ESCANABA — Delta County will be able to complete three new placemaking projects, thanks to the Prosperous Places Placemaking Mini-grant Program from the Regional Prosperity Council, which is administered by Central U.P. Planning and Development (CUPPAD). Starting in 2016, the Prosperous Places Mini-grant provides communities with financial support to create vibrant public places and stimulate local economic development.

“Placemaking is a concept that draws on the creativity, culture, and natural advantages of the community to enhance the appeal of public spaces. The intent is to create an environment that builds a sense of pride, attracts people and investment to our communities and to improves our local quality of life”, SAID Ryan Soucy, community planner with CUPPAD. The Regional Prosperity Council is granting $66,000 to 15 projects across the Central U.P. this year.

Bay College in Escanaba is adding a signature sculpture to its courtyard art and sculpture garden with their project “Check Out Bay College”. The signature piece, a blue and green 18-foot tall stylized check mark is sure to grab the attention of students, faculty, and the general public. The sculpture incorporates STEM concepts in its design, made with one hundred and eighty triangular faces it will display an interesting dance of light, shade, and shadow while acting as a functional sundial. It is the hope of Bay College that this is the start of a year-round sculpture garden and an eventual “public art trail” on campus.

Stephenson Park in Escanaba, has an old pump house that will soon be getting a facelift. Bonifas Arts Center and local mural artist James Finlan will be designing and painting four different murals on each side of the pumphouse. Each side will feature the nature and personality of the community in each of the four seasons. This display of public art will make Stephenson Park inviting, spark community pride, and promote engagement in the arts.

The Days River Pathway, located between Gladstone and Rapid River, will also be seeing some improvements this year. Due to heavy use and seasonal erosion, some loops of the pathway need upgrading and maintenance. The trail system will also be expanded and the currently broken and inaccessible board-walk will be repaired and made usable again. The Days River Pathway has been voted the “number one things to do” in Gladstone by TripAdvisor and it is their hope that these trail upgrades will keep it that way and keep people coming to Delta County, benefiting the local business and economy.

“U.P. communities have so many unique and authentic assets to draw from to help themselves stand out and improve their visual appeal,” says Soucy. “It’s really inspiring to see some of the things our past award winners have accomplished since the program first started four years ago. These projects contribute so much to our region’s marketability while engaging all sorts of people in the development of the places where we live and spend time.”

For a full list of 2019 Prosperous Places Award Winners, visit: https://bit.ly/2HyQ3XC