The restoration of Deindorfer Woods Park in Saginaw is nearly complete thanks in part to a Consumers Energy Foundation matching grant, as well as grants from Saginaw Community Foundation, The Dow Chemical Company, Harvey Randall Wickes Foundation, Citizens Bank, Morley Foundation, Frank N. Andersen Foundation, Allen E. & Marie A. Nickless Memorial Foundation, Wickson-Link Memorial Foundation and Alice E. Turner Memorial Trust.
When the city experienced budget problems a few years ago, Northmoor Neighborhood Association members and visitors took on the responsibility of providing detailed maintenance for the 20-acre park. Then, last December, the Consumers Energy Foundation awarded a $125,000 grant – contingent upon matching grants.
“The community really rallied around this cause,” said Reneé Johnston, CEO and president of the Saginaw Community Foundation.
Johnston said the matching funds were raised within six months.
“This park is one of ten projects that our company is supporting in communities around the state as we celebrate our 125th anniversary,” said David Mengebier, president of the Consumers Energy Foundation. “It symbolizes our commitment to the people and the communities in Michigan we serve.”
Judy Andersen, former president of the Northmoor Neighborhood Association, said that Deindorfer Woods Park has the only ‘woods’ in the City of Saginaw. The park also is the site of the first producing oil well in Michigan.
“It has always been the Saginaw community’s place to experience the wonders of nature close to home,” Andersen said.