Sanctuary Woods Park stairs being cleared of snow

Change in weather, sunshine bring people to parks.

Jeff Partyka, facilities operations for Laketown Township, clears snow and ice from the 170 wooden stairs at Sanctuary Woods Park, 4750 66th St., on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026.

Temperatures topped the freezing mark on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026, meaning Laketown Township residents are taking advantage of the sunshine to enjoy township parks.

Jeff Partyka, facilities operations for the township, started clearing the snow-covered steps at Sanctuary Woods Park, 4750 66th St., on Tuesday so hikers could have a clear path between the lower and upper levels of the 40-acre park.

There are 170 wooden steps linking the lower level with its bench-lined trail along the creek to the upper trails through the dunes with a view of Lake Macatawa and Lake Michigan.

Though the main stairs are being shoveled, the trails and other steps in the upper section remain snow-covered and slippery. Take care when walking through all the township parks.

Jeff Partyka, facilities operations for Laketown Township, clears snow and ice from the 170 wooden stairs at Sanctuary Woods Park, 4750 66th St., on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026.