Pier Cove Park Improvements
-------UPDATE SEPT 2023-------
See posting in the updates section for information on September 20 meeting and future fundraising efforts.
-------MAY 2021--------
On April 1st Ganges Township submitted a grant application for a $355,000 park renovation effort to the DNR Trust Fund Grant Program. Friends of Pier Cove Park has been working with Ganges Township and Bob Grese, Professor Emeritus of Environment and Sustainability at the University of Michigan to develop the project scope and application.
New Goals
The project requires a total match of $89,000 of which Ganges Township will provide up to $65,500. The remaining $23,500 will be provided by private fundraising, volunteer efforts, and community partnerships.
Friends of Pier Cove Park has set a goal of raising $15,000 in cash donations through our GoFundMe and community outreach. The more we raise the better the grant application will score!
In the News
We have been in the news recently!
You can read a great article on Friends of Pier Cove Park's efforts here: Holland Sentinel Article
"Residents, Fennville brewery join campaign to improve Pier Cove Park"
Our recent collaboration with Waypost Brewing Company and Tyler Voorhees Art was on TV8 here: Channel 8 Story
"New beer brings awareness to Pier Cove Park project"
Recent Support
We recently received a $2,500 donation from the Lake Michigan Shore Association for trees and shrubs! We would like to thank the LMSA for their generous donation and contribution to enhancing the natural beauty of Pier Cove.
We are excited to announce a fun collaboration with Waypost Brewery and Tyler Voorhees Art. Saturday May 29th Waypost will release Pier Cove Pale Ale with label design and posters by Tyler and Ashley Voorhees. This beer is a special release and is only available at Waypost until it is gone. You can pick up cans or enjoy a pint on their outdoor patio. Label art was turned into a poster available for $20 with proceeds benefiting park restoration and maintenance. Posters are available at Waypost throughout the summer.
Many Thanks
Thank you to all our donors. We continue to receive donations through gofundme and directly at Ganges Township for the project. If you want to donate, you can on this gofundme page or mail a donation directly to Ganges Township, 1904 64th Street, Fennville, MI 49408. Note "Pier Cove" in the memo line.
Thank you to Waypost Brewery (Chuck and Hanna) for the delicious beer and community support. And thank you to Tyler and Ashley for your artistic talents at Tyler Voorhees Art!
We are grateful to have Bob Grese's help with this project. He served as director of the Botanical Gardens and Arboretum at UofM and focused his teaching and research on ecologically-based landscape design and management that respects the cultural and natural history of a region. He also focuses on the role landscapes can play in re-connecting children and families with nature and is an authority on the works of O.C. Simonds and Jens Jensen – two early pioneers of landscape architecture.
What's Next
Ganges Township will get a preliminary grant score this summer from Michigan DNR. Fundraising will continue through September. An updated project budget will be submitted this fall to reflect the local funds raised. The more we raise, the better the project will score!
When awarded the Township will work with design professionals to develop detailed plans for building these improvements. It will be December 2021 before they find out if the grant is awarded. Work would occur in 2022.
The proposed renovation will enhance the overall accessibility and scenic value of Pier Cove while honoring the rich history and natural beauty of this unique lakeshore area. Renovating the current parking, fencing, signage, and steps will benefit safety, accessibility, and improve the park's overall attractiveness. A new walkway and gathering space will add barrier-free (handicapped) access to parking, restrooms, and a new overlook on Lake Michigan. Work will help restore a more natural and rustic environment and repair damage from shoreline erosion using native plantings and wildflowers.
--------UPDATE MARCH 2021-------
AFTER THE SUCCESSFUL INSTALLATION OF A SEAWALL TO PROTECT THE NORTH SIDE OF PIER COVE PARK, GANGES TOWNSHIP WILL NOW CONSIDER AN APPLICATION TO THE DNR TRUST FUND GRANT PROGRAM FOR FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS TO THE PARK. (PROPOSED GRANT SCOPE IS SHOWN IN THE ABOVE FIGURE BY BOB GRESE)
Friends of Pier Cove Park will be partnering on this grant to provide contributions from this fundraiser as part of the Township's local match for the grant. We are still trying to raise the full amount of this fundraiser to provide as local match. As of March 14th, 2021 private donors have raised $14,800 of which $9,860 was donated to Ganges Township for the seawall project. Some donations have been received directly by Ganges Township.
OUR NEW GOAL
We still have a goal of raising another $10,000 for a total grant contribution of $15,000 for this grant application.
