hese are two of the three docks that were added as part of phase 1 improvements to Heritage Lake.
By: Kara Szymanski | Shelby-Utica News | Published September 1, 2023
SHELBY TOWNSHIP — Shelby Township recently celebrated its ribbon-cutting for the Heritage Lake Phase 1 project.
On Aug. 24, Shelby Township held the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the completion of Heritage Lake Phase 1 at the Shelby Township Municipal Campus, located at 52700 Van Dyke Ave.
This phase installed three new docks. In addition to the new docks, the project phase included pergolas, a new fountain placed in the lake and improved fencing. An expanded 40-foot fishing pier along the lake’s edge, near the Heritage Lake Pavilion, is a premier spot for fishing.
“One of these docks extends into the lake from the pathway leading to Mae Stecker Park on the lake’s western edge. The other docks, strategically positioned near the entrance of Heritage Gardens, activates a previously underutilized area of the park,” Shelby Township Clerk Stanley T. Grot said in a press release.
The pergolas are placed along the walking path and new fencing makes the area safer, according to the township. The new fountain, the second one in the lake, lights up after dark, as does the first fountain.
The Shelby Township Board of Trustees approved the project at its June 21, 2022, meeting with a budget of up to $695,092 using funds from the township’s federal American Recovery Plan Act allotment. Wing Construction, of Shelby Township, completed the phase within budget, according to the township.
Township Supervisor Rick Stathakis helped commemorate the completion of the first phase.
“This milestone underscores our shared vision of progress and unity, and I appreciate Clerk Stanley Grot’s commitment to making this happen,” he said in a press release.
Grot reportedly was inspired to add the fishing piers after seeing two boys fishing from the lake’s muddy banks.
Parks, Recreation and Maintenance Director Joe Youngblood commented on the project.
“Heritage Garden is the most popular park we have in Shelby Township. This is a nice project headed up by the Township Clerk and will get even more use,” he said in an email.
Mike Adams, the Parks, Recreation and Maintenance Department’s sports supervisor, said that this project will make events at the park even better and give people more to enjoy.
“Just when we thought our Parks and Rec Fishing Derby event and Halloween Spooktacular couldn’t get any bigger and better we now have the three new beautiful docks that will make these events bigger and better,” Adams said via email.
The plans for Heritage Lake Phase 2 include a gazebo, improved lighting and a rejuvenation of the walking path, according to the township. Phase 2 has an estimated budget of $1.25 million.