New security cameras installed in three parks

Technology will help reduce vandalism, increase security.
Jeremy Essenburg, in basket, of Steve Essenburg Electric of Hudsonville, installs wiring for new cameras at Wolters Woods Park, 6281 147th Ave. in Laketown Township, on Tuesday, July 25, 2023. On the ground is Davis Magsig.

Six security cameras were installed in three Laketown Township parks on Tuesday, July 25, 2023.

A crew from Steve Essenburg Electric of Hudsonville installed the cameras — two at Wolters Woods, 6281 147th Ave., two at Sanctuary Woods, 4750 66th St., and two at the township beach, 6710 142nd Ave. Eventually all parks will have cameras and by the end of the year, all parks will have Wi-Fi.

The goal is to deter theft and vandalism, according to Township Manager Al Meshkin.

Video will be monitored and stored at an off-site location.

Workers from Steve Essenburg Electric of Hudsonville install the first set of cameras for Laketown Township parks on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, at Wolters Woods Park, 6281 147th Ave. In the basket is Jeremy Essenburg. On the ground is Davis Magsig.

“What a long time in the making,” said Jeremy Van Hoven, chairperson of the Laketown Township Parks and Recreation Commission. The commission is funding the work.

“It will give law enforcement a way to hopefully identify some of the culprits behind the graffiti at Sanctuary Woods and also help put an end to some of the nefarious activities that happen at our beach park parking lot,” Van Hoven said.

The 1914 Interurban railway bridge at Sanctuary Woods is often spray-painted.

Security at the beach has always been a concern with parking violations, vandalism to the portable restroom and noise complaints.

Visitors to Wolters Woods Park, 6281 147th Ave. in Laketown Township, talk to Davis Magsig of Steve Essenburg Electric of Hudsonville on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, as Jeremy Essenburg installs wiring for new cameras at the park.