LANSING – Four communities in the Upper Peninsula will share in Land and Water Conservation Fund grants from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The federal program is awarding nearly $700-thousand for ten projects in Michigan.

Sands Township in Marquette County was awarded $83,700 to develop a warming hut at Blueberry Ridge Pathway adjacent to the existing parking lot.

The city of Marquette was awarded $90,000 to extend a current multi-use pathway from Hawley Street to Powder Mill Road and the Dead River Bridge.

Negaunee will receive $100,000 to upgrade and renovate the Bernie Rivers Field Park. It will include new ADA-compliant playground equipment and walkway, basketball court, ball field renovations, picnic area and on-site parking area.

Ironwood was awarded $30,000 for improvements at Longyear Park. It will include the development of accessible playground equipment and surface, accessible picnic table, asphalt paths and concrete pad, and enclosure for existing portable restrooms.

“The DNR is proud to partner with these communities by providing grants for these excellent projects,” said Steve DeBrabander, DNR Grants Management section supervisor. “Public outdoor recreation promotes healthy lifestyles and helps these communities create a sense of place.”

The Land and Water Conservation Fund is a federal program administered in Michigan by the DNR on behalf of the National Park Service. The DNR uses LWCF funding to help develop public outdoor recreation facilities and to provide matching grants for local governments.