UPDATE: MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - On July 9th, the Zoning Board of Appeals approved the variance request for the pathway.

ORIGINAL STORY: MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Wonch Park has plenty of open space including a playground, grills, a gazebo but what is this park missing? A pathway.

The Township Board and Park Commission of Meridian Township has announced the acceptance of a $45,000 Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant and with the funds, the Township will construct a paved pathway along the Red Cedar River in Wonch Park.

This addition of about a 2 thousand feet, 8 feet paved universal accessible pathway will meander along the edge of the Red Cedar River throughout the Park and will connect to the existing sidewalk.

"We care about our parks and we care about the environment that's why we took such great care to go out in the beginning to go out to weave this path; to not remove any trees, any bushes or shrubs or anything like that," said LuAnn Maisner, Director of Parks & Recreation for Meridian Township.

If the project is approved by the Zoning Board Appeals, the construction is anticipated to be complete by the end of September.

With the creation of this pathway, people with disabilities will be able to access the walkway a lot easier.

Along with the pathway, the Meridian Township Parks and Recreation Department has also submitted a grant application for a new pavilion within the park, but will have to wait until December to see if they have received it.

Other developments for Wonch Park, may be accomplished if the Meridian Township Park Millage is approved by voters in the August 5th Primary Election.