In addition to private fundraising, we are planning several volunteer installations that would count as local match for the grant. These will include work like planting native plants and grasses, clearing brush, general clean up, and possible other construction items. The scope of these volunteer built items is currently being developed.
LETTERS OF SUPPORT
There will be a public hearing March 25th at 7:00pm at Ganges Township hall to receive input on the application and consider a board resolution to apply for the grant before April 1st. Written comments and letters of support can be sent to John Hebert, Township Supervisor at 1904 64th Street, Fennville, MI 49408, or via email which available on the Ganges Township website.
Letters of support are needed so please consider submitting a quick note of support for the application and say why this access is so important to you.
HOW MUCH WILL THE GRANT COST?
Estimates for the DNR grant are still being developed, but as of March 14th a grant request of up to $275,000 is being considered. This will require a local match of around $91,000 for a total project cost of $366,000. This would be an incredible investment in the park that would improve accessibility, safety, and the overall appearance of the park from Lakeshore Drive.
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
The grant will include elements approved by the Ganges Township Board. At the boards' March 9th meeting the following scope items were presented.
1. Parking reorganized to allow safer backing onto Lakeshore Drive and create space for a walkway.
The figure shows angled parking, the additional of a van accessible barrier free (handicapped) space, an emergency vehicle space, and the creation of low growth native landscape islands. A walkway behind the vehicles will provide a space for park users to maneuver away from the traffic of Lakeshore Drive.
2. Walkway extended within ROW to keep park users away from traffic.
The original proposal March 9th included sidewalk that would extend from 123rd to Ravine Trail to separate neighborhood foot traffic from Lakeshore Drive vehicle traffic. However, the Allegan County Road Commission will be providing 4 foot wide paved shoulders along Lakeshore Drive which will be built this summer. The extents of the separated sidewalk will have to coordinated with the limits of that construction.
3. Accessible restroom (with enclosure), history sign, and park sign (with rules).
The grant will allow for an increased appearance and organization of these items. Provide an accessible restroom will allow a family changing area and open the views to the Lake. The historical sign and park signage will be redone. Much of the metal guardrail and chain link fence will be replaced with more natural and rustic materials befitting the character of the neighborhood and honoring the historical significance of the site.
4. Picnic table in the woods at the top of bluff.
This item will likely be removed from the grant due to space and constraints with trying to maintain mature trees in this area. The table will still be include in the master plan for park as a potential future addition.
5. Wood Steps Improved
This item would replace the current aging steps with newer yet rustic style steps that follow a more standard tread height. This will improve the accessibility of the park and help protect against repairs needed from erosion. The step renovation includes a planting plan and resting spaces.
6. Accessible gathering/sitting area created at the top of steps.
This is an existing improvement that allow a fully handicapped accessible viewing area to enjoy the spectacular views of Lake Michigan from the upper area of the park. This area will include a donor brick plaza (donations of $100 receive a donor brick), two benches, and a connection to the accessible restroom, and parking area. This are will allow people with limited mobility to relax and enjoy the natural beauty the Lakeshore offers. Donations of $500 will be honored with a donor plaque in this area. The overhead utility line will also be buried.
7. Sitting deck to replace current sitting area above the sea wall.
This little corner of the park would be improved with a timber deck with improved seating to provide another viewing area to Lake Michigan. It's construction will be resistant to wave action and fit with the existing sea wall.
8. Timber retaining walls for repairing eroded slopes. Slope to be planted with lower native herbaceous plants to keep views open to Lake Michigan. These will include native grasses and wildflowers.
These walls will be built above the steel sheet pile wall that this fund raiser was initiated to install to protect the park from erosion. The area above the steel wall will be managed to keep views open to Lake Michigan from the accessible gathering space above. Other wall materials may be considered and we are looking for project partners who may be willing to donate materials or services to be used as grant match.
9. Chain link fence to be replaced with lower more attractive fence.
10. Replace Metal guard rail with more rustic timber guard rail.
These items are being considered to improve the overall aesthetic of the park from Lakeshore Drive. Pier Cove has a special history of old mills and wood piers that are not reflected in the current chain link fence, signage, and guard rails. Replacing these with more natural and rustic materials will better match the rural character of the neighborhood and honor the historical significance of the site. These elements are being discussed with the Allegan County Road Commission.
----------THE REMAINING INFORMATION BELOW REFLECTS THE ORIGINAL DESCRIPTION OF THIS FUNDRAISER.--------
Pier Cove Park and Beach Needs Your Help
Severe erosion threatens the public beach access at Pier Cove Park in Ganges Township. With your help we can make improvements to the existing shore protection walls and make sure the steps do not wash away during the current record high Lake Michigan water levels.
