Resources Archives - Prein&Newhof

by Fiona Miller, EIT

The Great Lakes contain 20% of the world’s surface freshwater and serve as a critical resource for Michigan’s communities. While the state enjoys close proximity to abundant water sources, having access to freshwater is not always the same as having reliable, clean water available for everyday use. Despite the vast rainfall in places like the Ecuadorian Amazon, where annual rainfall is measured in feet rather than inches, the challenges in accessing clean, drinkable water remain. This disparity between water availability and access became clear to me during a college project in Ecuador, which shaped my perspective on the true value of engineering.

During my time at Calvin University, my senior design project consisted of designing a rainwater catchment and treatment system at a community property on the western edge of the Amazon Rainforest in Shell, Ecuador. The city has a municipal water system, but due to long residence times in pipes and tanks, the water quality on the property was poor.

Before we began working on the project, I was excited about beginning my career as an engineer. I had long loved math, science, and understanding how things work. My senior design project, by emphasizing that our design was serving others, revealed an aspect of engineering I hadn’t previously recognized. While the work itself is stimulating and is an outlet for the knowledge I’ve learned throughout my education and work experiences, I realized that designing a project is not just problem-solving, it is vital for supporting our communities.

This point was driven home for me when my senior design team visited Ecuador in 2022 with a group of other engineering students. While in Ecuador, we worked alongside members of the community of San Isidro de Chipo to backfill water distribution pipes they had recently installed.

Seeing community members work on the project with their own hands emphasized that water projects have individual effects. In the case of this community in Ecuador, the impact of the project was huge – marking the first time community members had experienced clean water on demand at their own homes. The perspective of engineering I gained through this project has translated to my career, demonstrating the value fresh water holds for each individual.

I had another opportunity to go to Ecuador in 2024 through Safe Water in Ecuador (SWIE), a committee of the Michigan Section of the American Water Works Association (AWWA). SWIE partners with organizations in Ecuador: Life Giving Water International, an American organization, as well as CODEINSE, an Ecuadorian organization local to Riobamba, Ecuador.

On this trip, we visited several communities in different stages of water system development. In San Martin Bajo, we attended their water system inauguration – held in a large tent on the hillside with several hours of celebration including speeches, singing, and dancing. In Guayllabamba, we gathered water samples to test the effectiveness of their newly installed chlorination system, saying hello to many community dogs on the way. In Llinllin Centro Civico, we participated in evaluating a potential water source with an 8.5-mile hike/horseback ride up 3,000 feet of elevation gain.

My daily work doesn’t involve providing ready access to clean water to those who’ve never had it. It also doesn’t include community dances, free-range dogs, or horseback rides. But it does contribute to the maintenance of the systems that our clients already have in place to provide and protect clean water for their communities. The same design steps taken on projects in Ecuador are followed on Prein&Newhof’s projects in Michigan. My team’s day-to-day work includes adapting to changing demands, new technologies, and emerging contaminants.

The effort taken to maintain and replace existing infrastructure is critical in safeguarding our freshwater. My recent trip to Ecuador, as well as opportunities closer to home, continually provide fresh reminders of that perspective.

To maintain this perspective, I participate in regular volunteering events with my colleagues to assemble small-scale water filters at Village Water Filters in Grand Rapids. This helps us connect to our company value of “Support Community.” Village Water Filters distributes their filters to those in need around the world, and some of the filters assembled by Prein&Newhof volunteers have gone to Kenya and areas in North Carolina affected by last year’s hurricanes.

The work I’ve done in both Michigan and Ecuador has deepened my understanding of the important role engineers play in safeguarding water access for communities, both near and far. While challenges and contexts may differ, the core principles of engineering design and maintenance remain the same, as does the powerful impact clean water has on individuals and communities. As I continue at Prein&Newhof, I’m committed to applying this perspective, knowing that the work my team does today will preserve freshwater resources for future generations. Whether through local volunteer efforts or large-scale engineering solutions, I’m driven by the knowledge that ensuring access to clean water is one of the most meaningful ways we can serve others.

