visitors - WKTV Journal

By Victoria Mullen

Just think of it: Watching the sun set over Lake Michigan from a campsite, secluded from the madding crowd.

Just that one simple thought.

Idyllic.

The stunning beauty of Michigan continues to delight residents and visitors alike, and one of the most beautiful areas, Wilderness State Park is about to get even better. On June 23, a new campground opens there, offering both full hook-up camping and rustic, tent-only camping along with amazing views of Lake Michigan.

Campers spoke up and State officials listened. More than 30 percent of the park’s campers use tents and wanted more secluded sites, fewer amenities and to be away from the sounds of larger campgrounds, the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) said. The design of the campground came from campers’ input both at the park and online. Most visitors will be able to see the sun set over the lake from their campsites. One of the sites is barrier-free.

The tent-only campground has 10 sites on the Lake Michigan shoreline, designed for campers to walk a short distance to sites. There is no electricity, modern restrooms or shower, but campers will have access to a common water source and vault toilet in a central location. The cost is $20 a night, with each campsite provided a designated parking spot.

Wilderness State Park is on Carp Lake at the northern tip of the Lower Peninsula. It has wilderness areas, 26 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, multiple campgrounds, six rustic cabins, three rustic bunkhouses and year-round recreation.

There’s a full hook-up campground as well, with 18 sites on wooded dunes on Lake Michigan’s Big Stone Bay. All campers must be self-contained because there are no restrooms or showers. All sites include water, sewer and electrical. Lakefront sites are $45 a night while others are $40.

The park starts taking reservations Thursday, Feb. 4.

To check camping availability and make a reservation, go here or call 1.800.44PARKS (800.447.2757).

By Victoria Mullen

Good picnic places are in high demand. Just ask anyone who’s tried to reserve a space at Pinery Park (2301 DeHoop Ave.) and Lamar Park (2561 Porter St.) only to be told that all spaces were booked. Over the past two years, reservations for weekend hours sold out for June, July and August, the prime months for birthday parties, company picnics, family reunions and special events. In fact, the parks are already taking reservations for this season, which runs May 1 through Sept. 30.

Wyoming Community Services recognized the need for more space and has delivered. Pinery has received one new picnic area and Lamar has received two. The cost was less than $1,000.

At Pinery, park-goers will now find two areas that seat up to 50 people, one for up to 125 and one section for up to 150 people. There’s also a lodge that seats up to 100 people. At Lamar, there are now two sections that accommodate up to 50 people, two that seat 100 and one that seats 175, along with a shelter for up to 75 people.

Overall, Wyoming’s Park Services had an impressive 2015 with 11,077 hours reserved and reported reservations attendance of 170,671 people.

There’s even more in store for Pinery Park.

Fitness trail exercise equipment and new lighting for the lodge are coming to Pinery, too.

The Wyoming City Council recently approved the purchase and installation of exercise equipment from GameTime for $26,855.09. The funding will come from a Community Development Block Grant.

“This equipment provides a great opportunity for residents who are looking to improve their health and wellness,” said Rebecca L. Rynbrandt, director of community services. “And Pinery Park’s central location means good access for those who want to use the equipment for exercise.”

In addition to the exercise equipment at the park, new energy-efficient LED lights at the lodge will replace old fluorescent fixtures. The project, which includes removal of the old lights and installing the new ones, totals $4,215, said Jeffrey Anderson, parks and facilities supervisor. Funding for this work is also from a Community Development Block Grant.

The new lighting will save on energy and maintenance costs, Anderson said.

Both projects are expected to be completed May 31, 2016.

For more information, call the City of Wyoming at 530.7272 or visit the City website. Follow the City on Twitter @WyomingCityHall and on Facebook.