Last week, state legislators approved a grant to improve the accessibility of Arthur Dodd Park.

The state grant, which is part of House Bill 5377, provides funds to 44 similar projects throughout the state, allowing better access to natural resources in 30 counties.

We were pleased to see that Rep. Aaron Miller was helping to push the Cass County Park’s inclusion in the grant, which will allow those with disabilities or limited mobility to take advantage of the park on the Dowagiac River.

Many of the amenities included in the grant benefit not only those with disabilities, but everyone visiting the Cass County park. Plans include adding fire rings, barrier-free restrooms, picnic grills, a campground and two cabins.

These attractions will very likely draw tourists from elsewhere in the region and offer a place nearby for Cass County residents to take advantage of the great outdoors. In today’s technology-driven world where people are more likely to spend their days with their face buried in their tablets in their air-conditioned homes, we’re very excited to see any initiative that draws people outdoors to enjoy the environment and get some exercise while they’re at it.

We support any effort that improves tourism to Cass County because when out-of-towners visit the region they frequent our businesses — and then go home and tell their friends about the experience.

Even more so, though, we appreciate the fact that this grant will fund such a great opportunity right here at home.

We’re happy to see that everyone — near or far, physically fit or physically limited — will soon be able to take advantage of this great asset, and we’re thankful to our local legislators for leading the charge on bringing it to Cass County.

 

Opinions expressed are those of the editorial board consisting of Publisher Michael Caldwell and editors Ambrosia Neldon, Craig Haupert, Ted Yoakum and Scott Novak.