The Petracci Point Fishing Platform, located in the northwest portion of Isabella County Parks’ Deerfield Nature Park on the Chippewa River in Deerfield Township, has been a popular area for fishermen and a scenic lookout area for more than 30 years. However, during that extensive time, exposed to the elements, and from general use, the platform has seen significant wear and tear. The posts that support the front portion of the platform currently sit in the water, and the front, left corner post has sunk down in the sediment of the riverbed causing that corner of the platform to bend downward. This not only makes the platform difficult to walk on and fish from, it also compromises the stability and safety of the entire structure. While there is currently a ramp making the platform ADA accessible, the platform itself is so warped, it does not safely hold any wheeled mobility device in its present state.
The goal of the Deerfield Nature Park Fishing Platform Renovation project is to replace the existing fishing platform at Petracci Point with a new, cantilevered fishing platform that anchors the platform on dry land, but still positions it out over the water of the Chippewa River, allowing for an improved fishing experience and scenic views. The new platform will also be ADA accessible. A new addition will include an accessible viewing area, which will allow individuals of any height to have a clear, unimpeded view of the water and wooded riverbank across the river. Benches, which are currently on the existing platform, will also be upgraded.
To help fund this project, Isabella County Parks submitted a grant application requesting $12,000 in grant funding from the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation (MPACF) during their 2025 Spring Competitive Grant Cycle. On June 26, 2025, MPACF approved the project and awarded full funding totaling $12,000 from the Janet Maar Strickler Access to Recreation Fund, the Access to Recreation Fund, and Mt. Pleasant Rotary Club Access to Recreation. These funds will help offset the cost of replacing the existing fishing platform with a new, cantilevered fishing platform. Isabella County Parks will match the grant-funded amount with $15,000 from the Parks budget, for a total project cost of $27,000.
Thank you to the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation for their continued support, and dedication to improving our community parks!
