MARQUETTE — The Marquette City Commission will determine Monday whether to apply for a Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Development grant to help fund a universally accessible playground at Mattson Lower Harbor Park.

Creating an inclusive playground has been on the city’s agenda for several years.

In November 2016, the city commission voted in favor of building the playground at Mattson Lower Harbor Park instead of Presque Isle Park, where the project was first proposed to be built.

The Kids Cove Playground at Mattson Park has been determined to be at the end of its useful life, according to city materials. The cost of replacing it is estimated to be around $600,000.

The inclusive playground would include equipment like adaptive swings, as well as access ramps and smooth, firm surfacing designed to absorb shock so that children in wheelchairs can access all playground stations.

In January, the commission adopted the city’s 5-year Parks and Recreation Master Plan, which prioritizes all accessibility projects within the park system. Incorporating a universally accessible playground at Mattson Park is listed as a high priority in the plan.

According to city notes, a successful grant application would fund $300,000 or 50 percent of the project. The Marquette Playgrounds for All group has committed to raising the local match of $300,000 through a fundraising campaign. The final application for the grant is due April 1.

The application process requires the city commission to approve a resolution of authorization. The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board voted last week to recommend the city commission support this grant application and approve the resolution.

A public hearing is also scheduled Monday regarding an ordinance aimed at regulating the local use of consumer fireworks.

The city commission will meet at 6 p.m. Monday in the commission chambers at Marquette City Hall, which is located at 300 W. Baraga Ave.

For more information, visit www.marquettemi.gov.

Jaymie Depew can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 206. Her email address is jdepew@miningjournal.net.