Bay County Building
515 Center Avenue
Bay City, Michigan 48708-5941

DNR to host open house seeking input on proposed plans for the Bay City Recreation Area

 

BAY CITY, MICH. -- Seeking input on a proposed beach access action plan at Bay City State Recreation Area in Bay County, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources will host an open house 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 5, at the Saginaw Bay Visitor Center, 3582 State Park Drive in Bay City.

The proposed plan is the result of a collaborative planning process that included the DNR, Bay City, Bay County, the Great Lakes Bay Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce and the Bay Area Community Foundation. That meeting was hosted by Sen. Mike Green in late September 2016 at the visitor center.

At the meeting, the joint task force was established for the purpose of compiling a list of projects to improve shoreline access at Bay City Recreation area. The primary objective was to select projects that were relatively simple in terms of design, permitting, funding and construction, as well having the potential to be accomplished within approximately one year. After several meetings, the joint task force produced a draft action plan that itemized a list projects that could provide an enhanced experience for park visitors.

At the April 5 open house, DNR staff and task force participants will discuss the proposed beach access action plan, answer questions and gather public input. Comments will be reviewed at a subsequent task force meeting that will produce the final action plan.

Bay City State Recreation Area is situated on more than 2,000 acres and is located on Saginaw Bay, approximately 5 miles north of Bay City. The park is home to Tobico Marsh, one of the largest remaining freshwater coastal wetlands on the Great Lakes, providing excellent bird and wildlife viewing opportunities. Other recreation opportunities offered at the park include a swimming beach, splash park, playground, modern camping, hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, nature trails, picnicking, hunting, ice fishing, educational programs and family-friendly events. Learn more about this popular park by visiting www.michigan.gov/baycity.

For more information, contact George Lauinger, park manager, at 989-684-3020 or Jim Barcia, Bay County Executive, at 989-895-4130.