In September 2024, Albion College announced that it had received a $2.8 million federal grant to support improvements throughout Albion, including upgrades to local parks, updates at Innovate Albion and Marshall Opportunity High School, and expanded wellness programming through the YMCA.
A little more than a year later, these efforts are underway. Albion College provides the following update on current progress and the work ahead:
“Albion College is coordinating a $2.8 million grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) targeting site improvements throughout the city of Albion, including renovation at Opportunity High School and much-needed upgrades to community facilities, parks, and recreation areas.
The Building Towards a Healthier and More Accessible Community in the City of Albion Through Site Improvements project was made possible through a partnership between the college, Marshall Public Schools, the Battle Creek Family YMCA, the City of Albion, and the Albion Community Foundation (ACF).
The projects are on schedule to meet the required completion date of September 2031, with the sites for improvement currently undergoing Environmental Review. Once the Environmental review is complete, the project will be available for public comment. Then we will proceed with the construction phase of the project.
The funding is being allocated to multiple significant projects in Albion to enhance community facilities and public access. Key initiatives include renovating a wing of Opportunity High School to establish a local YMCA branch offering health and wellness programs.
Additionally, the funds will support major site improvements to local parks, notably bringing Ketchum Field up to code and restoring Victory Park, including fixing its dual-use pavilion, providing functional bathrooms, and reconstructing the tennis and basketball courts. Furthermore, the money will improve accessibility across the city, including upgrading signage in 11 parks.
Due to timing, the scope of the project for Innovate Albion, the local STEM and Robotics hub, had to be adjusted to focus on modernization of the heating system and installing a cooling system.
These changes would make the heating and cooling of the building more efficient and more reliable. Additionally, the updates would provide efficiencies that will allow for zoned heating and cooling based on room usage and allow for expansion of programming in the summer.
The project is moving forward and is going to bring some exciting upgrades to community facilities, parks, and recreation areas.”
Albion Life Today 