Many accessiblity improvements are underway at Muskegon State Park and the Winter Sports Complex. These are made possible through a partnership between the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Access To Recreation and Muskegon Sports Council. Â

ACCESS TO RECREATION DEVELOPMENTSÂ
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I. PROJECT DESCRIPTIONÂ

This project will develop universally accessible public outdoor recreation and support facilities at Muskegon State Park. Â

Site DescriptionÂ

Muskegon State Park is located in Michigan in Muskegon County. The park is located four miles west of North Muskegon on the shore of Lake Michigan. This 1,165 acre state park has over two miles of shoreline on Lake Michigan and over a mile on Muskegon Lake. The vast expanse of Great Lakes sand beach ranks among the most beautiful in the world. Forested dunes that join miles of Great Lakes shoreline reflect a significant resource that visitors enjoy each year. Â

Muskegon State Park was established in 1923. The City of Muskegon gave the Conservation Department (later the Department of Natural Resources) a gift of land to help begin the park. The park has enjoyed much community support over the years and remains an important contributor to local quality of life.Â

Recreation facilities and activities at Muskegon State Park include campgrounds, swimming beaches, a boat launch, a beach house, picnic area and shelter, playground, hiking and cross-country ski trails, fishing areas, metal detecting areas, wildlife viewing, interpretive programs, and the Muskegon Winter Sports Complex (Sports Complex) with its nationally renowned luge tracks. Â

Barrier-free amenities include the boat launch, channel walkway, Lake Michigan beach, beach house, and fishing pier. Muskegon State Park contains 8 modern restrooms with barrier-free access. The Lake Michigan campground (north) has barrier-free showers. Universal access is available for year-round interpretive programs, and designated wildlife viewing.Â

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The Muskegon Winter Sports Complex, located within Muskegon State Park, consists of a sports lodge, an Olympic style luge track area, a 5-mile lighted cross-country ski trail system, a 2-mile advanced terrain cross-country ski trail, and three ice skating rink areas. The facility was built and opened in 1984 by the Muskegon Sports Council, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, in conjunction with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Parks and Recreation Division (PRD). The facility operates each winter season and attracts thousands of visitors. The site of most of the proposed improvements is within the sports complex use area and adjacent to Muskegon State Park’s Lake Michigan campground. Â

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II. PROJECT JUSTIFICATION AND SUPPORT

Outdoor recreation plays a significant role in the quality of life that Michigan citizens enjoy. In May 2006, the Department of Natural Resources formed a partnership with the Michigan-based Kellogg Foundation to explore making access to recreation even more accessible for persons with disabilities, by taking facilities, services, and amenities at state parks and recreation areas beyond the minimal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. The foundation awarded the DNR a $3 million grant to help provide and develop universal access features at state parks and to provide greater opportunity for local communities to develop projects in local parks and recreational facilities.Â

Two million dollars of this grant is supporting projects that will incorporate universal access during the planning and construction process at state parks throughout Michigan. The goal is to use these funds to make Michigan’s state parks and recreation areas stand out as a model for facility improvements providing universal access. There exists a unique opportunity to collaborate with a local foundation and to leverage private and additional public dollars for this project. Funds from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) will be matched by private grant dollars from the Kellogg Foundation. Â

The luge at Muskegon State Park has gained national notoriety as one of only three luge tracks in the nation, as well as the most publicly accessible luge facility on the continent. Planned improvements will create even more accessibility. Â

The Sports Complex will have greater compliance with standards of the ADA with barrier-free improvements to parking, walkways, and the concession building. Work on these particular amenities will be accomplished with other funds in time for the 2008/2009 winter season. Additional improvements requested under the LWCF include platforms for an accessible shuttle service, new lower luge track for year round use, a trail connection, and an observation deck overlooking Lost Lake.Â

Platform staging areas at the concession building and luge, combined with a visitor shuttle service, will improve and increase access for everyone, regardless of ability. The shuttle service will also create ease and convenience with carrying and moving portable equipment, such as sleds and luge gear. Wooden decks serving as staging areas will be built with ramps for loading and unloading of people, equipment, and gear.Â

The lower luge will be replaced with a precedent setting luge track, along with programming, for universal access during both winter and summer months. This will create a year-round facility that will increase attendance at the Sports Complex and Muskegon State Park. The new luge surface will accommodate modified sleds for one or two riders. Instructors will be available to buddy ride, and to assist anyone with limited abilities or challenges. Based on surveys among group reservations and individual visitors, the surfaced luge will be an acceptable activity to 98% of those who visited the luge during the 2006 season. Â

A short trail segment, located between the concession building and the lower luge, will be graded and resurfaced for greater accessibility to the cross-country ski and hiking trails, of which 2.1 miles are being improved during 2008/2009 with other funds. This is needed for an additional accessible trail loop to the lower luge staging areas and to offer a beginner hiking experience. Â

