Isabella County Parks has been awarded a grant of $3,200 from the State of Michigan Arts and Culture Council (MACC). The grant was awarded through the MACC compliance review process and was one of 678 applications to compete for MACC fiscal year 2026 funding. The funds, in addition to some funds from the Parks Budget, will go toward the commission of an art mural at Coldwater Lake Family Park in Weidman, MI, to be installed by September 2026. The mural will be located on the sidewall of the Hofbauer Pavilion, one of the park’s most popular pavilions, which sees a lot of foot traffic from both campers and daytime visitors during the camping season (May through early October.)
The location is also accessible, allowing campers and visitors of all abilities to enjoy the new art installation. Isabella County Parks’ ultimate goal, through the mural, is to encourage more visitors to recreate in the outdoors and give them a place to take selfies and show pride in their parks. This art will also enhance the park’s outdoor space by adding beauty, promoting wellbeing, and deepening observation skills, making the surrounding environment more captivating and interactive for individuals of all ages and abilities.
The mission of Isabella County Parks is to actively promote healthy and enjoyable lifestyles for all residents and visitors of Isabella County by providing quality facilities and diverse recreation opportunities through the responsible management of human, financial, and environmental resources while promoting conservation of land, resources, and the environment. We feel this art project fits in perfectly with our mission, especially in supporting our efforts to promote healthy and enjoyable lifestyles for all. This outdoor mural will also undoubtedly enhance the quality of the facilities at Coldwater Lake Family Park, and add to the diversity of the recreation opportunities.
Isabella County Parks staff and Parks Commission board members would like to thank the MACC for their continued support of the arts in Isabella County. The MACC compliance review process ensures the taxpayers, who support this project through legislative appropriations, and all other visitors or residents in Michigan will have access to the highest quality arts and cultural experiences. A complete list of grant awards around the state is available by contacting MACC at (517) 241-4011, or by visiting the MACC website at michigan.gov/arts.
