An LED lighting system is proposed for the East Kingsford baseball field as part of Breitung Township’s $500,000 park improvement plan. (Jim Anderson/Daily News)

QUINNESEC — Breitung Township will seek a state grant for a proposed $500,000 project at East Kingsford Park that includes lights for the baseball field.

The estimated cost for an LED lighting system and pole footings is $136,000, according to a project summary reviewed by the township board. The other big-ticket item in the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund application is $132,000 for playground equipment.

The board Monday agreed to add the playground component to bring the project up to the maximum allowed under the grant. If everything is approved, the state would provide $400,000, with a $100,000 contribution required from the township.

“Parks are a big thing to the people in this township,” Supervisor Denny Olson said in supporting the full amount.

The baseball field is mainly used by Little League teams. No other township field has lights.

Other proposed items include —

— Paving of an expanded parking area with a sidewalk connection and ADA parking spots, $85,000;

— Fencing modifications, $25,000;

— Site preparation and grading, $22,000;

— Press box, $30,000;

— Engineering, $30,000; and

— Contingency, $40,000.

The East Kingsford recreation area includes a pavilion with electricity and a warming building for the park’s winter ice rink. There is also a basketball court and walking path. The park is surrounded by South Jackson Street, East Sagola Avenue, Ford Street and South Roosevelt Street.

If new playground equipment is acquired, it could be incorporated into a redesign of the park layout, Trustee Ben Peterson said.

Trustee Brent Johnson noted the existing playground equipment is more than 20 years old.

In December, grant recommendations will be forwarded by the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Board to the state legislature for final approval. The deadline for the grant application is April 1.

Last year, 55 project grants totaling $17.7 million for local units of government were recommended. Final grant awards depend on the appropriation process, but are usually made within a year to 18 months after the application deadline.

The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund is a restricted fund that was established in 1976 to provide money for outdoor recreation projects and for public acquisition of lands for resource protection and recreation. It is funded through interest and earnings on funds derived from the revenues of state-owned oil, gas and minerals.

In other action, the township board:

— Will move forward on proposed zoning ordinance amendments concerning the height of accessory buildings and the use of shipping containers as accessory buildings. In certain districts, the maximum accessory building height of 18 feet would be raised to 25 feet. Shipping containers would be permitted, but only under specified conditions, locations and standards. The existing ordinance does not address shipping containers as accessory buildings.

— Will continue to review the township’s zoning fee schedule. The current application fee for a conditional use/special land use or variance application is $150, which doesn’t cover the township’s costs in advertising and conducting a public hearing.

— After reviewing quotes, authorized spending up to $12,000 for a traffic control trailer. Olson and Department of Public Works Superintendent Jay Davis were assigned to choose a vendor.

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Jim Anderson can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 85226, or janderson@ironmountaindailynews.com.