An observation deck will be built to overlook Lost Lake as an additional accessible outdoor recreation facility. The new deck will enhance a 2008 project to resurface the Lost Lake Trail. The deck will be located on the side of a dune nestled among existing vegetation; this careful site placement will offer elevated observation adjacent to the Lost Lake bog area without impacting the existing wildlife communities. Additional accessible amenities enhancing the experience will include viewing scopes and interpretive signage. Â

The Muskegon Sports Council, in partnership with the Disability Connection, has agreed to develop programming for universal accessibility to the sports of luge, wheel luge, ice hockey, and wheel hockey. Disability Connection, a Center for Independent Living, is an organization that supports a diverse range of people with disabilities through empowerment, advocacy, information, referral, and peer support. Disability Connection is unique because it is a community-based nonprofit, meaning that it is governed and staffed predominately by people with disabilities. The Disability Connection has endorsed the development and proposed programming of this project. Â

Recreation PlanÂ

Maintaining the existing recreational facilities within Muskegon State Park complies with two of the seven identified goals as of Michigan’s Recreation Plan. As defined in the 2003-2007 Michigan Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, the goal is to enhance the quality of Michigan state park outdoor recreation opportunities by renovating and constructing appropriate facilities (campgrounds, water access sites, trails, etc.) to support natural resource based outdoor recreation, safeguard the environment and preserve, protect and interpret Michigan’s outdoor recreation heritage while providing universal access. For universal access to outdoor recreation, the goal is to provide appropriate access to enable the full range of Michiganians and visitors to enjoy outdoor recreation venues. This includes evaluation of existing facilities and venues; renovation to address deficiencies; and new facilities designed, constructed and managed to meet current universal access standards and guidelines. In addition, the 2008-2012 Michigan Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan universal access as a key department initiative. Â

Michigan State Parks’ 2007 attendance data indicates that over 105,620 campers and 673,747 day use visitors made use of Muskegon State Park’s facilities. Campers spend an average of $76 per night in preparation of their trip, en route and in their destination area. Statewide, campers alone have contributed over $80 million to Michigan’s economy. Â

Operation and Maintenance

All of the Winter Sports Complex facilities, and the land on which it sits, are owned by the State of Michigan. This area is operated by the “Muskegon Sports Council,” a 501(c)3 not-for-profit corporation. The Sports Council operates the facility with a lease agreement with the PRD. The lease duration is four years, and is automatically renewed without objection from either party. Through provisions in the lease agreement, the facilities of the sports lodge, lighted ski trail system, and the luge were built through fundraising efforts of the Muskegon Sports Council and gifts to the State of Michigan.

All user fees are required by the State of Michigan to be reinvested back into the operation, maintenance, and improvement of the facility. The Muskegon Sports Council provides accounting and user records to the PRD each season for review. The operations of the Sports Lodge, luge run, and ski trails is a sizable task, but one that is accomplished by 14 volunteers who operate the facility. The Council employs one seasonal paid staff person to manage day to day operations of the facility.Â

Past ProjectsÂ

The PRD has had a long history of successfully completing Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) projects. Our most recent completed projects include Traverse City State Park campground restroom building, Twin Lakes State Park campground electrical replacement, Fort Custer State Park septic system upgrades, and Burt Lake State Park electrical system replacement. The PRD completed about 200 post-completion reports for LWCF projects provided to Michigan State Parks since 1965. Â
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III. PROJECT DESIGNÂ

The proposed developments will improve and enhance existing park amenities, and provide an increased level of service for visitors to Muskegon State Park and the Sports Complex. The specific scope of work activities will be developed as part of this project: Â

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  • Construct 2 platform staging / transfer areas for shuttle service

  • Remove existing lower luge track

  • Construct new lower luge track for year-round and ADA use

  • Resurface trail connection segment

  • Construct accessible observation deck that overlooks Lost Lake

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In order to create full access to the luge area, two platform staging areas will be constructed for use with a shuttle service. One platform will be placed outside the concession building as part of another project. Two additional platforms will be built with LWCF funds at the lower luge area, one at the starting point and one at the ending point. The platforms will be designed so that all luge participants are loaded at the same location for transport to and from the luge area. The platforms will allow for the safe docking of a shuttle trailer on an improved surface so that the trailer surface and deck surface are at a level height. The trailer, which will provide both bench style seating and secure locations for those individuals in wheelchairs, will be pulled utilizing either a snowmobile in the winter or an all terrain vehicle in the summer. The Sports Council, who provides the luge instruction and monitoring, will operate and maintain the shuttle service free of charge. Â

The lower luge area will be transformed into a year-round surfaced luge allowing for use of standard or slightly modified luge equipment. This modification will be made to the existing lower luge facility, which has been out of service since expansion of the upper luge track in 2003. The improvements will provide accessible luging, year-round use of the lower luge area, and an alternative luge activity during winter thaws when ice is not available on the main track. Â

