Changes possible for bike track at Shore Acres Park

Parks commission gets Winterfest update, welcomes new member.

The skills area at Shore Acres Park on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024.

The bicycle trail and track at Shore Acres Park could be getting a facelift.

Mark Kappel of the Michigan’s Edge Mountain Bike Association told the Laketown Township Parks and Recreation Commission on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024, that the nonprofit group wants to make changes to the bike area to make it “more durable” and add Americans with Disabilities Act improvements.

Kappel didn’t have specifics yet but will be on the parks commission’s agenda for November to present details.

The parks commission meets at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20, at the township hall, 4338 Beeline Road.

Bike trail at Shore Acres Park on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024.

A 1-mile bicycle trail runs through the 40-acre park, 6602 138th Ave. A pump track, once a BMX course, is also in the park. Kappel referred to that site as a “skills area.” It was modified from a BMX track into a pump bike course in 2022.

The entire trail system and skills area are maintained by volunteers through the 501c(3) and doesn’t cost the township anything.

Kappel said he will present in November a two-phase plan that will not change the footprint of the current setup and will not add new trails. The ADA changes might address the approach to the skills area from the unpaved parking lot, he said.

Shore Acres Park also includes a disc golf course and the Felt Estate with the restored mansion, carriage house and chapel.

Families take their holiday photos at Winterfest at the Felt Mansion, 6597 138th Ave., in Laketown Township on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023.

Winterfest

In other business, the parks commission heard a presentation from Elizabeth McEwen, the executive director of the Felt Estate, about Winterfest, a yearly free holiday event that features Santa and Mrs. Claus, reindeer, wagon rides, singers and other holiday happenings. The event is sponsored by the parks commission.

Last year’s event drew about 2,000 people, mostly from the township, McEwen said.

“Winterfest is really meant for Laketown,” she said.

This year’s event has been extended an hour due to its popularity. It is 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, at the mansion, 6597 138th Ave.

Mary Jo Bertolino, Laketown Township Parks and Recreation Commission on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024.

The parks commission welcomed new member Mary Jo Bertolino who was appointed by the township board on Sept. 11 to fill the opening left by the passing of Dick Becker in July.

Bertolino is on the November ballot. She will serve through the election and if elected on Nov. 5, will stay on the commission for a four-year term.