The west end received some good economic news in recent days with the announcement that the city of Ishpeming has received a $300,000 state grant.

The money, from Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s community center grants program, will be used to provide increased food- and community-focused programming through a partnership with Partridge Creek Farms, as well as establish a recreational gathering space to include a skate park in the nationally registered historic district and downtown center.

The new skate park should attract residents and visitors alike and will include space for gatherings such as exhibitor fairs, equipment demonstrations and other activities, according to a press release.

“This grant helps us further realize our goal of providing superior support and programming to our residents, their families and our workforce, enabling them to thrive and continue to grow together as a community,” said Ishpeming city manager Craig Cugini. “We are grateful to the Michigan Community Center Grants program for prioritizing the needs of our city through this $300,000 grant, allowing us to promote needed programming that increases food security and opportunities for recreation in partnership with Partridge Creek Farms.”

Overall, the state dispensed $64 million in this grant cycle. Out of nearly 1,000 applications, Ishpeming was one of only 100 cities or organizations statewide to receive funding.

We especially like the idea of a central gathering space and agree with state Gov. Gretchen Whitmer that, “Community centers anchor thriving communities across Michigan, offering Michiganders places to gather, connect, learn and access resources.”

We trust that planning for this grant has already started and that implementation will commence in the near future.