CREATING A COMMUNITY TREASURE ALONG THE RIVERFRONT
By Teresa Miller
Eaton Rapids, also known as “The Only Eaton Rapids on Earth” or the “Island City”, is nestled between the banks of the Grand River to the east and Spring Brook to the west. This picturesque spot boasts a rich history and stunning natural beauty. With the completion of the G.A.R. Island Park Improvements in 2022, Eaton Rapids not only preserved a cherished landmark but also enhanced and connected G.A.R. Island Park to Mill Pointe Park with a riverwalk, creating a community treasure.
Brimming with recreational opportunities and natural beauty, the riverfront beckons residents and visitors alike. Moreover, it serves as a testament to Eaton Rapids’ commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development.
“We are so proud of the work the city and community partners have put into restoring this historic park and in enhancing our downtown riverfront,” said Pam Colestock, Mayor of the City of Eaton Rapids. “The island is being utilized more than ever with the new playground and fishing piers. And, the City and community organizations are having more events on the island, like summer music and movies in the park.”
Part of the Upper Grand River Watershed Ecosystem
The riverfront in Eaton Rapids, marks the downstream end of the Upper Grand River Watershed, which starts in northern Hillsdale county and ends just north of the city. The Upper Grand River Watershed is a sprawling region spanning roughly 700 square miles and boasting over 390 miles of river.
Eaton Rapids has long recognized its pivotal role in this watershed and joined forces with the Upper Grand River Watershed Planning Initiative Steering Committee. Together, they crafted a comprehensive management plan aimed at safeguarding the river’s health and vitality. With input from various stakeholders and agencies, including county and state regulators, Eaton Rapids aimed to create holistic, sustainable solutions.
Planning & Partnerships: Keys to Project Success
Eaton Rapids formed a partnership with the Eaton County Drain Commissioner (ECDC) and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (now Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes & Energy, or EGLE), leveraging resources for public education, planning, and project execution. This collaborative effort produced the Watershed Management Plan, outlining recommended Best Management Practices (BMPs) tailored to the region’s unique needs.
The city also maintains the Eaton Rapids Area Parks and Recreation Master Plan and the Eaton Rapids River Recreation Master Plan. The City’s planning efforts have enabled it to receive several successful funding opportunities, which have included partnering with the ECDC, EGLE, area schools, local organizations, the Eaton County Conservation District, and MDOT.
The G.A.R. Island Park improvements are the result of this forethought in planning and forming partnerships. Granted by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), the project started in late fall of 2020 with a 3 million dollar Community Development Block Grant, and 700 thousand dollars in matching funds from the city.
The project tackled rehabilitating G.A.R. Island Park’s deteriorating seawalls, bridges, and pathways. This two-acre haven has been a local favorite since it was bought by the City back in 1897, but needed enhancing with accessible, ADA-compliant pathways and bridges. Playground upgrades, boardwalk installations, and environmental enhancements rounded out the ambitious endeavor.
Summary of G.A.R. Island Park and Riverfront Improvements
Throughout design and construction, Eaton Rapids navigated complex logistics with the support of partners like ECDC and EGLE. Environmental considerations remained paramount, ensuring minimal disruption to the river ecosystem. Regular communication and coordination among project stakeholders ensured smooth progress and successful outcomes.
Here is a brief summary of the completed Improvements:
Spruced up about 1,000 feet of the old, worn-out concrete seawall surrounding the island, by installing new steel sheet piling with a concrete capped border, giving it a fresh look and adding extra protection against erosion and floods.
Replaced the badly deteriorated steel beam East Pedestrian Bridge, which was originally built in 1960. The new 2-span prefabricated steel truss bridge features an ADA-compliant fishing and observation platform at the center pier and provides improved flood relief capacity during storm events. The concrete approach at the east end of the bridge was also reconstructed.
Upgraded approximately 110 feet of the east/west Island Park sidewalk to ensure ADA compliance, facilitating access to the west end of the East Pedestrian Bridge.
Installed new playground equipment with an ADA-accessible No Fault Safety Surface (NFSS) and extended the ADA-compliant sidewalk by approximately 60 feet to the new playground area.
Constructed approximately 700 feet of 8-foot-wide timber boardwalk on helical piers, along with 140 feet of sidewalk along East Knight Street and 200 feet of 10-foot-wide pathway along the Grand River. This enhanced connectivity between G.A.R. Island Park and Mill Pointe Park, features two ADA-compliant fishing/observation piers and lighting for safety.
Added benches, trash receptacles, and pet waste stations throughout the island park and along the timber boardwalk and pathway.
