Director of Port Huron’s Parks and Recreation Department, Nancy Winzer, is continuing her department’s quest to make the city’s parks into individual destinations. Gratiot Park could be getting some help from the Chris and Dana Reeve Foundation, in the amount of $25,000, to get some equipment to make a day at the park fun for everyone, even those living with paralysis or other disabilities.
The Port Huron City Council has approved applying for the grant and the application is now being completed. According to the Reeve Foundation’s website, “…the Reeve Foundation Quality of Life Grants Program awards grants to nonprofit organizations that impact and empower people living with paralysis, their families and caregivers.”
Christopher Reeve was an actor who famously played the role of Superman and was later paralyzed in an accident. He and his wife, who have both passed, dedicated their foundation “to curing spinal cord injury by advancing innovative research and improving the quality of life for individuals and families impacted by paralysis.”
The city has already received a $50,000 grant from the DNR for upgrades to Gratiot Park. Michigan Rehabilitation Services has been assisting with the planning of the park accessibility upgrades and is planning fundraisers in the fall. Winzer said the goal is not just to make the park accessible, but to make it fun for everyone of all physical abilities.
