County park to get new boathouse
David Czurak
 
Former Universal Forest Products Chairman Peter Secchia told Kent County commissioners Thursday that a new boathouse will be built in the county-owned Millennium Park this summer and that second-generation members of the DeVos family have agreed to pay for its construction — a cost that has been estimated at $800,000.

“This is a very, very nice boathouse that will be available to everyone in the park,” said Secchia, who chairs the Millennium Park Finance Committee.

“We want to thank the private sector for their donations,” he added.

The boathouse will be built just south of the swimming beach and will offer paddleboats, kayaks and rowboats for rent to parkgoers. Construction is expected to begin this summer and be completed by early fall. Cornerstone Architects and O’Boyle, Cowell, Blalock & Associates designed the building.

“This is such a wonderful piece. Thank you,” said Commission Chairwoman Sandi Frost Parrish.

“This is a big addition to the recreational core,” added County Commissioner Roger Morgan.

“The boathouse will sustain itself (financially),” said County Parks Director Roger Sabine.

Secchia pointed out that the local private sector has donated more than $15 million to the development of the 1,400-acre Millennium Park, situated on the county’s west side. Kent County has allocated $15.5 million to the park, while the state has contributed grants totaling $5.5 million.

“Today is truly a celebration of philanthropy and of those who build community,” said Secchia. “We are so thankful for the many public-private partnerships that have made Millennium Park possible and are now another step closer to realizing the vision for the magnificent park.”