New walkways offer better beach access at Grand Haven State Park
Michigan Department of Natural Resources sent this bulletin at 07/01/2015 01:14 PM EDTFriends group, DNR contributed roughly $40,000 total toward accessibility improvements.
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Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 1, 2015
Contact: Joyce Rhodes (DNR), 616-847-1309
New walkways provide improved beach access at
Grand Haven State Park
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources today announced that two new universally accessible, solid-surface walkways have been added at Grand Haven State Park. One 180-foot walkway is available at the pavilion/day-use area and another 190-foot walkway is available near campsites 145 and 147.
These walkways provide beach access to individuals using wheelchairs, walkers and canes. Each walkway includes a midpoint resting area and viewing deck at the end. These accessibility improvements were made possible through a joint effort of the Friends of Grand Haven State Park, the DNR and Grand Haven State Park.
“The friends group was happy to lead this project,” said Mike Mazurek, president of Friends of Grand Haven State Park. “Grand Haven State Park is a treasure for residents and visitors alike, and all should have easy access to the waterfront. We are pleased to partner with the state park and the DNR in this effort.”
The friends group contributed $15,000 to the project through fundraising activities and the DNR contributed an additional $15,000 through its Partnership Match Program. The DNR Parks and Recreation Division also provided $10,000 from the district ADA budget. Grand Haven State Park staff managed the installation of the ADA-approved structures.
To learn more about the Friends of Grand Haven State Park and the walkways, visit www.friendsofghsp.org/ or www.facebook.com/FriendsOfGHSP.
Grand Haven State Park is located on the shore of Lake Michigan in Ottawa County, consisting entirely of sandy beach and providing scenic views of the lake and the Grand Haven pier and lighthouse. To check camping availability and make a reservation at Grand Haven State Park, visit www.midnrreservations.com or call 1-800-44PARKS (1-800-447-2757).
Inside Michigan’s Great Outdoors subscribers are always the first to know about reservation opportunities, state park events and other outdoor happenings. Visit www.michigan.gov/dnr to subscribe now.
A Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry to Grand Haven State Park.
A Recreation Passport grants vehicle access to any Michigan state park, boat launch, state forest campground or nonmotorized state trailhead parking. Residents can purchase the Passport for just $11 ($5 for motorcycles) at the time of Michigan license plate renewal through Secretary of State. Forgot to check “YES” during renewal? Residents and nonresidents can purchase a Recreation Passport window sticker during regular business hours at state parks. Learn more about how the Recreation Passport supports state parks and local outdoor recreation opportunities at www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport.
/Editors' note: An accompanying photo is available below for download. A suggested caption follows.
Grand Haven State Park recently completed installation of two ADA-compliant walkways that improve waterfront accessibility for all users./