As a result of the modifications, the Muskegon Sports Council will implement a precedent setting luge program for people with disabilities, utilizing sled and equipment modifications already developed by the U.S. Luge program.  For example, luge equipment will be modified so that persons with lower body disabilities use reigns to control sleds with special supports installed on runners to support the lower body.Â

The new lower luge addition will be promoted as an alternate recreational experience during the entire year. This will reduce or eliminate forced cancellations of luging due to warm weather. The wheeled luge will serve as a U.S.A. Luge Learn to Slide site during the summer months, a program currently conducted on streets in cities across the U.S. This idea is endorsed by U.S.A. Luge with their commitment of insurance coverage and a mini-grant of $3,000 for modified sleds. The development will generate year round use of the Sports Complex.   Â

A short trail segment will be resurfaced for greater accessibility and as a connection to the concession building staging area. The existing natural surfaced trail will be maintained at an 8′ width and resurfaced with compacted aggregate materials. An engineering survey of the area will determine if any minor grading is needed to minimize the running or cross slopes. Â

An observation deck will be built to overlook Lost Lake. Lost Lake is an interdunal bog and wetland complex that offers unique plant and animal species not typically found in coastal dunes. The 15′ x 15′ wooden deck will be elevated and built into the side of an adjacent dune, offering observation from roughly 12′ above the Lost Lake elevation. The deck will be accessed by an elevated boardwalk 6′ wide and running roughly 95′ in distance. The deck slightly removed from the lake so as not to disturb the sensitive wetland habitat but will offer viewing binoculars for enhanced observation of the bog area. The viewing deck will compliment the 2008 plans to resurface the Lost Lake Trail, which meanders through a Lake Michigan dune environment that offers a variety of vegetation and wildlife observation. Â

Accessibility components and features, which shall go above and beyond the criteria set forth in the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessible Guidelines (ADDAG), are reviewed and approved by the Access to Recreation Content Manager, Cindy Burkhour, who represents the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Â

As a result of this project, the Sports Council, with the help of other partners, will provide universal access equipment to individuals who may not have typical access to luge, skating, equipment, and facilities. Modifications will be made to luge tracks and equipment so that persons of all abilities can enjoy this sport. Future plans are to provide ice skate sleds for a winter ice skating and hockey program, and equipment and facilities for a wheelchair hockey program in summer months. Â

The additional amenities will increase access to the state park and natural resources. The Sports Complex is a huge regional draw, with visitors coming from cities several states away. Because of the unique opportunity to experience a luge course, the Sports Complex has been featured as a recreation destination in periodicals and news stories. Most visitors to the Sports Complex are first-time patrons. Most of the visitors to the Sports Complex also visit Muskegon State Park. The unique amenities of the Sports Complex act as a magnet to draw new people to the park to enjoy additional outdoor recreation opportunities, such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and ice fishing. Warm season use of the luge will also attract visitors to the state park to enjoy swimming, fishing, hiking, boating, and camping. Â
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Maintenance and SafetyÂ

The PRD has the ability to maintain the site, ensure the safety of its visitors, and enforce user regulations. The PRD has a policy and procedure regarding formal facility inspections. To be effective, managers and supervisors must, on a regular basis, evaluate operations and direct resources and employee efforts to areas of greatest need. In order to ensure the highest standards and consistency throughout the many programs of the Parks and Recreation Division, facility inspections are the formal means of measuring effectiveness in meeting the Division’s mission. Â

The PRD has a policy and procedure regarding law enforcement in parks and recreation areas. Michigan State Parks and Recreation Area staff are employed on the basis of many responsibilities of which enforcement of regulations is a vital part. Michigan state park officers are peace officers within park and recreation area boundaries and, therefore, vested with the powers, privileges, prerogatives, and immunities conferred upon peace officers under the laws of this state. The objective of law enforcement is to educate, protect the park’s natural resources, and create and preserve a safe and peaceful environment. Â

Promotion

Methods that will be used to publicize and promote the new facilities to the public include the DNR’s web site, brochures and park maps, and the Department’s Accessibility web page. As part of the grant-funded project, PRD will add interpretive and educational displays. The PRD will make a presentation to the Department’s Accessibility Advisory Council (AAC), the Department’s citizen based group that represents a range of users that have disabilities. In addition, information will be posted on Muskegon State Park’s web page, a press release will be issued announcing the improvements and a feature story will be provided in the Department’s e-newsletter. Â

The Muskegon Sports Council, through its marketing department, will issue press releases through its media distribution channels announcing the new facilities and programming. The United States Luge Association and the United States Olympic Committee will promote and issue national press releases announcing the improvements and programming. A website will be created and dedicated to the adaptive luge program, and continued promotion and expanded programming opportunities will be maximized to the fullest.