Bicentennial Park-Royalton Township, Michigan

Bicentennial Park has been a staple outdoor gathering space of Royalton Township for over 40 years. Located at the northeast corner of John Beers Road and Scottsdale Road, the park recently received a bit of a face lift in the form of new amenities such as a wide, paved, winding walking path; colorful playground equipment for kids of all ages; and improvements to the picnic shelter. 

This project began with Wightman assisting Royalton Township with updating their Parks and Recreation Plan in 2017, which identified park improvements throughout the township including a master plan for this parcel. The Township then successfully secured a $300,000 Land and Water Conservation grant through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources paving the way for the upgrades. 

Improvements were made to the pavilion kitchen area and lighting; a new play structure, picnic tables and shade sail were installed; pavilion restrooms were improved and are now accessible from outside the structure; new water fountain with bottle filler and pet bowl serves both humans and their four-legged friends; and a new asphalt walking trail that’s over 1/3-mile in length provides opportunities to walk and talk. Improvements were made to the pavilion restrooms to make them accessible from the outside the pavilion. Future plans for the site include a pickleball court, soccer fields, and a dog park. This welcoming gem of a park certainly shines, benefitting Royalton Township residents and all visitors to Southwest Michigan.