Township issues RFP for new beach stairs

Laketown Township has released the request for proposals for new stairs at the township beach. All responses are due by noon, Sept. 25, 2025, at the township hall, 4338 Beeline Road.

Details are available on the township website (laketowntwp.org). Click on “Ordinances & Legal Notices” and scroll to “Legal Notices” and “2025 Legal Notices.” The information is listed on Sept. 4.

The township wants to have the new stairs constructed no later than May 20, 2026.

Plans call for stairs, railings and landings where the current orange-fenced area is from the plateau through what is called “the bowl.” Site restoration and more fencing to control erosion and access are also included.

The previous set of wooden steps, built 32 years ago, was closed on March 26 due to safety concerns. The steps were removed in May and a new fencing added in June to keep visitors off the dunes to prevent further erosion.

The beach, 6710 142^nd Ave., remains accessible, although it is extremely difficult, if not dangerous, to climb up from the beach.

The stairs from the parking lot up the dune remain open. Once visitors reach the top of the stairs, please stay on the marked paths to protect the dune. Take the path through “the bowl,” a steep drop with a flat bottom. Stay off the edges and do not disturb the dune grass. Once at the bottom of “the bowl,” you’ll see another small hill. Go up and head to the lake.

Heed the no trespassing signs and follow other rules of the beach, including no fires and no dogs.

To get back up the dune, visitors must walk back up through “the bowl.” It is a difficult walk because of the soft sand. There are no handrails or any assistance to get back up.

Easier access to Lake Michigan is available at nearby Saugatuck Dunes State Park (either through the parking lot at the state park or from the parking area at Shore Acres Park), Saugatuck’s Oval Beach and Holland State Park.