Road work completed early on Fort Custer Recreation Area's main entrance
Michigan Department of Natural Resources sent this bulletin at 10/02/2012 03:27 PM EDT
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 2, 2012
Contact: Tony Trojanowski, 269-731-4200 or Ed Golder, 517-335-3014
Fort Custer Recreation Area main entrance has reopened;
road repaving project completed ahead of schedule
State recreation officials announced today that the main entrance of the Fort Custer Recreation Area in Kalamazoo County has reopened after being temporarily closed for a repaving project, funded with Recreation Passport dollars.
“The entrance at Fort Custer has been in disrepair for several years,” said Ron Olson, DNR Parks and Recreation Division chief. “We are very happy to see this much-needed improvement project completed, and pleased to offer over 600,000 annual visitors a smooth ride into the recreation area.”
About 1.6 miles of road were milled, graded and resurfaced with 3 inches of fresh asphalt. Other renovations include improved drainage to prevent future damage to the road, improved signage, striping and widened entrances at the campground and park office to better accommodate longer camper trailers and recreational vehicles.
"We are very excited to see the road repaved,” said park manager Tony Trojanowski. “Thanks to Hoffman Brothers of Battle Creek and all the sub-contractors, the work was completed ahead of schedule and the repaving was done exceptionally well. We apologize for the inconvenience during this construction; however, we hope park visitors will agree it was worth the wait when they drive on the new road.”
Fort Custer Recreation Area is located at 5163 Fort Custer Drive, one-quarter mile east of the village of Augusta (Kalamazoo County) off M-96 (Dickman Road). It offers camping, swimming, fishing, hunting, mountain biking, equestrian trails and bird watching. For more information about the repaving project or the park, contact the park at 269-731-4200 or visit www.michigan.gov/fortcuster.
Recreation Passport is an easy, affordable way for residents to enjoy and support outdoor recreation opportunities in Michigan. By checking “YES” for the $10 Recreation Passport ($5 for motorcycles) when renewing a license plate through the Secretary of State (by mail, kiosk, online at www.expresssos.com or at branch offices), Michigan motorists get access to state parks, recreation areas, state forest campgrounds, non-motorized state trailhead parking and state boat launches. In addition, Recreation Passport holders can experience real savings at businesses and retailers that participate in the Passport Perks discount program. The Recreation Passport is valid until the next license plate renewal date. Nonresidents can purchase the Recreation Passport ($29 annual; $8 daily) at any state park or recreation area or through the Michigan e-Store at www.michigan.gov/estore.
Learn more about this creative way of sustaining Michigan's outdoor recreation and natural resources at www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport. For information on Passport Perks shopping discounts or how businesses and retailers can enroll in the program, visit www.michigan.gov/passportperks.