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New playground equipment, kayak rentals, a swim area and little league playing fields are potential amenities that could be coming to a new Leoni Township park through marijuana tax funds.

In December, the Leoni Township Board of Trustees purchased more than 50-acres on Round Lake from the Polish Falcons Nest 336. The organization reached out to the township, interested in selling the land, but wanted it to remain in public use, Leoni Township Manager Mike Jester said.

“(Township officials) want to make a nice park that residents and the public can use for recreation, swimming, family reunions, graduation parties,” Jester said.

This township purchased the land for $780,000 using funds collected from the Marijuana Excise Tax. This will be paid in installments from the fund over the next 10 years, as was requested by the Polish Falcons to keep a consistent revenue stream, Jester said.

With 10 marijuana dispensaries permitted, Leoni Township has the most in Jackson County, collecting more than $590,000 in marijuana tax revenue from the businesses through the state treasury in 2023, according to state tax data.

“The board is committed to spending marijuana dollars on things that benefit everyone,” Jester said.

Plans are in the early stages of development, and township officials are generating ideas on how the park could be used. Ideas so far include new playground equipment, bathrooms, baseball fields and kayak rentals.

“The township board felt that it was important to have a place for people to swim in the township,” Jester said. “At our other township park on Michigan Center Lake, there’s no swimming area.”

A cost for these improvements is not yet known, Jester said, adding any upgrades will be funded by the township’s marijuana tax dollars.

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