(WWJ) — Warmer weather has been gracing Michigan on and off in recent weeks, which means spring and summer are right around the corner.
And that means outdoor enthusiasts will be raring to visit the more than 100 state parks across Michigan.
But several of them will be closed, or at least partially closed, this year as the state continues to invest $250 million in upgrades to its state parks. The investment is made possible by the America Rescue Plan Act.
Many “critical improvements” are already underway at state parks, with others getting ready to break ground in the coming months, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
“Although the work will cause slight disruptions to overnight and day-trip plans at some locations, state park officials say it’s a worthwhile tradeoff – governed by a strict timeline – that will yield substantial long-term visitor benefits,” DNR officials said in a press release.
The federal relief funds will help the DNR “address a decades-long backlog of repair and maintenance needs,” as well as help build a new state park in Flint.
"In the construction world, this is much like a race against time to design, bid and plan these projects in such a short time frame," said Ron Olson, DNR Parks and Recreation chief. "The ARPA funds must be committed by Dec. 31, 2024, and spent on those projects by Dec. 31, 2026. It’s an exciting opportunity, but one that requires careful planning, broad action and thorough execution.”
While the DNR released a short list of projects that will have parks closed for at least part of the season, Olson encouraged anyone considering a state park visit – now or later this season – to visit Michigan.gov/DNRClosures to find anticipated closure dates and additional information on these projects.
Here are seven projects at popular parks the public should know about:
• Algonac State Park (St. Clair County): Full-hookup site installation and road repairs in the day-use area and modern campground will prompt closures this spring and summer. A proposed $4.1 million in ARPA funding is available for these and other renovations.
• Brighton Recreation Area (Livingston County): Electrical and road upgrades will close the Bishop Lake modern campground Aug. 11, 2024, to mid-May 2025. In addition, road repairs will close the Horseman’s equestrian campground June 1-Oct. 15, 2024. A proposed $2.97 million in ARPA funding is available for these and other renovations.
• Interlochen State Park (Grand Traverse County): Due to a planned park enhancement project to upgrade the park's water and sewer system and beach house toilet building, the day-use area and modern campground are closed this spring and summer. The park's Duck Lake Boating Access Site will intermittently close. The Green Lake Boating Access Site and rustic campground will remain open. A proposed $3.57 million in ARPA funding is available for these and other renovations.
• Fort Custer Recreation Area (Kalamazoo County): To replace both toilet and shower buildings, the park's modern campground is temporarily closed. The east loop is slated to open July 31; however, it may open earlier if construction is ahead of schedule. The west loop likely will remain closed through July 31 due to additional enhancements, such as new underground electrical conductors, site pedestals and distribution panels. All other park amenities, including boating access sites, trails, cabins, group camps picnic shelters and the equestrian campground will remain open. A proposed $3 million in ARPA funding is available for these and other renovations.
• Ludington State Park (Mason County): Enhancements that include paving, parking expansion and improved traffic and pedestrian flow at the park's main entrance will close the majority of the park Sept. 3, 2024, through July 1, 2025. The 2,000 acres of parkland and 3-mile stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline south of the Big Sable River, including the hiking trails and boardwalk, will remain open and accessible to the public via roadway parking along M-116. A proposed $4.26 million in ARPA funding is available for these and other renovations.
• McLain State Park (Houghton County): An upgrade of the wastewater treatment system will close the modern campground starting Aug. 1 and lasting for the remainder of the 2024 season. A proposed $350,000 in ARPA funding is available for these and other renovations.
• Port Crescent State Park (Huron County): To upgrade roads, water/sewer lines, electrical and the sanitation station, the park’s modern campground is closed for the 2024 season. The beach house also is being upgraded but is slated to reopen by this Memorial Day. A proposed $4.95 million in ARPA funding is available for these and other renovations.
An interactive dashboard detailing all the projects funded by the ARPA can be found here.