Members of the Parks Commission: Tom Shuff – Chair, Karen Simmons – Vice Chair, Kathleen Dearborn, Dick Becker and Jeremy Van Hoven.

Laketown approves new five year recreation plan. The 2018 Community Parks and Recreation Plan was approved by the Township Board on Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2017.  This is a five-year plan which serves as a guide for the future development of recreational opportunities and parks within the township.  The Plan was put together in accordance with requirements of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and is needed in order to apply for grant funding from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) and the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). To view the plan, click here.

The Parks Commission is currently studying the future uses of the Huyser Farm. To see a draft of our concept plan, click here.

Parks Map

⇒You are invited to share your input on the future of Lakeview School Park! – June 25, 2018 from 6 – 8 p.m. Click here for more details. ⇐

Park Reservation Information

What type of events require a Park Use Permit?

A Park Permit is needed when one or more of the following criteria applies to your event or activity:

• 20 or more people expected at the event or activity
• live musical entertainment
• fee collection on township property (donations, admissions, concession, or merchandise sales)
• use of temporary structures or facilities, such as, tents, shade structures, stages, booths, amusement devices (such as, bounce house, dunking booth), etc.
• the general public is invited or notified by the media
• animals on display, for show, or for rides
• hot air balloons or any apparatus for aviation ascent or descent into a park
• any wedding held at a park location
• use of the shelter or park is in a manner other than their specified recreational use

When do I need to submit my Park Use Application?

It is recommended that applications be submitted at least eight (8) weeks prior to your event. Applicants desiring to hold major events, especially those that are publicly advertised, should submit their application at least 90 days in advance, as a pre-event meeting with township staff may be required. Applications submitted less than 4 weeks in advance will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

What if my event is an annual event? Will I get the same date and location every year?

Reservations can be made up to 364 days in advance and are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Event planners may request the same date for the following year if they turn in a completed Park Use Application. Multiple events will not be allowed to be hosted on trails during the same day.

Can I have amplified sound at my event?

Amplified music is permitted, but must be kept to a reasonable level so as not to disturb the peace, quiet or comfort of the neighboring inhabitants.  Amplified sound shall not exceed the distance of 100 feet from the building, structure or outdoor area in which the device is located.

Absolutely no profanity or profane lyrics are allowed in the selection of music that is played for the event.  If such music is heard by park staff or if complaints are received from other park users, it will be grounds for shutting down the event and a prohibition on any future events by the sponsor.

Park Reservation Form

Boater’s Safety Courses offered

Contact Information:    Sgt. Todd Wagner (269) 673-0500 ext 4456 or Kari Lambert (269) 673-0500 ext 4234

The Allegan County Sheriff’s Office Marine Division will be conducting several Boater Safety Courses this spring & summer. Persons who wish to operate a boat in the State of Michigan who are born on or after July 1^st 1996 must obtain and possess a valid Boater Safety Certificate.

For those individuals who wish to operate a Personal Watercraft (PWC), a Boater Safety Certificate is required and must be in possession during operation. The operator must be at least 16 years of age and born after December 31^st, 1978.

Those individuals who are 14 and 15 years of age may legally operate a personal watercraft (PWC) in the State of Michigan only if they meet certain requirements which include:

Obtaining and possessing a valid Boater Safety certificate and,

• Is accompanied on board the PWC by a parent, legal guardian or a person at least 21 years of age designated by a parent or legal guardian or –
• Is operating the PWC at a distance not greater than 100 feet from a parent, legal guardian or designee over 21.Upon the successful completion of the Boater Safety Course, attendees will receive their Boater Safety Certificate.  Courses are open to anyone 12 years of age or older.  All course materials are provided and attendees need only to attend and complete one of these courses to receive their Certificate. Up coming classes can be found on the Sheriff’s Office website at www.allegancounty.org/sheriff