November 20 marks the 25^th Annual Global GIS Day – a chance to celebrate how Geographic Information Systems (GIS) has evolved over the years into an everyday, essential tool for supporting communities.

What is GIS?

Ask someone to define GIS, and you’ll receive a variety of answers. Most people have encountered GIS through things like navigation apps, election maps, and COVID dashboards. While visualizing and analyzing data on a map might be the most familiar way to think about GIS, the technology continues to evolve as innovative tools emerge and as users find creative new ways to use it.

The Story of GIS

GIS has a rich history on the global scale. The early history of GIS is often traced back to 1854, when London physician John Snow created a map of Cholera cases and drinking water wells to locate the source of the outbreak. Over one hundred years later, computer technologies advanced enough to be used for computational geography in the 1960s, and the term geographic information systems (GIS) was first coined.

Detail of John Snow’s Map of the 1854 London Cholera outbreak. Drawn by Charles Cheffins. (Click image for more information.)

Satellite technology followed computers onto the scene in the 1970s. In 1972, the United States launched the first Landsat satellite to capture aerial imagery of the earth, inspired by the first photos of the earth from space. Navstar 1, the first U.S. global positioning system (GPS) satellite was launched in 1978, with full global satellite positioning coverage achieved in 1994. GIS as we know it today – software that supports spatial data collection, analysis, and visualization – became mainstream in the 1990s.

The first image in the Landsat archives was taken on July 25, 1972 of Dallas, Texas. (Click image for more information.)

History of GIS at Prein&Newhof

Prein&Newhof began using GIS in 1999, and early adopters included communities in Kalamazoo County and Holland Charter Township. At this time, GPS units could achieve accuracies of 1 to 3 meters, and the batteries were so large that they needed to be carried in a backpack. All data collected with the units had to be “post-processed” back in the office before being able to be used in GIS. Sending data from one organization to another had to be done using compact disks, and then DVDs. Because of the time required for processing and transfer, GIS data was often out of date before it arrived for use.

Use of GIS continued to grow in the 2000s, with a dedicated GIS team keeping pace with new technologies and software capabilities. Beginning in 2013, GIS played a major role in supporting communities as Prein&Newhof assisted over 40 different communities through the Stormwater, Asset Management, and Wastewater (SAW) Program by mapping and evaluating millions of feet of storm and sanitary sewers and locating thousands of structures across Michigan.

In 2016, Prein&Newhof began widespread adoption of ArcGIS Online, a cloud-based GIS system that can be incorporated into business process workflows. ArcGIS Online allows users to access and collect GIS data through phones or tablets in real time, making GIS more accessible than ever. In contrast to the early GPS units of the early 2000s, today’s GPS units work directly with smartphones and tablets and achieve 3-inch or better accuracy. Data is stored directly to the cloud available for immediate using in various apps and GIS. Data is now shared between organizations directly through online services eliminating the need for transferring physical media. The City of Kalamazoo has leveraged this technology to locate and document service line replacements, and our GIS team has played an integral role in helping the City reach the milestone of replacing its 5000^th lead service line in an extensive infrastructure improvements project.

Today, we are using Online GIS systems in supporting field inspections, facilitating O&M activities like hydrant flushing and valve turning, tracking lead service line replacements, and providing searchable online maps for cemetery records, making them accessible to community members.

A screenshot of Richland Township, Michigan’s Prairie Home Cemetery Map. (Click image for more information.)

Snapshot of the City of Rockford’s Hydrant Flushing Map.

How Can You Celebrate GIS Day?

Explore free tools like Google Earth to virtually discover new places or use Google Maps to plan road trips and mark favorite camping spots!
Use National Geographic’s Mapmaker to engage with your kids and create maps of global datasets, such as light pollution, to find the best spots for viewing the northern lights.
Reflect on how you currently use GIS and brainstorm innovative ways you might use it in the future.

