With installation of the new playground equipment at Northport’s South Beach nearly complete and already seeing use, the village council discussed setting up appropriate recognition of the entities that help to make it possible at its regular meeting on Nov. 14.
The village received funding from the Leelanau Township Community Foundation, approximately $40,000, as well as funds from the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians (GTB) 2% grant totaling $9,260.72, to help pay for the new equipment. The total cost of the project was $81,737.61, with the village paying the remaining balance after grants were applied.
Northport Village Council President Chris McCann said because of the joint venture between both the foundation and GTB, they wanted to look into a way to recognize their contributions through possibly a small plaque/sign. No action was taken at the meeting, but village staff will look into what options are available for possible signage in the future.
“The old equipment needed repair and it was something that had been identified in our capital improvements. It’s just great to see us be able to utilize resources outside of our general funding,” McCann said. “It showed that organizations saw that there was merit and benefit to it — Some of it (equipment) is geared towards preschool and younger kids and was something that the community was asking for.”
The old equipment, McCann said, was installed when he was just a kid. He added that he hopes the new equipment will last just as long, giving families more recreational options while they are in town.
“We got the saucer swing, and we got a little spring rider, and we always have the option to add more if we want to, but right now I think this is a great start,” McCann said. “It makes the downtown and beachfront area look good. It’s an improvement to the equipment, and the waterfront here is a great draw for people… It’s just more inviting now that it’s got more options for all ages, so it’s a nice welcoming spot.”
Village council manager Jim Dyer said that a small sign to represent the parties’ at the park, which they estimated may cost around $400-500, would be covered by leftover budgeted funds from the project.
Dyer reported in his October manager report that as part of the installation process, contractors “installed 12 inches of engineered wood chips, creating a safe play area around both the new equipment and the new equipment on the old swing set.” The village is currently evaluating the cost of installing a three-inch rubberized border around the wood chip area, which is anticipated to be an additional $1,000 for materials. In addition, they expect to evaluate the stability of the current woodchip installation to determine whether it’s maintaining integrity without a border. The woodchips and a border at the older playing area is also expected to be evaluated.
