Berrien County could soon expand Madeline Bertrand County Park near Niles. Berrien County Parks Director Jill Adams tells WSJM News a state grant of $300,000 plus a 25% local match would make way for the purchase of 32 acres of property next to the current 120 acres.
“It is a beautiful stretch of land, and there is room for hiking trails and cross-country ski trails,” Adams said. “There may be an opportunity to expand the disk golf course that’s currently at Madeline Bertrand, and there’s also a possibility of installing a kayak launch along the St. Joseph River.
Adams says the private owner of the property has been working with the county as it sought a Natural Resources Trust Fund grant. With the state having approved the grant, the Berrien County Board of Commissioners will be asked on Thursday to give final approval to the property purchase. Adams says it’s exciting to hike the property and envision the recreation opportunities that could be created there.
