The Cass County Parks and Recreation Department has announced a special celebration to mark the completion of the “Dodd Park Water Trail Development Project” located at Arthur Dodd Memorial County Park, near Sumnerville.

The ceremony will be at noon on Thursday, Oct. 12, at the park, 61437 Creek Road, Niles. Light refreshments will be offered during the event.

This project has been a dream for several years, and thanks to a Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Grant, it has finally become a reality, park department officials said.

Much planning and consideration went into every step of this renovation; adding a new foot bridge, canoe and kayak launch, additional parking, bathrooms, two cabins and the trail head for the Dowagiac River Water Trail.

“Dodd Park has always been a beautiful place where visitors could relax and enjoy nature along the crystal blue waters of the Dowagiac River and now with improved accessibility and amenities an even greater experience awaits those who visit us,” said Cass County Parks Director Scott Wyman.

Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP with Wyman, at scottwy@cassco.org or by phone at (269) 445-4456, so department officials can have an idea of numbers for which to plan.