Improvements will aid parking ar 2 sites in Lakeshore.

Beach-goers who enjoy access to Lake Michigan via County Roads 651 and 669 will be greeted by a little more organization when they return next summer.

VEHICLES WERE parked on both sides at the road end
of County Road 651 Sunday by people who visited the
Good Harbor Beach.

The National Park Service, in consultation with the County Road Commission, has planned improvements to the road ends – which could get under way yet this season.

“We hope to have the work completed before next season, but outside the major visitor season,” said Tom Ulrich, assistant Superintendent of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Park (SBDNL). “It will benefit the public greatly.”

Currently, those using beach access roads must go early on hot summer days to get a good parking space. There is no organized or designated parking area at either location.

Proposed improvements include the installation of accessible parking spaces, pathways and picnic tables, additional paved parking, and extended parking spaces for larger vehicles or trailers for easier unloading at each road ending. The improvements have been designed to improve vehicular circulation, reduce traffic congestion and provide better parking, emergency access and enhanced facilities at the popular Lake Michigan beaches.

After a comprehensive study analyzing traffic patterns and user impacts, SBDNL and the Leelanau County Road Commission have worked together to develop plans to improve the end of County Roads 651 and 669.

“This is a wonderful collaboration between federal and county governments that will benefit park visitors to these to great beaches,” Park Superintendent Dusty Shultz said. “It will be especially helpful to those with disabilities.”

At County Road 651, the project will include two handicapped accessible parking spaces near the beach with paths leading to a small picnic area. There will also be an accessible path leading to the existing vault toilet, and water lines will be installed for a drinking foundation and foot washing station. Parking spaces will be defined for 26 vehicles angled along both sides of the road, with two additional spots for oversized vehicles.

A turning traffic circle at the end of the roadway will enhance access for emergency service vehicles and allow visitors to easily drop off and pick up passengers with beach gear. According to Shultz, similar improvements are planned for the County Road 669 road ending.

“Recreation and preservation are fundamental elements of the National Lakeshore,” Shultz said. “These new amenities will allow people, especially those with disabilities, to recreate more easily at these popular National Lakeshore beaches, which stall preserving and protecting the surrounding national resources.’

Funding for the project is coming from an internal Park Service account designated for improvements to infrastructure that need work.

Road Commission engineer/manager James Johnson said that his agency has been consulted and has provided input on the proposed improvements. Park Service personnel are finalizing plans for the project, after which a permit will be requested from the Road Commission to alter the road rights-of-way.