to moving recreation projects forward,” Ertel said. “By supporting those partners in this proposal and engaging residents, we’re hoping to leverage funds which will expand local recreation opportunities which may not otherwise be available to the community.”

   

  “The City of Grayling sees this as an important project and is committed to providing safe, accessible trails and facilities that support our quality life and our outdoor recreation-based economy,” said Erich Podjaske, Grayling City Manager. “I’m excited to hear from community members about what is most meaningful and valuable to them in this regard.”

  Anyone with questions or needing assistance to take part in the meetings can contact Abigail Ertel, (989) 448-2293 ext. 14, abby@huronpines.org.