|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug. 17, 2015
Contact: Sean Mulligan, 616-527-3750
Sessions Creek Bridge replacement complete
The Department of Natural Resources today announced that construction on the bridge over Sessions Creek in Ionia State Recreation Area is complete, and the bridge is now open to the public.
This new bridge replaces one that was destroyed by a tree knocked down by heavy rains and flooding in 2009. Bridge replacement was postponed due to budget constraints and a growing list of higher priority infrastructure issues around the state. Thanks to funding from a trail grant, the park was able to replace the bridge this year, allowing users to complete the 3.5 mile loop on Sessions Lake Hiking Trail without interruption.
The popular trail meanders around Sessions Lake in the heart of Ionia State Recreation Area. Trail hikes run through marshy areas, near wetlands and through a mature Beech-Maple forest. The trail also crosses the dam that was placed on the creek in 1983 to create the 140-acre lake where fishing, boating and paddlesport opportunities are plentiful.
For more information about the bridge, contact Sean Mulligan at mulligans@michigan.gov or 616-527-3750.
For more information about Ionia Recreation Area please visit www.michigan.gov/ionia or visit the park’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/IoniaRecArea.
To check camping availability and make a reservation, please 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 Ionia State Recreation Area. 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.
Bridge_SessionsCreek: Ionia State Recreation Area’s new bridge over Sessions Creek will allow users to walk the entire 3.5 mile loop of Sessions Lake Hiking Trail./
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.
|
