City manager excited and pleased about the windfall
By Barb Pert Templeton
On May 7, 2025, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that the City of Marine City is a recipient of a RAP (Revitalization and Placemaking Program) grant to revitalize the former Marine City Lions Club facility on Ward Street. The city acquired the property months ago with plans to open the Otto and Bertha Guy Community Center.
The $984,750 grant supports the city’s vision to create a vibrant community center for residents and the estimated project cost is nearly $2 million, according to a press release from city officials.
The funding for the project is among an announced $25 million in statewide placemaking grants to support vibrant communities and population growth. The RAP program is administered by the MEDC (Michigan Economic Development Corporation) and provides access to gap financing for place-based infrastructure development, real estate rehabilitation and development, and public space improvements.
The Guy Community Center will preserve the legacy of the Marine City Lions Club by offering the facility to local organizations to utilize and rent. The city’s vision includes revitalizing the center, constructing a new pavilion, parking lot, and splash pad. The property also would serve as a trail head for the Bay to Bridge trail and house parks and recreation programs.
The plan for the Otto and Bertha Guy Community Center in Marine City was created earlier this year.
“We’re thankful for Governor Whitmer’s and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s support for this project,” said City Manager Michael Reaves. “We’re also excited to offer this facility and its planned amenities, programs, and services to our residents and the greater community.”
Reaves said that a lot of work remains to bring the vision to reality, including seeking additional grants and financial support. Once the facility is open, the city will turn its attention to planning for a Parks & Recreation program, which will be based out of the community center.
The city’s grant application was supported by 11 local organizations, including the Marine City Chamber of Commerce, and the Economic Development Alliance of St. Clair County.
Blue Water Healthy Living caught up with Marine City Manager Micheal Reaves via email to pose a few questions about the grant that was awarded.
Blue Water Healthy Living: When did the city apply for this grant?
Marine City Manager Michael Reaves: We have worked on this grant for multiple months The grant was due by 1/27/25
BWHL: Who from the city offices, actually worked on writing up the grant application?
Reaves: This was truly a team effort, as multiple people worked to put this grant together. These include Jason Bell -City Clerk, Scott Adkins, -Special Projects Admin, Mike Reaves -City Manager, and several people from F&V Engineering -including David DeLind and Lisa Eastwood.
BWHL: Was there a range in terms of the dollars that could be awarded – if so. what was the minimum and what was the max?
Reaves: We originally asked for the whole amount to get the project done – around $2 million dollars. However, we were very realistic and understood and knew that the project would need to be done in phases. There is also a 50% match required. So, we were hoping for enough to begin the project -as we work to meet the needed match. Our hope is to do this project at the Guy Community center completely with grant funds.
BWHL: Was the large dollar amount the city received a surprise?
Reaves: Yes – when we were given a heads up – they didn’t give us an amount at that time – just telling us our grant was reviewed positively, and it was an impressive application. So, when we received just under $1million dollars – we were surprised.
BWHL: When will the money be presented to the city?
Reaves: We are already working to secure our needed matching funds. Additionally, we are cutting the project up into phases. The MEDC will assign a grant coordinator within the next two weeks, then the work will commence. At this time, we are not sure when the $$ changes hands.
BWHL: What’s the next step for plans at the community center?
Marine City Manager Michael Reaves was pleased to announce the city has received a nearly $1 million dollar grant from the state for the community center.
Reaves: We are cutting the project up into phases. What we can get done with what funds we now possess. Additionally, we are already making several other applications to different organizations for grant funds. We recently hosted the Ralph C Wilson Jr Foundation at the Guy Community Center. It was a very positive meeting. We are already in the process of making that application for funding.
BWHL: Do you have to raise the full $2 million before the center can be open to the public?
Reaves: NO -the center is already open and has been for a while. We have recently hosted the Easter Egg Extravaganza with the Blue Water Maritime Days Committee, as well as the Marine City Little League opening day event to coincide with our recent open house for the community – where we served free hotdogs. Many citizens came into the center to see the improvements made already, as well as view the renderings and drawings
BWHL: Is there a deadline for utilizing this grant money?
Reaves: Yes – we will have these funds spent prior to the deadline for sure. We are already planning working projects for the phases.
BWHL: How are you feeling about securing such a large grant for Marine City?
Reaves: Excited and pleased to be recognized on a statewide level. Our application was a solid effort. We are driven to fulfill the vision of the Guy Community Center and all the amenities that are planned. Our community will now truly have a community center of their own!
BWHL: Has there been a public response to Marine City capturing such a large grant?
Reaves: We have been fielding calls from across the area congratulating us & asking how we accomplished this in such a short time. Marine City has a ton of projects in the works, and many are on-going currently. We are working hard to keep the momentum up and change the direction and perception of Marine City.
