The Charles and Ida Harper Memorial Park: Tittabawassee River Overlook Deck and Fishing Pier is a new addition to the community of Edenville, Michigan. Designed with accessibility in mind, the park was built along the high bank of the Tittabawassee River, in the location where the Harper Family Store served the community for generations. The property for the park was donated by Alice Sias, the Great-Great-Granddaughter of Charles and Ida Harper.  

Funding for Harper Park, as it is more commonly known, was made possible through a DNR Natural Resources Trust Fund grant, whose process was overseen by the Edenville Township Park Committee, a part of the local township board. The park allows public access to the river and a place for boaters, kayaks and canoes to land and tie-off. An observation deck at the top gives a sweeping view of the wide part of the river where heron, eagles, geese and swans are often observed. Ideal for fishing, the wide platform at the bottom of the incline is intended to promote the fishing of a wide variety of fish in the Tittabawassee, just south of the Wixom Lake Dam.

  Engineered and built by Lapham Associates of Clare, Michigan the park is designed with accessibility at the forefront. The parking lot has a wide, van accessible parking spot as well as an accessible restroom and paved sidewalk. The sidewalk leads into a gradually declining, wrap-around ramp that extends the entire length of the riverbank, allowing access for individuals with mobility disabilities to enjoy the entirety of the park.  

Another addition created as part of the grant, is a paved sidewalk that now connects Harper Park to a larger park down the road, Gransden Park, which features baseball fields and a playground.  

A project is planned for the future, incorporating Meridian Public Schools students into the final design of the park. With the final landscaping not quite complete surrounding the park, the students have been invited to work with teachers as part of an ecology project to design landscaping that will work with the ecology of the river and the eco-system around it.

A beautiful addition the community of Edenville, Harper Park is work the drive to view for others in the area. Bring your fishing poles, binoculars, camera, and some money for ice cream- and enjoy the view!  

Position Available for Midland Dial-A-Ride Advisory Commission   

The Midland City Council is accepting applications to fill a position on the Dial-A-Ride Advisory Commission. The commission is looking for a senior representative, 65 years or older, to fill a position that will expire June 30, 2016. This commission meets up to three times a year to advise Midland City Council on a range of public transportation issues including fare policies and structures, services and programs to meet the needs of all persons with disabilities and persons 65 years of age or older, and other relevant ordinances, rules, and administrative requirements.

Applications will be accepted until 5 p.m., Friday, Aug. 8. Applications can be obtained through the City Manager's Office, 333 W. Ellsworth, or from the City of Midland website: click here to download an application. 

To serve on a board or commission you must reside in the City of Midland, unless otherwise specified. Most positions do not require extensive expertise, just a willingness to serve. For questions or further information, please contact the city manager's office at: (989) 837-3301.

Upcoming DNMM Events   

DNMM is planning a Community Bike Ride for Saturday, September 6th, from 10am - 1pm. The bike ride is a chance to celebrate the many forms of accessible recreation found throughout the mid-Michigan area.  We will be riding the Saginaw Valley Rail Trail, starting at the Van Woermer Rd. parking lot.  Lite refreshments will be provided,  hand-cycles will be available for those with disabilities, and all participants will be entered into drawings to win prizes!  STAY TUNED FOR MORE INFORMATION!!!

A TASTE OF MIDLAND

DNMM is partnering with Ruby Tuesday's, Buffalo Wild Wings, and Logan's Roadhouse, to help raise money for programs for youth with disabilities. If you want to participate, all you have to do is go out to dinner! The restaurants will donate 20% of all table-receipts to Disability Network!   There will be one event each week, starting next week.  Keep an eye on your email for special certificates that must be turned in.  Anyone attending all three restaurant events will be eligible for a $50 Visa Gift Card!  STAY TUNED or contact Matthew Ivan for more information. 

 Free Assistance with Healthy Michigan Health Insurance Applications 

The Healthy Michigan Plan has no deductible, low co-pays and most people have no monthly payment. If you have been turned down for insurance before or aren't sure if you will qualify, you may be eligible for this new program.

Get FREE & Confidential Help with your Application! Call 1-877-212-7561 to reserve your spot for non-walk-in dates.   

Clare County:

Clare County Community Mental Health
789 North Clare Avenue   Harrison, MI 48625

Monday, August 18  -  2:00 - 5:00 pm   

Gladwin County:

Gladwin County Community Mental Health
655 East Cedar Avenue    Gladwin, MI 48624  

Monday, August 18  -  10:00 am - 1:00 pm   

Isabella County: 

Isabella County Community Mental Health
301 South Crapo St., Ste. 200  Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858  

Wednesday, Aug. 13  -  2:30 pm - 5:30 pm 

Midland County:

Midland County Community Mental Health
218 Fast Ice Drive    Midland, MI 48642  

Wednesday, Aug. 13  10:00 am - 1:00 pm

     
For more information on dates for counties not listed, visit healthymichiganplan.org.      

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