When envisioning a vibrant and functional community space, the design of the streetscape plays a pivotal role. Streetscape design goes beyond mere aesthetics, encompassing aspects of safety, functionality, environmental sustainability, and community engagement to foster the creation of a thriving downtown area. Our team works to blend the expertise of traffic engineers and landscape architects to design streetscapes that are not only visually appealing but also serve the long-term needs of the community.

Design Expertise

Crafting outdoor spaces that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing requires a deep understanding of various design elements. This includes the integration of green spaces, pedestrian walkways, street furniture, lighting, and other features that enhance the overall ambiance and usability of urban areas. Each element must be meticulously planned to ensure it contributes to the beauty and practicality of the space.

Community Planning & Engagement

Good streetscape design is not an isolated effort; it must seamlessly integrate with broader community planning initiatives. Effective designs align with surrounding architecture, transportation networks, and municipal infrastructure. Ensuring that streetscapes support and enhance long-term community development goals helps create cohesive and harmonious urban environments that continue to be well-loved into the future.

Public engagement is a crucial component of the design process. Facilitating community engagement sessions allows for the gathering of valuable input from residents, business owners, and other project stakeholders. This ensures that the final streetscape design reflects the needs, preferences, and cultural identity of the community. Engaging with residents not only enriches the design but also fosters a sense of ownership and pride among community members.

Environmental & Accessibility Considerations

Incorporating sustainable environmental considerations such as permeable paving, rain gardens, and native plantings improves stormwater management, reduces urban heat islands, and supports biodiversity. Commitment to sustainability ensures that streetscapes contribute positively to the environment while continuing to serve the community.

When planning a streetscape design, safety and accessibility must be considered as much as sustainability. Prioritizing features such as ADA-compliant sidewalks, crosswalks, and ramps allows the streetscape to be accessible to all users, including pedestrians with disabilities. Designing with safety in mind creates spaces where people can move freely and confidently.

Long-Term Maintenance Planning

A well-designed streetscape should be as easy to maintain as it is beautiful. Considering the long-term maintenance requirements of all streetscape elements, selecting durable materials, and designing low-maintenance landscaping features helps to minimize ongoing maintenance costs for the community. This ensures that the streetscape remains functional and attractive to support a thriving community for years to come.

Spotlight on Success: The Vicksburg Major Downtown Infrastructure Project

The Village of Vicksburg’s Major Downtown Infrastructure project began with the Village’s need to replace its aging 80-year-old water and sewer lines on Main Street. This major $9 million infrastructure improvement provided a unique opportunity to reimagine and revitalize the downtown area. Prein&Newhof’s team of engineers and landscape architects, led by Project Managers Jason Washler, PE, Mike Schwartz, PE, and Matt Levandoski, PLA, worked closely with Village leadership and a group of next-generation business owners to develop a plan that would transform downtown Vicksburg into a welcoming, pedestrian-friendly space.

The redesigned downtown now features one-way traffic on Main Street, on-street parking, wider sidewalks, and a central plaza area to encourage community gathering. Additional enhancements include refurbished pedestrian streetlights, redesigned traffic signals, charging stations, planter beds and pots, underground irrigation, street trees, enhanced crosswalks, and new right-of-way furniture such as benches, trash receptacles, bike racks, tables, and chairs. The revitalization of Oswalt Park further expanded the community gathering space, seamlessly integrating with the broader infrastructure improvements.

This multifaceted and award-winning project is poised to stimulate the local economy, attract a new workforce, and foster continued growth and development in Vicksburg. Alongside another major development at The Mill at Vicksburg, these efforts are set to ensure the Village’s prosperity and vibrancy for years to come.

We’re proud to have contributed to such a transformative project that exemplifies the importance of professional expertise and design in creating streetscapes that not only meet immediate community needs but also pave the way for future success.

