HCP Awarded Grant from the W.S. & Lois VanDalson Foundation
Historic Charlton Park (HCP) has been awarded a grant from the W.S. and Lois VanDalson Foundation to perform additional accessibility projects throughout the historic village. This work will enhance the visitor experience by better connecting people that are aging or use a mobility device to the historic buildings. This project is part of larger efforts to address accessibility deficiencies as outlined in HCP’s master plan.
“Receiving this funding from the VanDalson Foundation really cements the importance of the accessibility work we are doing throughout the facility. The connectivity will help better serve youth in our education programs and the public-at-large by enabling access to the spaces being interpreted,” said Dan Patton, director of Barry County Parks.
Funding will be used to offset the costs of completing the permanent ramps and barrier free entries to four buildings in the historic village (Sixberry House, Lee School, Hall House, Barber Shop). Remaining funding will be used to address access barriers to the Blacksmith Shop. This project will increase personal independence and allow older visitors and individuals using mobility devices to fully engage in all HCP has to offer by allowing access to historic buildings at their own pace without making an appointment or calling ahead.
Questions? Call (269) 945-3775, email info@charltonpark.org.
Historic Charlton Park (HCP) has been awarded a grant of $15,649 from the State of Michigan Arts and Culture Council (MACC). The grant was awarded through the MACC review process and was one of 828 applications to compete for MACC fiscal year 2025 funding.
Grant funds will support two projects. First, funding will support professional development and allow two staff members to attend the American Association for State and Local History conference in 2025. Second, a storage feasibility study will be conducted concerning the housing of HCP’s expanding collection of artifacts. The study will address whether an existing building can be renovated for artifact storage or whether new construction is needed. Read the full press release here.
Questions? Call (269) 945-3775, email info@charltonpark.org.
Improving Access
Historic Charlton Park will continue to improve access and connectivity throughout the historic village by working to complete the boardwalk system. Click on the picture to see future plans to make the historic village accessible for all visitors.
Historic Charlton Park was thrilled to welcome the public to a special ribbon-cutting event to celebrate the completion of a variety of accessibility projects this summer on September 18, 2024 in the historic village outside the Lee School. There were brief remarks, followed by the opportunity to test out the improvements, and have refreshments in the Hastings Township Hall.
Questions? Call (269) 945-3775 or email info@charltonpark.org.
This project was made possible thanks in part to a grant from AARP.
About the Sidewalk Project and AARP Community Challenge
Read the 6/26/2024 Press Release for all of the details.
For additional information or questions about HCP, please call 269-945-3775 or email info@charltonpark.org. Historic Charlton Park is located north of M-79 at 2545 S. Charlton Park Rd., Hastings, MI 49058, and is part of the Barry County Parks system.
