‘Next spring the beach should look quite different,? said Parks, Recreation, and Seniors Director Ken Elwert.
During their regular meeting on August 14, the Township board approved $17,016 to improve Deer Lake Beach — $8,116 will go to installation and purchase of a seasonal floating dock, and $8,900 will be used to renovate the lifeguard hut.
The new floating dock will have a 6 X 10 observation platform. ‘It’s going to be an accessible dock,? said Elwert because it will have security edges making it safer for wheelchairs and people with strollers.
Updates to the lifeguard hut include expanded storage along with a new roof and siding, said Elwert.
The beach’s facelift was made possible by a $50,000 donation from the Clarkston Area Optimists Club. All the funds for the improvements will come from the money raised by the Optimists, and Elwert couldn’t be more thankful.
‘I appreciate the support from the community,? he said. ‘The dock has needed help for years.?
While there’s no set date for the dock’s installation or the lifeguard hut renovations, Elwert expects the work to be done by mid to late September after the beach closes.
Besides a new dock and a better lifeguard station, there may be more in store for Deer Lake beach. Elwert is also looking into fall planting. Next summer, swimmers and boaters may notice native vegetation along the shore, which Elwert believes will help to screen the beach from the road.