Today, we highlight National Intern Appreciation Day. Internships serve as a crucial stepping-stone for aspiring civil engineers, offering them the opportunity to apply their academic knowledge to real-world projects. We take this day as an opportunity to appreciate the significant contributions our interns make to our company. They bring us fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and infuse new energy into our days. We work to give them exposure to a variety of experiences, challenging responsibilities, and industry-specific knowledge to confirm or redirect their paths to future careers. Prein&Newhof takes great pride in recognizing the valuable contributions of our interns.

At Prein&Newhof, we understand the significance of nurturing young talent, and our internships are designed to offer meaningful opportunities for growth and development. From the start of their internships, we work to immerse our interns in real-world projects under the guidance of their new colleagues. Whether it’s assisting in the design of a project, learning how to accurately capture spatial data with our surveyors, or observing the construction phase of a project, interns play a pivotal role in our project teams. These experiences not only broaden their perspectives but also instill a sense of responsibility toward seeing farther to create sustainable infrastructure for future generations. Through this work, interns have the opportunity to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world challenges.

Beyond learning new technical skills, our internships emphasize mentorship and development. Each intern is paired with a colleague who provides guidance, feedback, and encouragement throughout their internship journey. These mentoring relationships are instrumental in fostering a supportive environment where interns can thrive and grow into confident professionals. When the opportunity presents itself, we appreciate being able to transition those who have completed internships with us into full-time employees. A significant number of our interns have joined Prein&Newhof as full-time employees. This progression highlights the intern’s growth in skills and knowledge during their time with us.

As we recognize our interns on this special day, we reflect on their potential to shape the future of civil engineering. They are not just interns; they are future leaders who will drive innovation, tackle complex challenges, and help build sustainable communities. Their enthusiasm and dedication inspire us to continue investing in the next generation of engineers who will leave a lasting impact on the profession and the world around us.

At Prein&Newhof, National Intern Appreciation Day is a reminder of the importance of mentorship, learning, and fostering a culture of excellence. We are proud to support our interns as they embark on their professional journeys and look forward to witnessing their continued growth and success as they move through their career.

Today, we invite you to join us in celebrating National Intern Appreciation Day. Take a moment to recognize the interns in your organization or community who are making a difference in the field of civil engineering. Their contributions are invaluable, and their passion for innovation is paving the way for a brighter future!

To all our interns at Prein&Newhof, thank you for your hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence. You are the future of civil engineering, and we are honored to be part of your journey toward success. Together, let’s continue to build a world where innovation thrives, communities prosper, and infrastructure stands the test of time. Happy National Intern Appreciation Day!

-Jackie Steinbruch, Human Resources

Access to clean drinking water is an assumed element of modern society. Despite significant advancements in water treatment and infrastructure, ensuring the safety and purity of drinking water remains a critical public health challenge that requires a persistent and dedicated effort by many parties to overcome. The recent emergence of contaminants like PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) and the latest legislative developments centered on water quality standards demonstrates the growing need for water testing in both the public and private sectors.

The State of Michigan’s $290 million expansion of the MI Clean Water Plan aims to bolster Michigan’s drinking water infrastructure, addressing crucial issues such as lead service line removals and plant upgrades. This initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure all residents have access to clean and safe drinking water and reflects a significant investment in public health. Michigan’s Filter First program is another current state legislation that requires all schools and childcare centers to develop a Drinking Water Management Plan and install lead-reducing filters on all consumptive fixtures, including regularly testing the filtered water.

Additionally, the Federal Administration has released new national standards to limit PFAS in drinking water with the goal to reduce exposure to these harmful chemicals. PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals,” are linked to severe health problems including cancer, thyroid disease, and reproductive issues. With portions of the U.S. drinking water supply potentially affected by PFAS, the need for reliable testing and filtration has never been more urgent in protecting public health.

How can we help?

