Parks commission considering bike trail boost

The Laketown Township Parks and Recreation Commission is looking at plans to improve the bike trails at Shore Acres Township Park, 6602 138^th Ave.

Representatives linked to Michigan’s Edge Mountain Biking Association requested township approval for the work and financial support for around $13,500 at the commission’s meeting on Wednesday, July 15, 2026.

A copy of the presentation is available here.

A video of the entire parks meeting including the presentation is available here.

The commission made no decisions, opting to study the proposal and discuss it again at the Aug. 19 meeting at 6 p.m. at the township hall, 4338 Beeline Road.

Shore Acres Township Park is 40 acres and includes walking trails, a disc golf course, a bike skills track as well as the 1.9 miles of mountain bike trails. The park is adjacent to the Felt Estate, including the mansion, Carriage House, chapel and solar array. The park also borders Saugatuck Dunes State Park with its 13 miles of hiking trails and 2.5 miles of Lake Michigan beach.

The township does not fund the disc golf course or bicycle infrastructure.

Proposed changes do not include the bike skills track which has recently been upgraded by volunteers from MEMBA.

The proposal

The current mountain bike trails are not adequately marked and have minimal features, such as berms or jumps, according to Tom TenHarmsel, Austin TenHarmsel and Kirk Walter who made the proposal to the commission.

On Wednesday, they proposed to add signs to clearly mark the trail. The color-coded signs would also direct riders in alternate directions on different days, making the trail more interesting. They would also move the trailhead sign that explains the course from its current location at the southeast end of the parking lot farther southwest at the other end of the lot so it is more visible for riders and will help direct bicyclists away from the busy parking lot for better safety.

The biking trails intersect at several locations with the disc golf course throughout the park, so signs improve safety for both riders and golfers.

“We all get along pretty well out there,” said Austin TenHarmsel.

Signage is estimated to cost about $5,250

The group proposes adding berms, raised earth mounds, to smooth the ride, and optional jumps and wooden structures to increase the challenge.

These trail improvements are estimated to cost about $7,100

The purchase of tools including a wheelbarrow, leaf blower and weed trimmer, and authorization to store them onsite in a barn currently owned by the township were also proposed.

The tools would cost about $1,225.

The total cost for signs, trail work including wooden structures, and tools is estimated to be about $13,500. Organizers proposed raising funds through sponsorships, donations from businesses and individuals and a township contribution.

The work could begin in 2027 depending on township approval and funding.