Orchard Lake boating access site to temporarily close Sept. 4 for repairs

(Source: Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources)

The Department of Natural Resources announced Aug. 27 that construction has begun at the Orchard Lake boating access site in Oakland County. The site will close temporarily on Sept. 4 and remain closed until mid-October in order to reconstruct the site.

Jodi Nieschulz, supervisor at Dodge #4 State Park, said, "While the site will be closed during construction, every attempt will be made to keep it open on the weekends when feasible." Nieschulz recommended calling Dodge #4 State Park at 248-682-7323 for construction updates. Signs notifying boaters of the specific dates of the closures will be posted at the boating access site prior to the shut-down date. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of October.

The construction project includes redesigning the launch area for increased maneuverability, paving the driveways and parking lot, increasing accessibility and adding landscaping. The landscaping will consist of native species and an eco-friendly rain garden that will absorb run-off before it reaches the lake. Bio-logs will help ensure shoreline stabilization.

This project is funded through the Michigan State Waterways Fund, a restricted fund derived from the collection of boat registration fees, a portion of the Michigan marine fuel tax and user fees. Waterways funding is dedicated to the acquisition, construction, operation and maintenance of recreational boating facilities.

This is the only public access site on Orchard Lake. Other DNR boat launches are located nearby on Cass Lake and Union Lake. For details on the project, contact DNR Parks and Recreation Division unit supervisor Jodi Nieschulz, 248-682-7323.