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PARK CONSTRUCTION & UPDATE NOTICE

   There have been some new construction projects at Township Parks recently.  Here is a brief synopsis regarding completed construction projects as well as upcoming construction projects.  Further down the page is more information on each park and each park's full amenities.

  • Horton Park - 

  • Green Creek Park - 

    • Spring 2022 - A new playground was installed just east of the baseball field.

  • Mullally Memorial Park - 

    • Spring 2020 - The old Mullally Pavilion was torn down and a completely new one built - also added was a sidewalk from the parking area to the pavilion and around the playground area.

    • Spring 2020 - The playground on the south side of the park (also known as the Lange Complex) had a small pavilion for shade added next to this playground as well as a sidewalk spur added that connects it to the walking path that goes around the 4-plex of baseball fields.

    • Fall 2019 - The old wooden playground on the south side of the park (also known as the Lange Complex) was torn down for safety reasons due to rotting wood.  Phase 1 of a new playground was installed on both ends of the "figure 8" space.  Phase 2 (an accessible playground) is scheduled for Fall 2020 for the center of the "figure 8" space.

Parks & Recreation - Overview

Laketon Township offers many opportunities for recreational activities with its three lakes (Lake Michigan, Muskegon Lake and Bear Lake) which offer excellent fishing and all sports activities and a state park, a county park and three township parks (see details on each park below) for a total of five parks as well as a non-motorized trail system that will eventually link up with other nearby non-motorized trails.

The various parks offer picnic areas/picnic pavilions, athletic fields, playgrounds, restrooms or port-a-jons, a walking trail/track and public access to Bear Lake and Muskegon Lake . Further down this page is more information specific to each park's amenities and location as well as the Township picnic shelter rental policy. 

Restrooms/Port-a-jons - There are bathroom buildings located at all but Green Creek Park, these bathroom buildings are kept closed and locked at this time due to repeated vandalism.  A key can be obtained with pavilion rentals by paying a key deposit. There are always port-a-jons available at all parks during the operating season, which is typically April - October but may vary each year depending on the weather.  During the season, all parks open at 9:00 am and close at dusk.

Athletic fields - baseball diamonds, soccer fields, football fields are used regularly by organized youth sports clubs, but can be used by anyone.  If you would like to use the fields for an organized event, please contact the Laketon Township Supervisor for more information.  Twp Hall phone 231-744-2454.

Walking Trail/Track - there is a paved walking path around the Lange Baseball Complex that is approximately 1/2 mile around.  Along this path and in this area are doggie clean-up stations with bags for removing dog waste.  If you bring your dog for some exercise, please be a responsible pet owner and remove the waste and dispose of it properly. Remember, all dogs must be on a leash.

Important notice about DOGS: signs are located in the park indicating areas where dogs are not permitted - such as athletic fields and playgrounds. Dogs are permitted in other areas of the parks, including the walking path - please be courteous and clean up after your pet.  THESE ARE YOUR PARKS, please help to preserve them by following established rules for everyone's  safety and enjoyment of the parks.

Click here for information and outside links to a variety of  youth sports leagues.

*Please note that blue underlined text on this page is a hyperlink to another part of this website or to another entity's website.

Trail System

The Non-Motorized Trail System in Laketon Township is still young.  While several miles have been completed, many more are proposed for future development.

Click HERE for a map of the Laketon Township Trails as they exist or are proposed as of 2019.  Dashed lines indicate proposed/future paths.  Please keep in mind that proposed/future paths are more of a "wish list" and may or may not ever be built based on many factors, the biggest being the availability of funds.

Click HERE for a copy of the Laketon Township ordinance on Sidewalks and Pedestrian Paths .

 


Laketon Township Parks (3):

Horton Park (1405 Glenwood Ave)

2022/2023 - PARDON OUR DUST - Construction Notice:  There will be significant updates/upgrades made to Horton Park - during the construction, the park may be unavailable for use at times.  Funding for this project is due in large part to a DNR Trust Fund Grant.  For more information please contact either Township Supervisor Kim Arter (karter@laketon.org) or Township Treasurer Lori Archer (larcher@laketon.org).  Thank you for your patience as we improve Horton Park.  

