Ribbon cutting event scheduled at Nature Preserve

The Casco Township Parks & Recreation Committee is holding a ribbon cutting to celebrate new amenities completed late last year at the Casco Township Nature Preserve.

A $291,000 Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund development grant awarded in 2021, together with Township Parks millage money, funded new infrastructure at the Nature Preserve. Amenities include a two-unit unisex restroom with flushing toilets, drinking fountains, electricity, expanded parking, and a turnaround area. Due to increased construction costs during the pandemic and construction delays, the project was completed late last year.

The ribbon cutting is scheduled for Saturday June 27 from 2 to 4 pm. A short program featuring comments by public officials will take place at 3 pm. State Representative Joey Andrews (D-38) is among the expected attendees.

The event also marks the Township's official launch of a fundraising campaign to restore access to Lake Michigan at the Nature Preserve. Called "Back to the Beach," the campaign is focused on funding a phased approach to restoring public access.

“Restoring public access to the beach at the Nature Preserve is the #1 concern in our parks surveys. We are excited to launch this project,” said Kelly Hecker, Casco resident and chair of the Casco Township Fundraising Committee.  “It’s a big project but worth the effort. This site will be a jewel not only in our Township but in our region as well.”

The proposed design to restore public access is broken into two phases due to cost. The two construction sketches will be available to review at the June 27 event.

The ribbon cutting event features a scavenger hunt, childrens' crafts led by Liberty Hyde Bailey Museum, temporary tattoos, water safety information provided by South Haven Area Emergency Services, and t-shirt sales that support the "Back to the Beach" campaign. A cherry pit-spitting contest and opportunity to have your group's photo taken along the Lake Michigan bluff are two additional activities slated for the summer afternoon.

The Allegan County Community Foundation awarded Casco Township a $500 grant for the ribbon cutting/fundraising campaign event.

In February, the Township entered a contract with the Allegan County Community Foundation to receive tax deductible charitable donations for restoring beach access, enabling the "Back to the Beach" campaign.

Sweet Caroline's Ice Cream Truck will sell refreshments including Ice Box brand ice cream bars and water. Attendees contributing $100 to the Back to the Beach campaign on June 27 will receive a coupon for free ice cream.

The Casco Township Nature Preserve is located at 770 Blue Star Highway.

In case of rain, the event will take place at the Casco Township Hall, 7104 107th Avenue.

For details about the event, follow the Friends of Casco Township Nature Preserve on Facebook or email Kelly Hecker, Recording Secretary of the Parks and Recreation Committee, at parks@cascotownship.org.

Note: Casco Township News editor Julie Cowie is a member of the Casco Township fundraising committee