Prein&Newhof’s environmental laboratory has long-standing expertise and a commitment to quality. Since 1974, our laboratory has been providing water testing, serving municipal, commercial, and residential clients throughout Michigan communities. Our lab performs nearly 18,000 microbiology tests annually, alongside a variety of tests for metals, organics, inorganics, and compliance monitoring. This extensive testing capacity is needed to identify contaminants in various water sources, including drinking water, well water, wastewater, groundwater, leachate, and surface water.

PFAS Water Testing: Prein&Newhof is certified for PFAS testing and follows EPA methodologies to provide accurate and reliable results. We offer both drinking water and wastewater testing for PFAS, with the capacity to test for multiple PFAS compounds. Our services are designed to be comprehensive, from sample collection to result interpretation, and we aim to help clients understand the implications of their water quality test results.

Lead and Copper Testing: Prein&Newhof also specializes in testing for lead and copper in drinking water. This is particularly relevant for Michigan schools and childcare centers, who are now required under the State’s previously mentioned Filter First legislation.

How do we support public health?

Prein&Newhof’s laboratory is certified by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) for a broad range of testing capabilities. Our commitment to delivering high-quality, scientifically sound test results aids in protecting public health by providing essential data that informs water treatment decisions and regulatory compliance.

Our laboratory’s services are tailored to meet diverse client needs, offering both on-site sample collection and drop-off options at multiple office locations. This flexibility allows testing to be accessible and convenient for our clients, from large municipalities and businesses to individual private homeowners. We also provide expedited services for high-priority projects and recognize that timely results are critical for effective response and remediation efforts.

We understand that clean drinking water is not just a necessity but an expectation of our society. In an era where contaminants like PFAS pose new challenges, the role of reliable water testing is more important than ever. Prein&Newhof’s environmental laboratory stands ready to utilize our expertise to provide test results for your drinking water. By supporting rigorous testing protocols and providing clear, reliable results, we are working to enable communities as they protect the quality of their drinking water.

Looking for more information on water testing services? Visit our website!

Want to schedule a water test? Contact Lab Manager Steve Bylsma at (616) 364–7600 or via email at sbylsma@preinnewhof.com.

Community gathering spaces are the heart of any city or town, the places where people come together to connect and engage with their community. While the design of these spaces has evolved over time, one element remains timeless: the fireplace. In landscape architecture, fireplaces serve as more than just sources of warmth, but as the center that anchors the spirit of community and provide a sense of comfort. The use of fireplaces is growing in popularity in both urban streetscape and community park design with deep historical roots dating back to ancient civilizations. From the hearths of the ancient Greek to the town squares of colonial America, large fire pits have long been a place where locals gathered for warmth and camaraderie. Over the centuries, the design and function of fireplaces have evolved, but their intentional role in fostering community remains constant.

Today, landscape architects are reimagining the traditional fireplace in innovative ways to enhance community gathering spaces. Instead of the conventional indoor hearth, outdoor fireplaces are taking the center stage and becoming the focal point of parks and urban squares or plazas. These modern interpretations blend functionality with aesthetics, creating inviting environments that beckon people to gather around the flames and enjoy being involved members of their community.

The City of Ludington’s community gathering space, Legacy Plaza, has made its home in the former James Street right-of-way, originally a one-way street heading north from the main intersection of downtown. The plaza is a welcoming space that fosters both economic and community development. Our Landscape Architecture team worked to create a functional third place with a gas fireplace and seating, farmers market pavilion, raised performance stage, green space, native rain gardens, and site furnishings tied together with decorative concrete, lighting, and landscaping.

The City’s Community Development Director Heather Tykoski says, “The plaza has provided a gathering place in our downtown. It has essentially become a “town square area.” We hold a variety of signature events there, including Octoberfest, New Years Eve, Brrrewfest, and our Farmer’s Market. Throughout the summer season, we also have live music every Friday evening.”

