Idlewild Park

pier at Idlewild Park (photo from the Ludington Daily News)

based on a news article in the Ludington Daily News

The culmination of a three-year project was realized on October 25, with the dedication and opening of public access to Idlewild Lake. The project, named Idlewild Lake Access Park, has been part of the dream of those who are seeking to restore Idlewild. The village was formerly a preferred vacation spot for African-Americans, before civil rights and equal access.

The new park is located on about 10 acres of land at the south end of the lake. Facilities include an accessible fishing pier, picnic tables, a sandy canoe beach, and water pump. Most of the park is on a bluff overlooking the lake, with a paved ramp leading to the water.

The park's creation has been a partnership between the Michigan DNRE and Yates Township. Ron Olson, DNRE recreation division chief, said, "The no-fee park will be a good place symbol for Idlewild and a functional place for people to enjoy the lake."
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Holland Downtown Will Have Temporary Ice Rink

family skating (photo by JHY)

from various sources

Holland, Michgan, City Council has approved $6000 for the creation and maintenance of a temporary outdoor ice rink, as an experiment. The exact location is still under consideration, but two possible sites are between College and Columbia Avenues, on 7th or 8th St. The other location is Riverside Park.

The money will be used for a liner, 18-inch high boards, brackets, a resurfacer, and other construction needs to prepare the site and maintain the rink. Although the usability of the rink will depend completely upon the weather, Councilwoman Nancy DeBoer calls this an “experiment.” To build a permanent rink would cost in the neighborhood of $1-4 million dollars. This option is a very inexpensive way to test the idea, and gauge local interest.

The temporary rink will be 70 feet by 100 feet. The Council plans to determine the exact location within two weeks, and materials should be on-site in a month.

See WHTC
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