July
19, 2005
Western Michigan citizens and visitors can participate in what is
being billed as the largest outdoor recreation event in the country on
Saturday, July 23, as Project GO – Get Outdoors kicks off at 10 a.m.
that day.
“Project GO – Get Outdoors will emphasize the importance of outdoor
recreation to our state’s quality of life,” said Department of Natural
Resources Director Rebecca Humphries. “Michigan is blessed with amazing
natural resources, and Project GO is one way we can showcase them to our
citizens and visitors.”
Project GO – Get Outdoors will take place in state parks, recreation
areas and water access sites around the state. A motor vehicle pass is
required for entrance to a state park or recreation area, however, 50
participants at each event will receive “GO Passes,” which can be
redeemed for a free visit to a state park before Dec. 31, 2005.
All activities start at 10 a.m. unless otherwise noted. In western
Michigan, residents can choose from the following activities:
 | Ionia Recreation Area in Ionia County: A full day is
planned at this recreation area to celebrate its 40th birthday,
including a fishing clinic and contest; boat safety clinic; field
trials with dogs, horses and birds; a hike around Sessions Lake
starting at the swimming beach; a state park explorer program will be
held at the 1847 Schoolhouse; and guided horse rides will start at 11
a.m. from the Day Staging Lot and continue through the day as riders
show up. You must provide your own horse. The park’s historical
display will be available for viewing all day at the Nature Nook in
the Beach House. |
| Wolf Lake Fish Hatchery Visitor Center in Kalamazoo County:
The hatchery will feature Summer Fishing Days and a tour. Children
ages 5 to 16 will be able to try catch-and-release fishing. Tours of
the hatchery will be scheduled every hour until 3 p.m. Events at the
hatchery will begin at 11 a.m. Preregistration is required by calling
(269) 668-2876. |
| Orchard Beach State Park in Manistee County: The day-use
area of this park will feature a nature hike and kite flying. There
will be craft projects for children and many more additional events.
|
| Ludington State Park in Mason County: A park history hike
and bus tours to Big Sable Lighthouse will be featured. This is one of
the few times during the year that you can visit the lighthouse with a
long hike. Guides will present the history of the restored lighthouse,
which is one of Lake Michigan’s first. |
| Duck Lake State Park in Muskegon County: There will be a 5K
trail run through the day-use areas of the park starting at the Scenic
Drive entrance. A kids’ fishing contest, sand sculpting and
dance-o-gymnastics on the beach all day. |
| Muskegon State Park in Muskegon County: The day-use areas
of the park will be filled with activities including Jam at the Park,
kite flying, interpretive hiking and a bass fishing tournament in Snug
Harbor. Stargazing at the beach at dusk will cap off the day. |
| P.J. Hoffmaster State Park in Muskegon County: The Gillette
Visitor Center will feature a dune walk and photography workshop. The
Muskegon Air Fair will be visible from the park later in the day and a
motorcycle touring group will visit the park as part of a fundraising
trip. |
| Mears State Park in Oceana County: Children are invited to
come build mini-rockets from film canisters and launch them. Prizes
will be awarded. A sand sculpting contest is scheduled on the beach at
3 p.m. |
| Silver Lake State Park in Oceana County: A birthday
celebration is planned to honor Oceana County’s 150th birthday, the
park’s 85th birthday, the Mac Woods Dune Rides’ 75th birthday and the
Off-Road Vehicle Area turns 50 this year as well. There will be a
guided hike of the day-use area, and cake and refreshments will be
served. |
| Bass River Recreation Area in Ottawa County: A horseback
trail ride with the Ottawa County Trail Riders, 4H and others will
take place. Refreshments will be provided. |
| Holland State Park in Ottawa County: Visitors can
experience yoga on the beach. Additional events include sand sculpting
and a limbo contest. |
| Van Buren State Park in Van Buren County: The day-use areas
will be filled with activities at this park. They include a 5K walk
and run, volleyball tournament, and a 3-on-3 basketball tournament.
Registration is required and can be completed online at
www.getoutdoorsandplay.com. |
“Project GO-Get Outdoors celebrates outdoor recreation and the role
it plays improving the quality of life in Michigan,” said DNR Parks and
Recreation Division Chief Ron Olson. “Whether biking, hiking, camping,
swimming, boating, fishing, hunting or simply exploring nature, park and
recreation facilities provide opportunities for people of all ages and
all backgrounds to enjoy our state’s diverse natural resources.
Participants can improve their health and show their support for
Michigan’s recreation opportunities.”
A complete list of statewide Project GO-Get Outdoors events is available
at the DNR Web site.
The DNR is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use
and enjoyment of the state's natural resources
for current and future generations.
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