When incorporating fireplaces into landscape architecture, several factors come into play. The design must complement the surrounding environment while considering safety and sustainability. Materials such as stone, brick, and steel are often chosen for their durability and ability to withstand the elements. Placement is crucial, with fireplaces strategically positioned to maximize visibility and create intimate gathering areas within larger spaces. Beyond their practical function, fireplaces serve as catalysts for community engagement and provide a natural gathering point where people can build relationships. Whether it’s a neighborhood park or a bustling city square, the presence of a fireplace encourages social interaction and strengthens the fabric of the community.

Tykoski says, “We live in mid-northwestern Michigan, which means, even in the summer, we have cool nights. The fireplace has added a warming area to many of our events, adding warmth and ambience for those shopping, dining, or otherwise traversing downtown on cooler evenings. Our fireplace is unique in that it was custom built to represent part of Ludington’s history. The shape, the words surrounding it, and the material that it’s constructed out of has meaning to the local Native American community. We collaborated with them on many elements in Legacy Plaza. It has become a centerpiece for the plaza that pays homage to our history and recognition of our past while embracing the next development phase of our City.”

As communities evolve and urban landscapes transform, the role of fireplaces in landscape architecture remains as vital as ever. Beyond their practical function, these timeless elements serve as symbolic hearths where people come together to celebrate and connect with one another. By embracing culture and tradition along with innovation, landscape architects can continue to create vibrant community gathering spaces that enrich the lives of residents for generations to come.

Interested in learning more? Give our Landscape Architecture team a call and let us help you ignite your vision to life!

Matt Levandoski, PLA
616-364-8491

Ensuring the safety of our roadways is a top priority for transportation authorities and community leaders alike. To further this objective, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) implements safety improvement programs to address concerns related to high-crash intersections and roads. MDOT allocates significant resources to enhance road safety through various funding programs with a comprehensive plan designed to identify, prioritize, and implement safety improvements across the state’s transportation infrastructure.

What are my options?

The Michigan Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) is a core Federal-aid program with the goal of achieving a significant reduction in traffic fatalities and serious injuries on all public roads, including those that are non-State-owned or on tribal land. Any agency wishing to submit an improvement project is encouraged to apply for HSIP funds. Examples of these projects could include a horizontal curve delineation, rumble strips, edge line pavement markings, signal backplates, countdown pedestrian signals, or a stop-controlled intersection sign upgrade project. Recently, a bipartisan infrastructure law was implemented to emphasize the importance of vulnerable road user safety as part of the HSIP. This strategic program enables MDOT to allocate resources effectively and prioritize projects that will have the most significant impact on improving safety for all Michigan residents.

The High Risk Rural Roads (HRRR) plan allows for an additional funding source, with applicable locations defined as “any roadway functionally classified as a rural major or minor collector or a rural local road with significant safety risks, as defined by a State in accordance with an updated State strategic highway safety plan.” Any rural roadway with an increasing fatality rate may be considered for this funding opportunity, and selected projects are to be obligated in 2026. A non-selected HRRR project will be automatically considered for general 2026 HSIP safety funds.

Key Factors to Consider

Does your agency have confusing intersections that often have crashes?
Does that blind spot at the intersection hide pedestrians?
Are roadway departures common along some of your curves?
Do you have a dark roadway that could benefit from better lighting?
Are you simply looking to update an older traffic signal layout to the latest standards?

If you are considering any of these improvements, then your community may qualify for safety funding through this grant process. Prein&Newhof is qualified and happy to assist with determining the area of need, applying for funding, and improving the safety of roadways for all users by maximizing this opportunity of available federal funds.

What are my next steps?

These funding opportunities require applications to be prepared in March so that applicable candidates can obtain Letters of Support in time for the submittal deadline at the end of April. Prein&Newhof can assist you by reviewing and assessing whether a particular intersection or road qualifies as a strong candidate for MDOT safety funding. With a focus on vulnerable users, as well as specific locations with high crash rates, we can determine locations that may be approved for funding to address and improve public safety concerns.

