Great news for outdoor enthusiasts in Barry County! Barry County was awarded a $150,000 grant in December 2025 from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Recreation Passport program to help upgrade the boat launch at Historic Charlton Park on Thornapple Lake. Planned improvements include:
- Better access to the existing boat ramp
- A new accessible kayak/canoe launch
- Paved parking and walkways
- ADA-compliant features and seating
This will make it easier and safer for everyone to enjoy boating, fishing, and the Thornapple River water trail. Project targeted for completion in 2027! Check out the full story from the Hastings Banner.
If you are interested in supporting this work, please click the button below to make a donation. Donations in any amount are appreciated!
HCP Receives Grant for All-Terrain Wheelchair
Historic Charlton Park (HCP) is pleased to announce it received a $10,000 grant from the Barry Community Foundation in 2025. The funding will offset the purchase of an all-terrain wheelchair (track chair) to provide access to HCP’s grounds and trails for visitors that use mobility devices and wheelchairs. There will be no charge to use the track chair, but reservations will be required. HCP anticipates accepting the first reservations in summer 2025. Learn more and make your reservation here!
HCP Awarded Grant from the W.S. & Lois VanDalson Foundation
Historic Charlton Park (HCP) was awarded a grant from the W.S. and Lois VanDalson Foundation in 2024 to perform additional accessibility projects throughout the historic village. This work enhanced the visitor experience by better connecting people that are aging or use a mobility device to the historic buildings. This project is part of larger efforts to address accessibility deficiencies as outlined in HCP’s master plan. Funding was used to offset the costs of completing the permanent ramps and barrier free entries to four buildings in the historic village (Sixberry House, Lee School, Hall House, Barber Shop, and Blacksmith Shop). Read the full press release. Questions? Call (269) 945-3775, email info@charltonpark.org.
Historic Charlton Park (HCP) was awarded a grant of $15,649 from the State of Michigan Arts and Culture Council (MACC). The grant was awarded through the MACC review process and was one of 828 applications to compete for MACC fiscal year 2025 funding.
Read the full press release here. Questions? Call (269) 945-3775, email info@charltonpark.org.
About the Sidewalk Project and AARP Community Challenge
Read the 6/26/2024 Press Release for all of the details.
Final results - AARP Livable Communities Map
For additional information or questions about HCP, please call 269-945-3775 or email info@charltonpark.org.