Horton Park, is named for the Horton Family who were longtime residents of Laketon Township.  The park is often refered to as Horton Beach by local residents.  It is a cozy, residential park nestled within the Fairview Park and Bear Lake Meadows neighborhoods and is located on the shores of Bear Lake at the intersection of Glenwood Avenue and Lake Street.  The park is 80 feet wide at the road (Glenwood) and is approximately 600 feet deep down to the Bear Lake Beach where the park has 120 feet of beach frontage.  

The park is in the middle of a residential neighborhood - the immediate west side park boundary abuts residential properties and the east side park boundary is Lake St, which terminates at Bear Lake and serves as an access point/boat launch for small watercraft such as canoes, kayaks, paddle boards, very small boats and jet skis and in the winter when conditions permit, it is an access point for ice fishing.  Other activities popular here are picnicking (a small pavilion was built in the spring of 2020 - see rental policy below), shore fishing, swimming and beaching. The park has brand new playground equipment (as of spring 2020), benches and restroom facilities &/or a port-a-jon. 

Please note: swimming is at your own risk as there is no lifeguard.


Click HERE for an aerial photo of Horton Park

Click HERE for a map showing the location of Horton Park.

Click HERE to go to the portion of the Michigan Water Trails website  that has the specific Bear Lake Water Trail Loop map.

Click HERE to go to the home page of the Michigan Water Trails website, limited paper copies of the Water Trail Guide may be available at the Laketon Township Hall.

Mullally Memorial Park/Lange Complex (1850 Horton Rd)

2022 Sports n Shorts Program from White Lake Area Community Education - Click here for details.

On Horton Road, approximately 1/2 mile north of W Giles Road, is where you'll find this 58 acre park. A childless couple, James and Mae Mullally, donated it to the Township. It offers 2 covered pavilion picnic areas, baseball, football, volleyball, and soccer fields, tennis courts, 9-hole disc golf course (with access until 11:00pm for glow in the dark disc golf - please be courteous with noise levels for the comfort of neighboring homes), walking/jogging path (approx. 1/2 mile around), and two main playground areas including the Margaret Campbell handicap accessible playground which is being re-done (phase 1 completed in the fall of 2019 and phase 2 scheduled for fall 2020 construction).

During the spring, summer and fall several youth organizations (Reeths Puffer Youth Soccer, Reeths Puffer Youth Football, Reeths Puffer Baseball and Reeths Puffer Youth Softball) have organized sports for boys and girls - soccer, baseball, softball, football and cheerleading.

10/07/2016 - MULLALLY PARK PLAYGROUND - a NEW PLAYGROUND has been constructed in place of the old one that was originally built in 1986! Building of the NEW MULLALLY PARK PLAYGROUND was made possible with the help of a grant provided by the playground equipment company and installation of the equipment was accomplished in 2 days with the labor of Township Officials, Staff and volunteers from the community, including the Muskegon Northside Lions Club and the Northside Lacrosse Club.  It is open and ready for use.  Be sure to check out all the photos and videos of the construction project on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Laketon-Township-Community-Info-825494087574038/ and like our page to keep up on local events and information!

Two picnic shelters are available for individuals and groups - there is a rental policy in place for use of these shelters that began in 2011.  Please call the Township Hall (231-744-2454) or see the rental policy information below.  

Click HERE for an aerial photo of the Mullally Park/Lange Complex

Click HERE for a map showing the location of Mullally Park/Lange Complex.  

Green Creek Park (behind Twp Hall whose address is 2735 W. Giles Rd)

Located on N Green Creek Road, approximately 1/4 mile south of W. Giles Rd (just south of the Township Hall), Green Creek Park has -  a small piece of playground apparatus at the north end of the park and a large set of swings was added at the south end of the park along with basketball nets hung on the posts near the swings.  There is a small field used most often for the youngest kids t-ball &/or baseball practice sessions.  There is also an old, fenced in tennis court area  that has become a popular place for pick up roller hockey games.