Together, we can proactively face these safety challenges by initiating a comprehensive review of your roadways, identifying opportunities for improvement, and positioning your projects for MDOT safety funding!

Call Connie Houk, PE or Scott Tezak, PE at 231-468-3456 to learn more about how these MDOT funding opportunities can benefit your community.

Many of our clients have successfully implemented their parks and recreation projects with the help of 27 different grant programs from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR). Our most common success stories have utilized the Natural Resources Trust Fund, the Recreation Passport Grant Program, and/or the Land and Water Conservation Fund. For example, the Boardman Lake Trail Loop project (featured above) made use of funding from some of these sources. Each of these funding opportunities has the potential to benefit your community!

So… tell me more!

The Natural Resources Trust Fund obtains finances from the development of state-owned, profitable resources. Applications are accepted from communities seeking to acquire land for the conservation of natural resources, which can include many opportunities from public facilities to trails. Matching funds are typically a requirement, and other deciding factors include financial need and regional significance. Before applying, the community also needs an established five-year recreation plan approved by the MDNR by February 1^st. This master plan takes inventory of a community’s assets and rates their accessibility while gathering public input and developing goals, objectives, and a prioritized project plan. This month, the board recommended over 27 million dollars in these acquisition and development grants. The five-year recreation plan has proven to be enormously beneficial to communities in many other ways outside of just funding applications.

The Recreation Passport Grant Program is another excellent opportunity to fund parks and recreation projects. You’ve likely noticed that when you renew your driver’s license each year, you have the option to add the annual “recreation pass” for a low cost. You may know that this checkbox allows you to enter any state park without additional payment, but do you know where that money goes? It goes right back into your community’s recreation facilities. In addition to establishing new amenities, facilities that have been loved and used beyond their “useful life expectancy” are invited to be restored with this grant. Renovated facilities could include kayak launches, splash pads, restrooms, drinking fountains, pickleball and other sport courts, or pavilions. This month, it was announced that nearly $2 million in Recreation Passport grants were awarded for these park and trail improvements and developments. To be eligible for this program, a community must either have an approved five-year recreation plan on file by February 1^st or submit a capital improvement plan with their application.

The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) provides matching grants to states and local governments for the acquisition and development of public land. According to the LWCF Act of 1964, this fund was created to “assist in preserving, developing, and assuring accessibility of all citizens of present and future generations… such quality and quantity of outdoor recreation resources as may be available and are necessary and desirable for individual active participation.” Examples of suitable projects can include land that provides access to water-based recreation opportunities, nature preserves of biological importance, or land within urban areas for day-use parks and recreation. To be eligible for this program, a community must also have an approved five-year recreation plan on file by February 1^st and hold a public meeting to receive input on the grant application.

How can I get involved?

The MDNR is committed to providing Michigan residents with the opportunity to share input and ideas on policy decisions, programs, and other aspects of local natural resource management and outdoor recreation opportunities. One important avenue for input is at public meetings such as the Michigan State Parks Advisory Council or the Trails Advisory Council. To see these public meetings and more, you can check the DNR boards, commissions, committees, and councils web page for updates.

The MDNR is also conducting a survey about your experiences at Michigan state parks over the past year. The survey takes about ten minutes to complete and helps with planning future park improvements!

Need assistance with your grant submittals or want to begin preparing a plan for the following year? Call Matt Levandoski, PLA at 616-364-0200.

On Tuesday, July 6, 2021, Prein&Newhof Project Manager Scott Post, PE joined Ottawa County Parks at Connor Bayou Park in Grand Haven to hear Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s announcement: The Governor plans to allocate $150 million of the state’s American Rescue Plan to fund local parks, trails, and recreation facilities. If approved by the legislature later this year, the money will be administered as a grant program by Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR). Last month, Governor Whitmer announced a similar proposal to invest $250 million of the state’s American Rescue Plan in parks and trails managed by the state. Bringing the total proposed investment in Michigan’s local and state run parks, trails and recreation facilities to $400 million.

