Cascade Gateway park to include sculpture thanks to donation | MLive.com Pictured on Cascade Museum grounds, future site of Gateway Park, with layout plans for the park are, from left, foundation trustee Jack Lewis, co-chairs of foundation capital campaign Sheila VanZile and Pat Vredevoogd Combs, United Bank president Art Johnson, and foundation president Michelle Bottrall.Jan Holst
The Cascade Township Foundation has announced a donation that gives a boost to plans for an addition to Gateway Park, which is slated for construction this summer.
“The foundation is so excited to announce that we have received a $25,000 donation from United Bank that allows us to install a signature piece of art into the Museum Gardens Park,” said Michelle Bottrall, foundation president. “When this park is finished, it will be a beautiful gateway into the township that represents the diverse and generous character of its citizens.”
“As a longtime local business, United Bank is proud to partner with the Cascade Community Foundation to create space for exciting art pieces to mark the entryway into Cascade Village,” said Art Johnson, president of United Bank. “And as a resident of Cascade Township for over 30 years, I appreciate how the museum gardens’ park will bring people together to enjoy one of the treasures that make our community great.”
The exact sculpture has not been decided on, but plans are in place for “an art pad that can take just about any sculpture we decide to put there,” said Bottrall.
Plans for the Museum Gateway Park include a sculpture and a musical play area.
“We also look to change the sculpture out every couple of years or so to keep it fresh.”
The sculpture donation is part of the Cascade Community Foundation capital campaign that seeks to raise $2.4 million for community enrichment projects. It calls for trail signage at Peace McGraw and Burton parks, basketball courts at the Cascade Recreation Park, art exhibits at Tassell and the museum garden, trail development between Grand Rapids, Cascade and Ada townships, and the expansion of the Airport Viewing Park.
Plans have long been in the works with the goal of welcoming visitors to Cascade Township by way of “gateway” enhancements.
In early 2014, township officials finalized a village improvement plan that included a “gateway park” or small plaza at the museum grounds at Cascade Road and Old 28th Street.
Earlier this year, the board approved a bid for $289,000 from APEX Contractors, in Dorr, to proceed with the project.
The planned redo of the museum grounds includes trees, updated plantings, a musical play area, modern seating, and sculpture.
“The idea is to encourage residents and guests to see the museum and adjoining Gateway Park as a destination, said Sandra Korhorn, director of the Cascade Downtown Development Authority.