Click HERE for an aerial photo of Green Creek Park  

Click HERE for a map showing the location of Green Creek Park.  

Click HERE for the Parks and Public Property Ordinance for all park rules and regulations.

 

Picnic Pavilions - Rental Policy

Picnic Pavilions locations are as follows:

  • Lange Park (1700 Horton Rd) - at the back of the park (in the shade) 
  • Mullally Park (1850 Horton Rd) - next to the tennis courts
  • Horton Park (1405 Glenwood Ave) - on Bear Lake - 2022/2023 SPECIAL NOTE:  At this time, Horton Park pavilion WILL NOT be available for rentals as there is construction planned for much of the 2022/2023 season.  Once all construction is completed then the pavilion will be made available for rental reservations and this notice will be removed from the website.


The Laketon Township Board adopted a reservation policy (including rental rates) at their regular Board meeting on 01/20/2011, (it was amended 04/10/2014, 01/19/2017, 06/18/2020 and again 02/16/2023) effective immediately.  The pavilion use is subject to the following Township Board adopted policies and rates. 

Note:  The parks close at dusk and shall be evacuated by this time.

Pavilion rentals are granted on a first come, first serve basis.  Anyone wishing to reserve/rent any township pavilion must complete the short rental application and pay the appropriate rental fee to Laketon Township. CLICK HERE for the Pavilion Reservation Form with updated 2023 rental rates.

PLEASE READ THE FULL POLICY BELOW:

  1. There shall be NO possession or consumption of alcohol in the pavilions or any township park.

  1. Reservations shall be made for residents and nonresidents. You must be at least 21 years of age to reserve a pavilion and responsible adult supervision must be provided at all times. The renter is personally responsible for adhering to park policies. Please have this form with you to verify your reservation.

  1. The pavilion may be reserved for two-time sessions per day 9:00 am to 3:00 pm and 3:30 pm to dusk. The cost per session is as follows: MULLALLY PAVILION: $100.00, LANGE PAVILION: $50.00 and Horton Park Pavilion: $100.00 (If you would like a key for the restroom facilities, there will be key deposit of $25.00 charged in addition to this rental fee. The key deposit will be returned to you when the key is returned. It is preferred that the key deposit be paid by check. Port-a-potties are always available in the park.) THERE WILL BE NO REFUNDS.

  1. There shall be NO bikes, inline skates, skateboards etc. used in the pavilions.

  1. All pavilion picnic tables are to remain under the pavilion areas at all times.

  1. There shall be NO motorized vehicles in the park. They must be left in designated parking areas.

  1. Noise shall be kept to a minimum and consistent with levels considered normal for small gatherings.

  1. NO grills allowed under the pavilion roof.

  1. Failure to adhere to the rules as established by the Laketon Township Board for the use of these pavilions may result in the denial of future use for individuals and/or groups.

  1. The applicant is responsible for the cost of repairing damage to the pavilion and surrounding area. Decorations, if used, will be put up with tape only, no nailing, stapling or tacking will be allowed inside or outside of the pavilion.

  1. Groups using the pavilions agree to save and hold harmless the Township of Laketon and its agents from any and all liabilities or responsibilities arising from incidents related to the use of the pavilions or grounds. It is further understood and agreed by all users of the pavilions that the Township of Laketon assumes no obligation regarding the use of the premises by the users.

  1. The Township of Laketon reserves the right to determine who shall and shall not use the pavilions. The Township can deny the use of the pavilions if in the Township Board’s judgment, the particular request for facility use is not in the best interest of the community.

  1. Individuals and/or groups using the facility are responsible for cleaning and leaving the pavilion in ready to use condition, i.e., remove all decorations, pick up garbage and take garbage to dumpster provided, and clean the picnic area including removing any food crumbs or spills from the tables.

If you have any problems with people not honoring this reservation or vacating the pavilion, please call Supervisor Kim Arter 231-343-6409.

