The city of Bridgman has been awarded a $158,000 grant from the Michigan Shared Streets and Spaces Program to develop a new public space downtown.

City Manager Juan Ganum tells us the Bridgman Sideyard is the empty space right next to the new Bridgman Courtyard on Lake Street. He says since the city finished the courtyard, people have been asking him what will be done to the space immediately to the east of it, which is an unused parking lot. They’re going to spruce it up to complement the courtyard.

“We’re looking at artificial turf, we’re looking at shade sails to provide some shade, which has been requested, and maybe some more furniture the way we have in the courtyard, but not necessarily exactly the same furniture,” Ganum said.

They’ll also add a bicycle repair station.

Ganum says the city plans to engage the public on exactly what to do with the space.

“We’ve had folks say, ‘You know, it might not be a bad idea to have a versatile space that has less stuff in it so maybe when families come down to the courtyard, their kids can play in the side yard while they’re sitting and eating and enjoying the courtyard.’”

Ganum says it’s hoped the state grant will cover the entire cost of the work. It could be done at the end of next year’s tourist season after a public engagement period. He tells us to consider the Sideyard the “Courtyard 2.0.”

Also receiving Shared Streets and Spaces grants are the cities of Hartford and Benton Harbor. Hartford will use $200,000 to extend a sidewalk on Center Street to 60th Avenue, while Benton Harbor will improve sidewalks along Empire Avenue.

Photo: the Bridgman Courtyard.