Rep. Greg VanWoerkom of Norton Shores today led Michigan House efforts to improve a Muskegon County park and other recreation facilities across the state.

The $125,000 in funding to improve the Village of Fruitport’s Pomona Park kayak launch is included in recommendations from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund. The recommendations are made to the Legislature, which is working to finalize the plan with VanWoerkom’s help.

The Pomona Park development will provide a new way for visitors to access Spring Lake and its connecting waterways. The site will feature an accessible kayak launch, extended parking, benches, bike racks and other improvements.

“Pomona Park is in the heart of Fruitport. This development will benefit residents and visitors alike, and I’m proud to support it,” VanWoerkom said. “It’s another way to showcase and expand upon the great recreation opportunities in our community.”

Statewide, the measure approved by the House provides $28.7 million for 60 recreational development projects and 18 land acquisition projects.

Money in the Natural Resources Trust Fund comes from the development of minerals on state land – not general tax money — and is distributed on an annual basis in partnership with local governments. The money must be used for acquisition or recreational development projects, according to the Michigan Constitution.

The Natural Resources Trust Fund program dates back to the 1970s.

Senate Bill 145 returns to the Senate for further consideration.

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