Lake Michigan has risen over FIVE FEET in the last six years. This is has caused many public beaches to close and existing walls to fail. Luckily the existing walls at Pier Cove Park have not yet failed, but they are at risk.
Without repairs and improvements the walls will likely fail, the steps will wash away, and the park will be closed again.
This picture is looking south at the park. The existing wall shown is at risk of failure and the slope behind it is severely eroded from high wave action over the winter. When this wall goes, more of the slope will go, and the entrance into the park will be a 20 foot drop off - leaving the park unusable.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP PROTECT AND IMPROVE THE PARK?
Please consider a donation in any amount to help us reach our goal. The money will go toward the following improvements:
1. Repair the north side shore protection wall by securing the end and extending the wall inland with steel sheet piling.
2. Replace damaged sections of the existing wood wall and steps.
3. Restore eroded slopes within the park by building wood walls and planting dune grass.
4. Create an accessible Donor's Plaza at the park entrance.
5. Remove problematic trees that may further damage the walls.
Permits are being submitted to the State of Michigan and Army Corp of Engineers for these repairs. Our goal is to hire a contractor to install the sheet piling in Fall of 2020 and complete the other improvements by Summer of 2021.
VOLUNTEER
There will be plenty of opportunities to volunteer. All labor (except sheet piling) will be volunteer donated. Volunteers are charged with replacing damaged wood planks, planting dune grass, removing problem trees, constructing the Donor's Plaza, and building the wood walls. Materials are also needed for these improvements. If you'd like to volunteer please contact Dana Burd through this website. Events will be scheduled.
FOLLOW US
You can also follow us on Facebook by searching "Friends of Pier Cove Park". We will provide updates on improvement activities and share stories of why we love the park. @friendsofpiercovepark
DONATE
If you would like to make a tax deductible donation to the park please mail your check to this address and note "Pier Cove" in the memo line. Ganges Township will provide a receipt to the address you provide.
Ganges Township
1904 64th Street
Fennville, MI 49408
If you would like a donation brick for yourself or in memory of a loved one please contact Dana or Ganges Township directly. For a $100 donation an engraved brick will be included in the entrance plaza with your (or your loved ones) name.
For a $500 donation your name will be recognized on a donation plaque to be placed in the plaza.
FUND RAISING GOALS
$12,500 Sheet Pile Wall
$ 4,000 Wood Retaining Walls
$ 3,500 Entrance Plaza
$ 2,600 Other repairs and picnic table
PLANS
Here is the existing aerial plan of the park showing the approximate limits of the existing wall.
This plan shows the proposed improvements which include steel sheet pile on the north side, a wood retaining wall above the sheet pile, a conceptual footprint of an entrance plaza, and lists other improvements such as tree removal, replacing damaged wood plans and steps, slope restoration with dune grass, picnic table and bench relocation, wood enclosure for portapotty.
This plan below shows a profile sketch of the proposed sheet pile wall.
The sheet pile wall will protect the entrance of the park from further erosion. This area will also be improved into a Donor's Plaza with a brick paver entrance, relocated benches, and a dedicated accessible area for viewing sunsets.
This picture shows the north wall of the park and the severe erosion that happened over the winter. The sheet piling will secure the end of the existing wood and metal frame wall and extend the wall into the bank. This will prevent the wall from washing out and protect the entryway into the park pictured above.
Over the winter high wind and waves from Lake Michigan washed out several steps to the beach.
In early June of 2020 some volunteers repaired the steps so the park could reopen. Most materials were donated by Huntree Nursery.
Pier Cove Park is a sacred place for many people. Families have enjoyed access to Lake Michigan and the creek here for generations. The park provides easy access for hiking, rock collecting, and enjoying a summer day with friends and family. During low water the beach was much bigger. Imagine Lake Michigan being five feet lower. This picture shows a calm day, but when the big lake gets rolling the waves crash over the wall and threaten to tear it apart.
Without further improvements the existing walls could end up like this wall (below) located a few miles south of Pier Cove. You can see the wood has failed and only the metal frame remains. The land that used to be protected behind the wall has washed into the lake. Once the wall is breached the sand quickly washes away leaving a more expensive problem to remedy. If this were to happen at Pier Cove the stairs would be lost and potentially even the parking along the road.
That is why we need everyone's help to protect this special place.
Please join us in helping to protect and improve Pier Cove Park in Ganges Township (Fennville) Michigan.
Thank you for helping us improve the park for future generations.
