A local village is once again on the path to improve its downtown.
After two successful summers of events and public enjoyment, the Village of Cassopolis is preparing to expand Stone Lake Beach in its downtown.
The initial Stone Lake Beach restoration was completed in the spring of 2021 as part of the widespread and award-winning Imagine Cass project, and has become an increasingly popular gathering spot for residents and visitors.
The site is host to events such as the Cassopolis Beach Bash and the Rock the Block Summer Concert Series, and Village Manager Emilie LaGrow said new needs have arisen as the space gets used more.
“We saw how much the space was being used, and we realized some things we could to to make the space better and more accommodating,” she said. “So, we really wanted to address some of those things.”
The Village is applying for Spark Grants provided by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and LaGrow said the funding will allow the village to add amphitheater seating to the bandshell area, build a kayak launch, increase parking, increase ADA access and restore a portion of the beach behind the Log Cabin Museum.
A beach expansion would include adding a retaining wall, patio/seating area, sand beach cove, ADA accessible ramp and beach access stairs, bike parking, and outdoor fireplace.
LaGrow said community feedback is a requirement of the grant application process, and the village has multiple options for residents to offer their feedback, including an online survey. There will also be a display with the plans set up at this Saturday’s Christmas in Cassopolis event.
“We have had a lot of public input that we’ve gotten over the last two years,” LaGrow said. “But we wanted to kind of firm up a few of the ideas that were in the conceptual designs as well.”
The deadline for the Village to apply for the grants is Dec. 15, LaGrow said. To see more details of the plans and fill out the survey, visit the Imagine Cass website.
Amphitheater plans, including a 27-spot parking expansion.
“We’ve had really fantastic turnout the last two summers,” LaGrow said. “We’d really like to see that thrive and grow.”
By Ryan Yuenger
ryany@wsjm.com
