Upcoming and new additions to the Village of Honor in Benzie Co.

BENZIE COUNTY — The Village of Honor is hoping to raise $50,000 for Maley Park, because if they reach their goal, they will be matched by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

“This is a popular picnic spot for people in the area. There are many more children coming to our village and immediate area. We want to get kids outside playing instead of on video screens all the time, and not only for the community people, but for our visitors,” said Bill Ward, Village of Honor president.

With the need for more funds, there are different events like a cornhole tournament and a car show where the proceeds will go back to the playground.

Ward said, “We have soft commitments for $15,000 or $20,000 from some of the area businesses, and we’re looking to raise the rest from individual donations or businesses.”

With the playground project in the beginning stages, another started back in June.

The Honor Farmers Market, which runs Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., gives people from around Benzie County the chance to come grab local produce or goods.

Ward explains, “We have more fresh produce being offered than ever before, which is an asset, fresh baked goods, things of that nature. It gives some of the artists and artisans an outlet for their products.”

Having access to fresh local produce and products is one thing, but access to community is another.

“I think we’ve been able to help people that that maybe wanted to start some type of a small business or, you know, had a great idea of something that they thought maybe people would like and people have been able to come out and start their small businesses,” said Julie Bensinger, market manager.

Opportunities for new beginnings or hobbies can happen not only at the farmers market but also at the new Platte River Park. With the help of Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy and other donors, a new addition was added to Benzie County about a month ago.

Ward says, “We’ve just developed a 52-acre plot bordering on our property and it’s actually Intel, Homestead Township…We have a kayak launch there can be a great picnic grounds. We have, of course, the Blueberry Patch River access was one of the primary reasons there’s fishing platforms and they’re boarding a boardwalk, building a boardwalk observation deck now will be completed.”

There’s a lot to do and learn at Platte River Park on Wednesday from 1-3 p.m. You can go to there to learn about the property and its natural features.

Click here if you want to donate to the playground for Maley Park.