 

 

 

 

 

Muskegon County Park:

Pioneer County Park

Pioneer County Park is 145 acres in area and boasts 2,000 feet of beautiful sandy Lake Michigan beach. Hiking, picnicking, beaching & swimming are activities available at this park just up the Lake Michigan shore from Muskegon State Park. Camping is also available here with 235 modern campsites.  There is also a lodge and a picnic shelter available for rent.  New in 2014 the County began using an online reservation system for county park camping!  Also in 2014, a new playground, courtesy of grant funds from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund and matching funds from the Muskegon County Parks Department.  The playground is ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant!

Click HERE for the Muskegon County Parks & Recreation Website

Click HERE for a map showing the location of Pioneer County Park.

 


State Park:

Muskegon State Park

At approximately 1233 acres, Muskegon State Park on the Lake Michigan shoreline is the largest park in the township. It offers a swimming beach with changing facilities, a picnic area, hiking and boat launching facilities. There are 2 campgrounds located within the park boundaries. There are 105 modern campsites available at the Lake Michigan Campground and 139 modern campsites available at the Channel Campground both with modern restrooms and electricity at most sites.  There is primitive group camping available as well as a Yurt which is available for rent.  

In season, the winter sports complex is a hot spot of activity in the snow & cold. It features lighted cross-country ski trails, two outdoor ice rinks, a sledding hill, a luge run and just a few seasons ago an ice skating trail was added along with a snowshoe trail.  For the first time, winter camping was also available at the Lake Michigan Campground during the winter of 2013/2014 due to its location directly across the street from the winter sports complex.

Also of interest is an observation point and a replica of a frontier blockhouse. This park is maintained and operated by State funds.  A Recreation Passport is required for entry.

Click HERE for the Michigan DNR's webpage on Muskegon State Park

Click here for a link showing the location of Muskegon State Park.

Public Lake Access/Boat Launch Points:

Bear Lake

In Laketon Township, the only free public access to Bear Lake is at Horton Park. At this time it is limited to canoes, kayaks, paddle boards, very small boats and jet skis as the launch is quite shallow.  The access/launch site currently consists of mostly an unimproved sandy beach area with only a small/limited cement pad.

PARDON OUR DUST - 2022 Construction Notice:  In the spring/summer 2022, there will be significant updates/upgrades made to Horton Park - during the construction, the park may be unavailable for use at times.  Funding for this project is due in large part to a DNR Trust Fund Grant.  For more information please contact either Township Supervisor Kim Arter (karter@laketon.org) or Township Treasurer Lori Archer (larcher@laketon.org).  Thank you for your patience as we improve Horton Park. 

It is also important to note that Bear Lake can be accessed via a channel to Muskegon Lake.

In The City of North Muskegon there are other boat launch points.  Contact The City of North Muskegon for more information at  231-744-1621

Muskegon Lake

In Laketon Township there is an improved/paved public access boat launch in Muskegon State Park, in the portion of the park known as Snug Harbor.  This location is on Memorial Drive, just a few yards west of the Peterson Rd/Memorial Drive intersection.  A Recreation Passport is required for entry.

Also located in Laketon Township:  there are a couple of small privately owned marinas that may offer boat launch access &/or slip space for a fee.

Other boat launch access points and/or marinas (both public and private) are available in The City of North Muskegon (231-744-1621) and The City of Muskegon (231-724-6705)

Lake Michigan

There are no boat launches directly into Lake Michigan located in Laketon Township.  Lake Michigan is accessed via the channel between it and Muskegon Lake.  In addition to the Muskegon State Park boat launch at Snug Harbor and the 2 small marinas within Laketon Township, there are other boat launches (both public and private) around Muskegon Lake located in The City of North Muskegon (231-744-1621) and The City of Muskegon (231-724-6705)

All three lakes have access points that link to the Lake Michigan Water Trail.  Click HERE for a link to the Michigan Water Trails website that has maps of the water trails for all three lakes above as well as all around the state of Michigan.

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