KINGSFORD — The Kingsford City Council has approved seeking a $120,000 Michigan Department of Natural Resources grant to replace aging playground equipment and add four pickleball courts in Lodal Park.

City Manager Anthony Edlebeck said they received four support letters for the project, including from Breitung Township Schools, Iron Mountain-Kingsford Community Schools and the local pickleball league.

But at Monday’s meeting, Daniel Cram of Kingsford told the council that although he isn’t against pickleball, he wished the city would consider needed repairs on Lodal’s softball and baseball fields.

He said other communities have upgraded their fields and it brings money into the community. Water last year was never turned on, so they could not run the concession stand or use the bathrooms.

He said a group of parents, with city help, is willing to work on those facilities.

In other business, the council:

— Approved Justin Lanthier’s request to complete work at several area parks to qualify for Eagle Scout. Lanthier plans to install three rideable spring-based toy animals at Triangle Park and two spring toys at Lodal Park, plus install mulch in a 6-foot perimeter around the toys. He also plans to replace some rusted grill tops at Cowboy Lake. He has been coordinating the project with city officials.

— Agreed to allow Edlebeck and Public Works Superintendent Justin Wickman evaluate engineering bids to replace water and sanitary sewer mains at Carpenter Avenue/M-95 from Hamilton to Woodward avenues, along with the Michigan Department of Transportation within the next five years. They will present their recommendations in April. Three local firms submitted bids ranging from $39,600 to $43,500. The city hopes to complete the design phase this year.

— Learned the project to cold-mill and resurface Woodward Avenue from North Boulevard to Kimberly Avenue has been approved for federal funds that will be administered through the MDOT. Bids will be opened May 4, with construction to be completed this year.