By Dan Shriner
Review Editor
One of Lake Orion’s little gems is Green’s Park.
It’s a well-known place for children and families to enjoy the beauties of Lake Orion while also swimming and learning to swim in a safe environment.
It is situated on the eastern shore of Lake Orion. The park has picnic tables, grills, a sand volleyball court, horseshoe pit, basketball court, bathrooms and a beach with lifeguards. Fishing is also available.
And as summer approaches after another long winter, there are a few reminders for those who want to enjoy the park.
One of the great attractions for families about Green’s Park is that there are lifeguards on duty during the times the park is open.
Rosemary Ford, who serves on the Lake Orion Parks and Recreation Board, said residents often want to make sure that there are lifeguards on site before they let their children play and swim in the designated swimming area.
‘It’s very important that the lifeguards are there and people count on it,? she said. ‘We know of people who will come here with children only because there is a lifeguard on duty.?
The season for the park begins this Friday before Memorial Day. While school is in session, the park will be open from 3 to 7 p.m. All other days the park will be open from noon to 7 p.m. on Monday ? Thursday and from noon to 8 p.m. on Friday ? Sunday.
Park passes and rules and regulations at can be found at Lake Orion Village offices, 21 East Church Street.
The village offices are open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays. For the first time this year, park passes may also be bought by credit or debit card online by visiting ‘lakeorion.org? .
There also will be a drop box this year at Green’s Park for those who want to purchase day passes.
The fees for seasonal passes are as follows: village residents – $25; Senior village residents ages 62 and older – $20; Non-residents – $50; Senior non-resident – $45.
Single day passes are $5 and senior single day passes are $4.
There is a limit of four persons on one pass each day. The passes may be used from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
There also are rates for larger groups.
Ford said people often schedule group outings such as birthday parties, graduation parties and even bridal parties at the park.
‘Not everyone can live on a lake and the park is close and available for many kinds of activities,? she said.
On Mondays through Fridays, there is a two hour minimum for group outings and the fee is $40. The cost is $20 per hour up to four hours and $15 an hour after four hours.
On Saturdays and Sundays, there is a two-hour minimum fee of $50. The cost is $25 per hour up top four hours and $20 per hour after four hours.
Green’s Park will again offer swimming lessons this summer. Those interested may register at the Village offices. Registration forms are available from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each weekday. There will be three swimming sessions this year. The classes will be held daily, Monday through Friday. The first begins June 22 and lasts until July 3. The second starts on July 6 and ends on July 17 and the final one is from July 20 through July 31.
Class times are 10 a.m. to 10:45 and 11 a.m. to 11:45. The cost is $50 for village residents and $80 for Orion Township residents and all non-residents.
All registration must be made the Village offices. No phone reservations will be accepted. Payment must accompany the registration form. Cash, check or money order only.
If there are questions, call the Village offices at 248-693-8391, extension 100.