Waterfall Park

Bay City’s Waterfall Park originates from the Bay City Downtown Development Authority’s 20-year Development and Urban Design Plan. Waterfall Park is located at the end of Third Street, extending to the first bridge across the Saginaw River. The park offers visitors and residents a retreat from the hustle and bustle of the rejuvenated downtown while becoming an integral part of the Art and Culture Loop.

Highlights:

• The new Waterfall Park is attracting residents and visitors to the area, providing additional sales to business owners.
• Boathouse Condos, a new luxury 35-unit development near Waterfall Park, is two-thirds occupied, and new retail shops have opened.
• During the summer, free entertainment is provided every Friday evening at Waterfall Park for residents and visitors.

Bay City reported in 2005:

• The Cool Cities logo was utilized on various Downtown marketing materials and displayed throughout the Downtown in windows and front doors.
• The Bay City Times continues to report to the public the stages of development of the Waterfall Park project.
• Our Local Cool Cities Advisory Group is currently developing a survey of young people living in the bay area.
• In August 2004, the Bay Area Community Foundation was awarded a $706,872 grant from the State Department of Transportation to help renovate the former Pere Marquette Railroad Depot, which is on the Michigan Register of Historic Sites and the National Register of Historic Places.
• Several developers involved in downtown projects have mentioned the designation, the Waterfall Park, and “the Cool City factor.”
• Local public investment includes $350,000 from HUD for the State Theatre Renovation.
• $50,000 was donated by the Bay City Rotary for a new downtown Micro Park, which includes a kiosk with historical information. An art element is being designed for the Micro Park by a Delta College student and will be donated by Delta College to the Downtown Development Authority (value to be determined.)
• “In the past few years, Bay City has become known a unique community with numerous specialty shops and family events, especially in its Downtown. We need to get the word out that this community has momentum and that it's a great place to look at for starting a business and raising a family. Being able to say we are a Cool City and the promotion of our community in the media has been overwhelming and has started to fortify this message,” said Candace Bales, award designee.

Bay City reported in 2006:

• Started offering entertainment for Fridays at the Falls at the new Third Street Waterfall Park
• Several developments are taking place in downtown Bay City, including condominiums, new retail shops, and other new business ventures.
• The new Third Street Waterfall Park is attracting residents and visitors to the area, providing additional sales to business owners in the neighborhood, which ultimately retains jobs.
• Downtown property values have increased by approximately $35,600. Use of the Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Action (PA 146) saves the property owner 60 percent on the increased taxes over a period of time.