GLADSTONE, Mich. (WZMQ) – Downtown Gladstone is getting some new greenery this spring.
The City and the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) are planting trees along Delta Avenue at the intersections of 8th, 10th, and 11th Streets. The design will match the trees that were planted at the intersection of Delta Avenue and 9th Street in 2020.
According to DDA Director Patricia West, the City has been looking for ways to plant more trees for some time. A $4,000 grant from the DNR Urban & Community Forestry Program allowed the City and DDA to begin the process.
“It wouldn’t cover the full cost, but we were able to leverage funds from the DDA and the Dr. Mary Cretens Fund to help make the project happen,” West said. “I think it’s really cool to see different entities come together in pursuit of something.”
West says including nature among the shops and restaurants brings out the beauty of Downtown Gladstone.
“When you’re walking a downtown space and all you see is concrete and sidewalks, it’s not a very appealing place for people,” she said. “When you invest in greenery and vegetation and trees in your downtown, it makes it more of a place where people want to stay and spend their time. We’re hoping to continue to invest in our downtown and make it an attractive place for both our residents and future businesses as well.”
Work is set to begin next month. The trees should be in place before the first City of Gladstone Farmers Market of the year, which is scheduled for June 2.
