Township seeks proposals to build beach stairs

Laketown Township has begun the search for the company that will build new stairs at Laketown Township Beach. The plan calls for the new steps to be complete by May 1, 2026.

Township Manager Steven Ringelberg presented the request for proposal at the Laketown Township Parks and Recreation Commission meeting on Aug. 20, 2025.

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 bids must be returned to the township by next month.

The proposal does not specify what material the steps can be made of. Some parks commissioners do not want the steps to be made of traditional wood but instead want them made of aluminum so they can be adjustable.

Safety concerns

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.

Other business

In other business, the board:

• Approved the purchase of a new gate for the parking lot at Farview Nature Park, 6257 138^th Ave. The gate will cost about $300. A timeline for its installation has not been set.
• Accepted a $1,000 bid from Axman Enterprises Inc. of Saugatuck for the removal of a tree that threatens the pavilion at Wolters Woods Park, 6281 147^th Ave.
• Approved plans for private donors to plant a maple tree near the pickleball courts at the township hall, 4338 Beeline Road, in memory of a pickleball player. Donors will work with the township on the exact location of the tree.