PORTAGE, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Portage’s Lakeview Park will soon get a new amphitheater, inspiration garden, feature-filled lakeside boardwalk and more.
The park, located at 9345 Portage Road, is set to undergo renovations of it’s facilities over the next five years as the city seeks to turn it into an attraction for businesses and residents in the area.
The Portage City Council voted back on Tuesday, February 21 to approve the awarding of the contract of around $468,000 dollars to Kalamazoo engineering firm O’Boyle, Cowell, Blalock & Associates Incorporated to head up the project, which is scheduled to be completed in four phases over the next five years.
Phase one of the project, which is expected to begin this spring, includes the construction of a boardwalk along the Austin Lake canal and lakeshore, and will also include an asphalt trail and bikeway connection to Portage Road with solar lighting, landscaping and seating.
Future phases include removal of the aged pavilion and construction of a new restroom/pavilion area to replace the existing restroom, as well as waterfront swings, a linear fountain, rental kiosks, sculptures and a roof deck.
The final phase, planned to start in 2026, will include a small amphitheater and sledding hill.
In addition, a private donor has also come forward to contribute $150,000 toward the construction of the pergola, seating and a small garden area to be located in the center of the Inspirational/Memorial garden planned for the Lakeview Park renovation project.
Because of the donation, a plaque will be installed in the garden area in memory of long-time Portage resident Judy Acker-Smith who died in May 2021 after a battle with cancer.
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