Benton Harbor City Commissioners have formally approved the plans for improvements at Hall Park.

At this past week’s meeting, the city commission signed off on the design plan for the park, which will be getting $1 million in work thanks a grant, said Mayor Marcus Muhammad.

“A one million dollar grant, the Spark Grant from the state of Michigan by way of Washington, D.C. and the American Rescue Plan Act…Hall Park will begin phase one of the renovations,” Muhammad said.

The total restoration of the park is expected to cost about $3.5 million, and Muhammad said this is a good start. The work in the coming year will include new basketball courts and trails.

The improvements were delayed due to complications with the Ox Creek cleanup project, and commissioners on Monday noted the delay period was put to good use by allowing more time for public engagement in the planning.

With the commission’s vote this week, the city manager can now move forward with securing contractors.