Pentwater Junior Sailing Program Gets New Dock

building the new dock (photo from the Oceana Echo)

from Oceana Echo

The Pentwater (Michigan) Junior Yacht Club was the recipient of a new dock this week where they can store their boats.

Pentwater's Junior Sailing Program provides lessons to all youth. There is a sailor scholarship program for any student that may need help with the cost. The goal is to be sure all children have an opportunity to learn to sail. They also offer private lessons for adults and children under 8 years of age.

The previous deck was broken and the seawall was in bad repair, allowing water to erode the land behind it.

Contributions were provided by The Pentwater Lake Improvement Board, The Village of Pentwater, the Pentwater Service Club, and the Pentwater Junior Women's Club. The Service Club also provided labor as a great cost-saving measure.

Once plans were approved and the beach area re-graded, building the dock took only two days.

See Pentwater Junior Saliing Program


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Pentwater-Hart Trail Receives Additional Funding

Pentwater Hart Trail logo (graphic from Facebook)

from the Ludington Daily News

The Pentwater Hart Trail that seeks to connect the Hart-Montague multi-use trail to Pentwater, Michigan, has received grant funds of $888,861 from MDOT and the Safe Routes to School program.

Local matching will be $307,397, and the recent Tacos and Trek event was a fundraiser to help with that effort.

Claudia Ressel-Hodan, the President of the Friends of the Pentwater-Hart Trail Committee, announced that the City of Hart has also contributed to the project including educational components.

The Friends group has made a big effort to provide safety and education to young people about trail use that has qualified the group for some additional funds.

The 8.2 mile trail has been in the planning stages since 2015, and Ressel-Hodan says that the planning and engineering phases are nearing completion and that construction should begin in the spring of 2027.

See Tacos and Trek


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Spotlight- Pine Forest Loop Trail

Pine Forest Loop entrance (photo by jhy)

by jhy

The Pine Forest Loop is a short trail just north of Pentwater, MI, on property owned by the Pentwater Conservation Organization (PCO). This group, established in 2011, seeks to preserve a portion of the wooded dune ecosystem typical of West Michigan. Their holdings have grown from an initial 12 acres to 39 acres.

Over time, blowing sand has mixed with humus (organic material) to form a soil that is ideal for white pine, blueberries, wintergreen, and trailing arbutus. The fertile layer is shallow. Please refrain from going off trail to explore or climb the hills.

Find the trailhead just across from the Pines Motel on Business 31 north of Pentwater. Location 43.79728, -86.42862. There is parking for two or three cars.

To walk the loop in either direction, leave the parking area on the single trail heading into the woods. In just a few yards, the counter-clockwise option will turn to the right while you should continue straight to walk clockwise.

The loop does climb partway up the dune ridge. If you are walking clockwise, watch for a sharp switchback that is not marked. There is a bench just above this turn.

Markers are small green arrow emblems on trees, and it will be helpful when a few more of these are added. However, I did always find the trail with a narrow but well-established treadway.

The entire loop is less than a half mile, but this is a good place for a quick walk on natural surface trail, close to Pentwater.

Pets must be leashed No bikes, no motorized vehicles. Fires and hunting are prohibited. The park is open from 8 am to 6 pm, May 1 through Labor Day, and from 9 am to dusk during the rest of the year. Sking and snowshoeing are encouraged.

There are no amenities other than the small parking area, and one bench.

Although the Conservation Organization's website mentions preservation of a "dune and swale" ecosystem, one can not see this from the trail. It would be on the lake side of the ridge.

The PCO's mission statement is: "The PCO is dedicated to the conservation of the forested dunes of West Michigan." Thus, the group seeks to preserve the natural habitat. They have worked to remove Japanese barberry and other invasive plants, while watching for interesting native species to protect. They are a member of the West Michigan Conservation Network.

The trail has been added to the Get Off The Couch website. See complete information at Pine Forest Loop

See Pentwater Conservation Organization


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Pentwater to Add Shopper's Dock

proposed location of transient docks

by JHY, based on a news item in the Ludington Daily News

I read with interest last week that the Village of Pentwater is planning space for boaters to be able to dock temporarily. Day users could leave their boats, shop or eat and then return to continue their voyage or recreational outing. This is known as a transient or shopper's dock.

Rob Allard, Village Manager, stated that it will not technically be a dock, but a seawall where boats can tie up for as long as three hours. It is to be located at the foot of 3rd Street. The space will accommodate boats up to 23 feet in length.

