Shelby Township Community Park Development receives $500,000 grant.

Shelby Township Community Park Development receives $500,000 grant.

SHELBY TOWNSHIP – The Shelby Township Community Park Development was awarded a $500,000 development grant from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). 

The LWCF program is a federal program administered by the United States Department of Interior’s National Park Service and implemented by the Department of Natural Resources Grants Management Section.

The Shelby Township Community Park Development, located on Buchanan Road near 72nd Avenue, is designed to promote the physical and psychological health of Oceana residents by offering access to a well-maintained area to exercise and enjoy nature. It would be a meeting place for families and organizations to connect while social distancing. The project was launched through the generous donations from private donors, who envisioned a community park that would be open to everyone in Oceana County and would encourage outdoor activities and community unity.

“The park will aid our local economy by increasing the benefits of living in Oceana County,” said Shelby Township Supervisor Richard Raffaelli. “While located in Shelby, the park will be within a short drive to residents in neighboring communities. Areas that invest in increasing their residents’ quality of life are known to increase the townships’ attractiveness to future residents and businesses. We are tremendously excited to receive the development grant from the Land and Water Conservation Fund as it will help launch the community park into a reality.” 

Plans include full-size soccer fields, youth soccer field, co-ed softball diamonds, pickle ball courts, a trail that connects to the William Field Memorial Hart-Montague Trail, sand volleyball court, horseshoe court, playground, outdoor fitness area, sculpture play elements, picnic shelters, restrooms and concession building.

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