The event was held at Connor Bayou Park on the Idema Explorers Trail. Prein&Newhof is currently designing 2.34 miles of the Idema Explorers Trail that will run along Green Street, from 144^th Avenue to Connor Bayou Park at North Cedar Drive. This missing piece is known as the Stearns Bayou section of the Idema Explorers Trail.

Post explains the importance of the new trail to the area, “The Stearns Bayou section will finally close the loop between Grand Haven’s trail network and Spring Lake’s trail system—connecting downtown Grand Haven to Spoonville Trail and North Bank Trail.”

The Stearns Bayou project will include 10-ft.-wide paved, non-motorized pathway along Green Street. Plans call to widen the 450-foot-long existing bridge over Stearns Bayou to include a 14-foot-wide bike lane. The current project estimate cost is $3.5 million. As a local agency project, a portion of the project will be funded by the Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) Grant. Construction is expected in 2022.

When complete, the 30-mile-long Idema Explorers Trail will connect the Greater Grand Rapids area (Millennium Park) to the Grand Haven/Spring Lake lakeshore area.

By Kimberly Jongsma, Public Outreach and Planning Specialist

Finding a place to park is often an issue in downtowns, especially during events. The first solution most people think of is to add more spaces and lots, but making convenient “free” parking a sole priority can decrease a downtown’s vibrancy. There is such a thing as too much parking (think of Kmart lots). Downtowns are for people, not cars, so keep it on a pedestrian scale. Regulation and communication can keep parking demands in balance. (For a much smaller cost!)

Downtown Parking Policy

Time Limits and High Turnover

Does your “main street” have on-street parking with no time limit? If so, you are encouraging longer stays and discouraging quick errands, or “high turnover.” For those just dropping in for their 15-minute errand or one-hour lunch, not being able to find parking may deter them from going downtown at all. Parking time limits (anywhere from 15 minutes to two hours) encourage higher turnover, which means more people circulating through the downtown businesses. If someone intends to visit your downtown for a long stay, parking off-street or farther away won’t bother them too much. Many people don’t mind walking a block or two, though handicap and other designated spaces are a must for those who need easier access.

This kind of smart regulation can also include reserved spaces for residents and employees of your downtown. Their main concern is having a reliable space within a reasonable distance of their home or work. That’s something you can work with—they’re guaranteed a spot for when they need it (even if it’s off-street).

Update your parking policy so everyone can be happy. It is possible! Here are some on-street parking categories:

Handicap designation with ADA accessibility (obviously a must)
15-30 minute multi-use spaces
30-minute parking
Two-hour or four-hour parking
Expectant Mothers / Small Children Priority Spaces
Senior Citizen Priority Spaces
Motorcycle spaces
Convenient bicycle parking
Restricted hours (No overnight parking, only between 8am-6pm, etc.)
Permit spaces (for residents, employees, etc)
Reserved spaces (for residents, employees, etc)

Signs and pavement symbols make people aware of these policies; local enforcement is the other half of making this work. Parking tickets don’t have to be very expensive to get the message across.

Just a Communication Issue?

Sometimes a parking problem is really a communication problem in disguise. Maybe there is enough parking, but not enough awareness: do the residents know where they can park downtown? Are time limits and costs clear? Are designated spaces marked and labeled? Uncertainty can cause stress and confusion for visitors. Have plenty of signs saying where parking is allowed, and for how long. A downtown parking map is very helpful for residents and visitors: an easy-to-read map showing what types of parking are available. Make it available online so they can use it in planning their trip. When hosting community events, put instructions and visuals in the flyers/invitations for where to park, or other ways people can get downtown.

Conclusion

Plan parking with your community. Come to an agreement on a set of rules that puts pedestrians first, but makes parking and wayfinding easy. This way, everyone wins.

Have a specific question? Our traffic engineer, planner, landscape architect, and streetscape engineers are ready to help! Call us: 616-364-8491.

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