WMFC Hosts Dedication of Kiwanis Picnic Pavilion and "Access To Recreation" Trail

The sound of heavy machinery could be heard in the woods behind the West Midland Family Center a year ago as work crews moved dirt, leveled wooded paths and groomed the landscape. This was all in preparation for the new asphalt "path" that would allow easier access to the WMFC back fields, creek, basketball court, children's playground and wooded areas.

The new path was made possible as part of an "Access to Recreation" grant that was written by Greg Dorrien, WMFC Executive Director.

The "Access to Recreation" grant program is a catalyst to enable communities to create greater universal access and inclusiveness in recreation facilities, programs, and services for people of all ages and abilities. "Access to Recreation" offers communities a variety of grant opportunities in hopes of helping communities fulfill their unique and creative visions.

"Access to Recreation" grant monies are made possible through a W.K. Kellogg Foundation grant, which includes $5.85 million to be re-granted to the members of the Michigan Recreation and Park Association through the Michigan Recreation and Park Association Foundation and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources,

"How exciting it is for us to be able to provide another great recreation option to the people in our community," exclaimed Renee Allen, WMFC Recreation Director.

"Skateboarders, rollerbladers, walkers, joggers and moms with strollers can all take advantage of the new path. The path is also going to be great for those in wheelchairs or for those who need to use walkers," explained Allen, "they will be able to come back here to birdwatch or take a quiet stroll through the woods," continued Allen,

"It is so pretty back here. I hope everyone will take advantage of the new path"

Thanks to another outstanding collaboration of service groups, the West Midland Family Center was also the recipient of a prized picnic pavilion. The Kiwanis Club of Midland, the Kiwassee Kiwanis Club, and the Kiwanis Foundation built and paid for the shelter. Members of the Midland Jaycees and Kiwanis Circle K students from Northwood assisted.

“During the Center’s Summer Program, hundreds of children will use the shelter each and every day. Families can reserve the shelter free of charge for nights and weekends by calling the Center at 832-3256,” stated Greg Dorrien, Executive Director of West Midland Family Center.

An official dedication of both the Picnic Pavilion and the "Access To Recreation" path, was held on Wednesday, June 25, 2008. The community was invited to a short Dedication Ceremony that included a buffet lunch under the picnic pavillion.