This interests me, because earlier this summer a friend and I kayaked in Pentwater Lake. There is a very small space between 4th and 5th Streets where people can park and put in small boats. When we returned to take our boats out, the entire space was taken up by some kayaks that had been pulled out and left temporarily in the area. We had to wait until the paddlers returned and cleared the space. Fortunately, we did not have to wait long, but it did emphasize the problem. You can't really leave a boat, even to go get a snack without being in someone's way.

This will be a nice addition to the services in Pentwater.

Allard said that work will begin this fall, and should be completed in the spring.

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Air Fun Owners Retire- 17 Years of Kite Fun

Mike and Susan Castor (photo provided with news release)

a news release of Michigan DNR

It's the end of a high-flying era at two west Michigan state parks. After 17 years at Mears State Park and 12 years at Ludington State Park, Air Fun Kites of Pentwater, Mich., offered its final "Kite Night" Aug. 4 at Ludington State Park. Mike and Susan Castor, owners of Air Fun Kites, began the program in 1997, helping campers of all ages to build and fly their own kites on the shore of Lake Michigan.

Since the program began, the Castors provided free materials and instruction for visitors to make a total of 17,866 kites. The couple is now entering retirement, but their Kite Nights at the parks have left many campers and park staff with fond memories.

"Mike and Sue have given generations of families a wonderful gift of happiness and memories through kitemaking and flying," said Allan Wernette, interpreter at Ludington State Park. "Our staff and visitors will certainly miss their generosity and love for making children happy - ages 3 to 103. The Castors helped to give Ludington State Park its outstanding reputation as one of Michigan's favorite state parks."

In 2014, each park hosted four Kite Nights, with a total of 715 participants. The last program of the season brought in the highest participation this year, with 141 kites made during one Kite Night.

"Air Fun Kites is a family business that has changed the lives of a lot of people," Mears State Park Explorer Guide Clayton Breiler said. "I will forever have the lyrics of 'Let's Go Fly a Kite' in my head, thanks to Kite Nights."

Jim Gallie, supervisor at Ludington State Park, agreed the Castors have had a lasting impact on park visitors.

"I've had the opportunity to see Mike and Susan in action for the past 10 years while managing at both Mears and Ludington state parks," Gallie said. "They are truly special people. They've shared their love for kites and the Lake Michigan shoreline breezes that power them with thousands of kids and parents. They helped make camping at Mears and Ludington a special experience for these families. We're going to miss working with them, but wish them a happy retirement."

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Annual Run/Walk for C.O.V.E. at Charles Mears Park

(photo by JHY)

a news release of theMichigan DNR

Charles Mears State Park will host a benefit beach run/walk on Saturday Sept. 11. Check-in and registration begins at 7:30 a.m. The 5K and 10K races will start and end at Charles Mears State Park and follow a course covering paved, hard packed gravel and beach surfaces.

All proceeds from the benefit run/walk will go to support Communities Overcoming Violent Encounters (COVE), a non-profit organization serving victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and women and children who are homeless.

COVE is also known as The Women's Shelter. The goal of The Women's Shelter is to give women the resources needed to handle their individual situations. COVE is part of a state and nationwide network of shelter and support services.

The entry fee for the event is $15 per person if registered by Monday, Sept. 6, and $20 after Sept. 6, with special discounted rates for families. The first 150 registrants will receive a free event t-shirt and refreshments will be provided for all participants. Prizes will be awarded to the first and second place female and male finishers in each age group for the running events and for the overall female and male first and second place finishers of the 5K walk.

"This is the third year that we have the races and the number of participants has been increasing with each race," said DNRE Park Supervisor Jim Gallie. "The course is one of the most beautiful that I have seen and it's a good partnership with Communities Overcoming Violent Encounters."

"Since 1979, COVE has been addressing the issues of domestic and sexual violence and homelessness in Lake, Mason and Oceana counties. The Women's Shelter has housed more than 7,900 women and children during the last 30 years. In addition to a 24/7 crisis hot line, COVE provided more than 7,000 clients with advocacy, crisis intervention, legal assistance and counseling. The proceeds from the Benefit Walk/Run will help COVE continue providing free and confidential services to women and children", said Lynne Cavazos, COVE benefit coordinator.

