Turning an Industrial Space into a Community Place

Photo credit: Discovery Center Great Lakes

 

Image description: People are fishing along a waterfront pier, with some seated in wheelchairs and others standing nearby. The scene includes benches, shade structures, and a view of the water with boats in the background.

 

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An old industrial coal dock and uninviting gravel parking lot–that’s how Discovery Center Great Lakes CEO Matt McDonough describes the current Discovery Pier site. But that’s all about to change. 

In receiving a $20,000 Community Funds, Discovery Center Great Lakes has set in motion the site’s transformation into a barrier-free, functional location with recreational amenities and access for all community members.  

“We are turning the current Discovery Pier into a green open space. It’ll have a walkway promenade, parking area free of curbs to promote mobility and accessibility, new fishing railings at different heights to promote inclusivity, and a 4,000-square-foot pavilion with wheelchair access for community use and educational programming,” said Matt.  

Discovery Center Great Lakes has raised $2.2 million for this project, which includes the community funds grant, and plans to have the main phase of the project complete by Memorial Day in 2023, with pavilion completion to follow. 

A popular partner for projects related to our lakes, Discovery Center Great Lakes works with local organizations to reach underserved kids in the region and around the state, getting them out on the water and exploring the Great Lakes. 

“We work with Inland Seas Education Association that serves 3,000 kids each summer, teaching them about the local ecology and invasive species,” shared McDonough. “We also partner with Northern Michigan College and their Great Lakes Water Studies Institute and look forward to collaborating on their college for kids program too.” 

With the help of our Community Funds grant, Discovery Center Great Lakes can update Discovery Pier and turn it into a place that reaches a broader audience within the local community. They’ll continue partnering with organizations like Big Brothers, Big Sisters, but everyone will have access to this community-oriented outdoor space thanks to the grant’s flexibility. 

“Flexible funding, like that of the Community Foundation’s Community Funds, allows organizations and nonprofits to receive funding for dynamic and multifaceted projects that don’t necessarily check all of the boxes for other, more restrictive grants,” said Matt. “And sometimes, you may check all the boxes, but your project doesn’t match the funder’s vision. Flexible funds make projects like the Discovery Pier upgrade possible.” 

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Writer: Alex Dailey