Berrien County will expand Paw Paw River County Park in Watervliet thanks to a state grant. The Michigan Legislature this week signed off a list of Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund projects for 2020. Berrien County Parks Director Brian Bailey tells WSJM News that includes $80,000 to purchase land next to Paw Paw River County Park.
“63 acres across the river from Paw Paw River County Park from the island portion of the park,” Bailey said. “We did apply for a development grant for that 63 acres this April of 2020, and will know if we get the approval or not in December of this year.”
Bailey says the development grant, if approved, would mean amenities at the 63 additional acres.
“Something very similar to what we have out there now. A pedestrian bridge over the river, hard surface trails, overlook decks on the river, benches, fishing access, and wildlife observation.”
Either way, the county will buy that land, which Bailey said would be great for hiking and fishing with its 1.5 miles of riverfront. He says the owners of the 63 acres have been very patient as they waited for the state grant process to work itself out.