Register at Charles Mears State Park
or call Lynne Cavazos at 231-869-5939
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Outdoor Fun at Pentwater Winterfest in Feb

sledders from a previous Winterfest (photo from Channel Inn)

if you like this article, click the Blip chiclet!
based on the Winterfest brochure

Pentwater Winterfest takes place on two February Saturdays, the 13th and 20th. There are activities for the outdoor lovers, and those who prefer to stay warm and relax.

Outdoor events include the following:

Saturday, Feb 13:
From dawn till 3 pm, fish Pentwater Lake for Northern Pike and Northern Perch. First, second and third place prizes for these fish will be handed out at Cenzo's at 3:00 pm. For more information call Joe at 231-869-8681

From 11 am till 4 pm anyone can try cross-country skiing at Pentwater Pathway. This is co-hosted by the Oceana Cross Country Ski Association and Jim Lamie, the founder of Skis for Kids. Skis are provided for all ages- free of charge. If weather is too bad for skiing, alternative date is Feb 20. If you have wanted to try skiing, but couldn't afford to even rent this is the event for you! Pentwater Pathway includes loops for all skill levels. See OCCSA or call Gayle Sorensen 231-873-5247.

At 3:30 pm the first annual Hart vs Pentwater Broomball match will be held. Meet in the parking lot of the Chamber of Commerce. To participate you must be 18 or older, and bring a helmet and a broom.

Saturday, Feb 20:
From 2-4 pm, on the Village Green, there will be sledding races, and a snowman building contest. Hot chocolate and snacks are provided

See Pentwater.org for the complete list of activities
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Beach Walk/Run, Sept 12, Pentwater

Charles Mears State Park (photo by Michael Turk)

a news release of Michigan DNR

Charles Mears State Park will host a chance to "GO Get Outdoors" at a beach run/walk on Saturday, Sept. 12. The 5K and 10K races will begin and end at Charles Mears State Park, with the races starting at 8:30 a.m., and follow a course covering paved, sand and beach surfaces.

"The course starts out along the picturesque streets of Pentwater, and then proceeds through the beach communities north of town," said Park Supervisor Jim Gallie. "The final segment of the course follows along the water's edge and, with Lake Michigan experiencing high water levels, participants should be prepared for the possibility of wet feet."

Proceeds from the event will benefit Communities Overcoming Violent Encounters (C.O.V.E.), a nonprofit organization serving victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and women and children who are homeless.

The entry fee for the event is $15 per person if registered by Monday, Sept. 7, and $20 after Sept. 7 with special discounted rates for families. The first 100 registrants will receive a free event T-shirt and refreshments will be provided for all participants. Prizes will be awarded to the first and second place female and male finishers in each age group for the running events and for the overall female and male first and second place finishers of the 5K walk.

For more information about the event, contact Lynne Cavazos at (231) 869-5939.

See Charles Mears State Park
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Pentwater Junior Sailing Venue Claims Legal Use

The Pentwater (Michigan) village council voted Monday to move the summer's Junior Sailing Program from the Pentwater Yacht Club to the village launch ramp. The move was first suggested because more participants come from the public at large than from Yacht Club membership.

However, a question of riparian rights was posed by a neighbor of the village ramp, Chuck Timmer. His claim is that anyone wading from the ramp into the lake on the east side will be trespassing on his property.

The village attorney Gary Nicholson researched the issue and learned that there are two reasons which make this claim unlikely to hold up. First, riparian lines are drawn perpendicularly to the centerline of the lake. With a DEQ map of the lake, lines drawn to the shore at the property boundaries indicate that there is enough room for sailing program participants to use the east side of the ramp.

Secondly, the state has continually upheld the rights of anyone to use an entire body of water for recreational purposes if the water is reached through a legal access.

Timmer's attorney responded that the laws could be interpreted in different ways and suggested that his client would pursue the question in court.

from the Ludington Daily News, by Cindy Shafer, "Junior Sailing Program to Move", Feb 12, 2008 (article not available on line)
See Pentwater Considers Public Venue for Junior Sailing Race, Jan 16, 2007
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Pentwater Considers Public Venue for Junior Sailing Race

The Pentwater, Michigan, Village Council is considering a request to move the Yacht Club's annual junior sailing competition to the village launch ramp area. About 90% of the participants come from the general public, not from the Club's membership.

One local resident voiced concerns that the staging area would spill over into his property.

The village attorney is reviewing the issue.

from the Ludington Daily News, "Pentwater Junior Sailing Program May Move", Jan 15, 2008, article not available on line
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