Erected a new black steel gateway sign at the east entrance to the Island Park from downtown.
Revitalized two rain gardens adjacent to the timber boardwalk and path, introducing native plantings.
Implemented streambank stabilization measures, including the use of native vegetation, live stakes, and riprap along the Grand River.
Provided an approximately 250 cubic yard compensatory cut/storage area with native plantings and seeding on City-owned property near the north end of the project, offsetting the “fill” within the floodplain associated with the G.A.R. Island Park improvements.
Open Since 2022, the Park is an Attractive Destination
In the years since the project completion, the Riverfront and G.A.R. Island park has seen a steady amount of foot traffic and recreational activities. Families enjoy the new playground and often can be seen picnicking in the park. Dog walkers are welcome with dogs on leash and appreciate the several waste stations. Adult and youth sportsmen enjoy fishing at the many accessible piers and several spots on the Island and at Mill Point Park.
“The G.A.R Park Improvements received a local award and state recognition,” said Corey Cagle, Director of Parks, Recreation, and Events. “Music in the park moved from the amphitheater to the Island, with its shade, and the Eaton Rapids Arts council has more events in the park.”
In fact, events run the gamut from a Free Fishing weekend and Youth Fishing Tournament, to Music and Movies in the Park. One of the more colorful events is the Grand River Color Tour Triathlon, which includes kayaking around the park and a celebration of colored powder greets finishers. No matter the season, you can find something to enjoy along Eaton Rapids riverfront and G.A.R. Island Park.
A feature article about G.A.R. Island Park wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the Grand Army of the Republic, the park’s namesake, which once held encampments on the Island. Currently Michigan’s Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Hall and Museum, in Downtown Eaton Rapids, is open weekly in the summer, and holds living history events on the Island.
As echoes of the past mingle with the laughter of present-day outdoor enthusiasts, the park stands as a vibrant tribute to the enduring community spirit of Eaton Rapids. With its many improvements, G.A.R. Island Park and the riverfront in Eaton Rapids will continue to be a cherished haven along the shores of the Grand River, beckoning residents and visitors to enjoy unforgettable adventures with their friends and family for many years to come.
Events that Draw People to the Riverfront & Downtown
Here are just a few of the events that draw people to downtown Eaton Rapids and G.A.R. Island Park throughout the year.
Eaton Rapids Community Market – The summer market runs the first Saturday in June through the end of September, every Saturday 9am to Noon on W. Hamlin Street. Winter Market is every other Saturday at The Union School 9am to 1pm. Follow the Eaton Rapids Community Market on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ERFarmersMarket
Michigan’s Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Hall and Museum – Open every Wednesday between Memorial Day and Labor Day and the first two Wednesdays the rest of the year. For more information follow them at www.facebook.com/GARBrainerdPost111MemorialHallAndMuseum
Eaton Rapids Outdoor Recreation Center – Open Memorial Day through Labor Day the ORC offers Canoe and Kayak rental with shuttle service back to the ORC. For more information follow the ORC at www.facebook.com/EatonRapidsORC
Eaton Rapids Cruise-Ins – Smart cars park up and down Main Street in Eaton Rapids every Wednesday starting at 5pm during summer months, or other times when the weather is nice.
Music at G.A.R. Island Park – Wednesdays from 6pm to 8pm summer months. For more information follow Eaton Rapids Parks and Recreation at www.facebook.com/ERparksandrec
Movies in the Park – Various dates the city holds Movies in G.A.R. Island park. For more information follow the the city at www.facebook.com/CityOfEatonRapids
4th of July Celebration – Every fourth Eaton Rapids holds a 4th of July Parade and fireworks. This year there will also be entertainment throughout the downtown. For more information follow the the city at www.facebook.com/CityOfEatonRapids
Grand River Color Tour Triathlon – 4th Annual Grand River
Color Tour Triathlon in Eaton Rapids is scheduled for
Saturday, October 5, 2024.
Sign up at runsignup.com/4thannualgrandrivercolortourtriathlon
Autumn on the Island – Held last year in conjunction with the Grand River Color Tour Triathlon. Follow the Eaton Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce for more information at www.facebook.com/eatonrapidsareachamber
Main Street Trick-or-Treat – The Thursday before Halloween the downtown businesses offer trick-or-treating. For more information follow the the city’s facebook page at www.facebook.com/CityOfEatonRapids
Hometown Family Christmas – Held the first Saturday in December. For more information follow Eaton Rapids Parks and Recreation at www.facebook.com/ERparksandrec
