Shelby Township Community Park gets $1 million boost

Officials break ground on the Shelby Township Park June 9, 2022. Pictured are former Oceana County Commissioner Larry Byl, Oceana County Commissioner Craig Hardy, Oceana County Sheriff Craig Mast, Community Foundation for Oceana County CEO Tammy Carey, Oceana County Commissioner Phil Morse and Former Shelby Township Clerk Marilyn Glover. – OCP file photo

Plans include building an amphitheater 

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — After recently being awarded $800,000 in appropriations for the Shelby Township Community Park, officials announced this week that nearly $1 million in additional funds were recently awarded for the park. 

“U.S. Rep. John Moolenaar (R-Michigan) was successful in appropriations in the amount of $800,000 slated to be utilized at the new Shelby Township Community Park,” states a Shelby Township press release. “The congressman and his team worked very hard to ensure Oceana County received federal money for projects in our community.”

“As Michigan’s only member on the House Appropriations Committee, I am proud to support the people and communities of the Second District with funding for their key priorities,” said Congressman John Moolenaar. “The Shelby Community Park will be a welcome addition to the area for residents to enjoy.”

Following the announcement last July of the $800,000 grant, officials announced this week that nearly $1 million in additional funding has been secured.

“State Sen. Jon Bumstead (R-North Muskegon) and his team worked through the state budget appropriations and were successful in securing $750,000 for Shelby Township. “I would like to congratulate the community of Shelby on receiving further funding for the Shelby Community Park,” said Senator Jon Bumstead. “This park will surely be a pinnacle in Oceana County and provide additional enjoyment for residents and visitors alike.” 

“Shelby Township is grateful for the hard work and dedication of Jon and his team,” states the press release.

“Shelby Township was awarded $230,000 from the Michigan Labor and Economic Development – Michigan Community Center Grant Program to erect a community amphitheater, at the Shelby Township Community Park, which will also house outdoor learning activities and community church events. 

Construction of the new park located on Buchanan Road near 72nd Avenue began in June of 2022.

Additional funding awarded to the township will yield zoning updates.

“A recent $35,000 MSHDA (Michigan Housing and Development Authority) grant will allow Shelby Township to update its zoning ordinance and enhance our master plan by utilizing a third-party expert for support,” states the press release.

“To date, over the last three years, the Shelby Township Board has successfully received $6.1 million in grants to enhance our small community,” said Shelby Township Supervisor Richard Raffaelli. “The board is acutely aware that this is all taxpayer money but also understands that this was money slated for other cities, townships, and even other states, so it’s only fair that Oceana County receives its money back. It takes a lot of work and commitment, but Shelby Township has been up for the challenge.”

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