Missaukee Area Community Foundation and AES Support Lake City Central Park Development Plans with Grant 

[Lake City, MI] The Alliance for Economic Success is pleased to announce that it has received a grant in the amount of $5,000 from the Missaukee Area Community Foundation. This grant award will support community engagement and promotion of Lake City’s Grand Central Park project. 

The City of Lake City developed a Master Plan with the help of the Community in 2020, one component of which is the redevelopment of a waterfront prosperity adjacent to the existing city park, city hall, and fire department, allowing the City to enhance its park space to include entertainment venues, picnic areas, improved access to the waterfront, possible splash pad for children, a seating area surrounding a public fireplace and more public area for Festivals, Farmer’s Market etc.  The park will be renamed to Grand Central Park referring to the original hotel that stood for many years on the corner where the park will be located. 

“The revitalization and development of outdoor public gathering spaces is a big component of economic development. Not only do parks like this bring people together and welcome them into the downtown area, where they can stroll, shop, dine, and support local businesses, but accessible outdoor spaces rank high on the list of features that are important to individuals and businesses moving into an area. Lake City has a great vision for the Grant Central Park and AES is happy that it could support that vision by securing funds from the Missaukee Community Foundation to share that vision with residents and visitors.”  Lisa Miller, Executive Director for the Alliance for Economic Success. 

“The Missaukee Area Community Foundation supports projects in the Missaukee Area.  Recently the Foundation Board voted to approve $5000 to the Alliance for Economic Success for signage displaying the plans for the downtown Lake City Park.  The park will become the vibrant center of the community, where families gather, events happen, and where you will make new friends”, said Doreen Lanc, MACF Ex officio.

“The funds will pay for a Marketing sign to be placed at the park. It will educate residents and visitors what the vision of the park is and a basic timeline.  We want it to stimulate dreams from the community that can be explored as we build out phases 2-4. So, come along, be part of the journey, help us make for a better, more sustainable future!”  Craig Ardis, Mayor, City of Lake City.