Fort Gratiot Township Parks

Fort Gratiot Township Parks Fort Gratiot Township Parks

Keewahdin Beach Accessibility & Safety UpdateThe Fort Gratiot Township Parks Commission is excited about the newly insta...
06/05/2026

Keewahdin Beach Accessibility & Safety Update

The Fort Gratiot Township Parks Commission is excited about the newly installed ADA gangway ramp at Keewahdin Beach. This addition is an important step toward making our shoreline more accessible for all visitors.

As we’ve monitored the new ramp, we learned that the metal transition plate can become extremely hot in direct sunlight. To help keep beach-goers safe, Patrick Sedwick and Parks Commissioner Connie Neese quickly created and installed a temporary warning sign.

We want to extend a sincere thank‑you to both of them for their fast action and dedication to public safety.

Please be mindful that the metal plate can be hot, especially if children are with you.

This post includes:
• A photo of the temporary sign installed at the beach
• The sign design created by Patrick Sedwick

Come enjoy the Storybook Walk at Fort Gratiot Pond, now featuring Backyard Critters & Creatures by Cheryl Johnson!We are...
05/29/2026

Come enjoy the Storybook Walk at Fort Gratiot Pond, now featuring Backyard Critters & Creatures by Cheryl Johnson!

We are grateful to volunteers from the St. Clair County Trailblazers, Dan Danner and Connie Neese, for installing the new story panels today. Connie also serves on the Fort Gratiot Parks Commission, and we appreciate her commitment to both organizations.

Photo 1 shows the first frame with the book cover.
Photo 2 shows the final frame with Trailblazer Dan Danner standing behind it.

The Fort Gratiot Parks Commission would like to thank everyone who is helping with our tree planting effort. Volunteers ...
05/29/2026

The Fort Gratiot Parks Commission would like to thank everyone who is helping with our tree planting effort. Volunteers started planting trees yesterday, including the Swamp White Oak shown here, which was mulched and caged northwest of Fort Gratiot Pond. The protective cages are five feet tall so the trees can grow safely until they are large enough to withstand deer browsing. With more trees still to plant, we appreciate every hour our volunteers contribute.

We are grateful for the donation of native trees including Swamp White Oak, Hackberry, Red Cedar, and Black Walnut, provided by Plants for Ecology. We also thank Fort Gratiot Tractor Supply for donating the welded wire fencing that protects each tree, and Stephanie Jodway and Rob Dashner for helping with the stakes used in the plantings.

A special thank you goes to the Fort Gratiot Grounds Crew for their continued support and dedication. Our parks are stronger and greener because of all of you!

The Fort Gratiot Parks Commission would like to thank Todd and Karen Marchand for installing a purple martin house at Ke...
05/26/2026

The Fort Gratiot Parks Commission would like to thank Todd and Karen Marchand for installing a purple martin house at Keewahdin Beach and for offering to steward it throughout the season. Their work supports an important native species of our shoreline and adds life and movement to the north side of the beach.

Purple martins in the Great Lakes region rely entirely on human provided housing. Without structures like this one, they cannot nest here. By giving them a safe place to raise their young, we support a species that has been declining in Michigan for many years.

Purple martins feed on flying insects high over the water and the beach. Their presence adds natural activity to the shoreline and contributes to a healthy coastal environment. They are also known for their soft, musical calls and chattering flight notes, which add a pleasant and distinctive sound to the beach for anyone who spends time there.

We appreciate Todd and Karen for taking the initiative to support purple martins in this location and for their commitment to caring for this martin house. Their contribution strengthens both the wildlife habitat and the experience of everyone who visits Keewahdin Beach.

Photo by Patrick Sedwick

Yesterday volunteers planted over 600 native sedges on the north side of Fort Gratiot Pond as part of our ongoing restor...
05/23/2026

Yesterday volunteers planted over 600 native sedges on the north side of Fort Gratiot Pond as part of our ongoing restoration work. The newly planted bed shown in the photo will support wildlife and reduce goose pressure over time. Thank you to everyone who contributed time and effort to this project!

Fort Gratiot Fitness Park is being designed to bring accessible outdoor fitness opportunities to people of all ages and ...
05/14/2026

Fort Gratiot Fitness Park is being designed to bring accessible outdoor fitness opportunities to people of all ages and abilities. To support strength and functional mobility, the park will feature the HealthBeat Pull-Up/Dip station, a versatile piece of equipment that encourages safe and effective upper body training.

The Fort Gratiot Park Commission has purchased a selection of HealthBeat equipment, including the Pull-Up/Dip station shown in this photo. We are now inviting community partners to help fund installation so this equipment can be enjoyed for years to come.

If you would like to contribute, please send a check to Fort Gratiot Township at 3720 Keewahdin Rd. Fort Gratiot MI 48059 with Fitness Park written in the memo line.

Together we can build a space that encourages wellness, independence, and active living.

Thank you, Heidi Fort for your contribution to the future Fort Gratiot Fitness Park!

Thank you to Katrina Mason for contributing to the future Fort Gratiot Fitness Park!Here's a little sneak peak of one of...
05/05/2026

Thank you to Katrina Mason for contributing to the future Fort Gratiot Fitness Park!

Here's a little sneak peak of one of the features:

The Fort Gratiot Fitness Park is being created to support people who want to maintain or rebuild strength, balance, and mobility. One of the new features will be the HealthBeat Stretch station, which encourages gentle stretching and improved range of motion for users of many ability levels.

The Fort Gratiot Park Commission has already invested in HealthBeat equipment, including the Stretch station pictured here. We are now seeking sponsorships and donations to help cover installation costs and make this equipment available to the community.

Donations can be made by sending a check to Fort Gratiot Township at 3720 Keewahdin Rd. Fort Gratiot MI 48059 with Fitness Park noted in the memo line.

Thank you for helping us create a welcoming outdoor space that supports health and movement for everyone.

Thank you, Julie Emerick Peck, for your contribution to the future Fort Gratiot Fitness Park!
04/28/2026

Thank you, Julie Emerick Peck, for your contribution to the future Fort Gratiot Fitness Park!

A big thank you to the Grounds Crew for installing the accessible beach mat at Keewahdin Beach today! This is one more s...
04/27/2026

A big thank you to the Grounds Crew for installing the accessible beach mat at Keewahdin Beach today!

This is one more step in the elected Park Commission’s commitment to accessibility and creating parks that serve the entire community. We are proud to keep moving forward with projects that make our public spaces easier for everyone to enjoy.

Address

3720 Keewahdin Road
Fort Gratiot, MI
48059

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