Information File Picture
Mike Curtis, left, and fellow camper Steve Basel loosen up by a hearth at Hoeft State Park. The park will probably be closed this yr so the state can full infrastructure tasks in it.
ALPENA — Native small companies in Rogers Metropolis and individuals who want short-term lodging to remain within the metropolis will probably be impacted by the closure of Hoeft State Park this tenting season.
The Michigan Division of Pure Assets introduced in March that it intends to maintain the park closed this yr to carry out a big enchancment venture that can replace the park and supply extra facilities to campers.
The DNR intends to take a position $5.4 million within the venture, which can characteristic upgrades to the bathroom and bathe constructing, water and sewage programs, a sanitation station, and a contact station.
Like many different locations in Northeast Michigan, the campground additionally suffered harm from the current ice storm, and it’s not recognized presently if it’ll set the infrastructure venture again.
There isn’t a definitive date set for when the park will reopen subsequent yr.
Rogers Metropolis Mayor Scott McLennan mentioned the closure of Hoeft State Park will doubtless damage the native economic system and the tourism the town will depend on annually.
He mentioned the campground is offered out every day throughout the tenting season, and most of the people come into Rogers Metropolis to buy, eat, or buy provides. McLennan mentioned there are about 130 campsites on the park, and most of them are stuffed with households every day. He mentioned when you think about how many individuals that totals on the finish of the tenting season, that could be a big lack of cash that companies depend upon to outlive the slower winter months.
“In my view, it will likely be damaging to our economic system,” McLennan mentioned. “Native companies have already needed to assessment and doubtless modify their budgets as a result of they anticipate a lack of clients. The state park has a big impact on our economic system, and shedding it for this yr is an enormous deal to all of us.”
The campground closure might also dissuade folks from coming to Rogers Metropolis for a trip or spending a weekend, as a result of lodging is restricted. It might be a big downside throughout the annual Nautical Competition on the town, which attracts tens of hundreds of individuals from all around the nation.
McLennan mentioned the town authorities is working exhausting to discover a method to create short-term tenting websites for folks.
He mentioned the town is working with the Rogers Metropolis Space College System, which might permit Gilpin Area, the place the soccer and baseball fields are positioned, to make use of the property for tenting throughout massive occasions. McLennan mentioned the town can be in talks with Posen officers and organizers of the annual Posen Potato Competition to see if the land it makes use of for short-term tenting may also be used.
McLennan mentioned the town authorities will proceed to work exhausting to seek out extra locations for folks to camp in order that they don’t need to miss the occasions which might be deliberate.
“We’re doing every thing we are able to to open up spots for folks to make use of,” he mentioned.
Some folks in Rogers Metropolis imagine the DNR had different choices it might have used to finish the venture and nonetheless permit the park, or parts of it, to stay open. McLennan mentioned he believes the identical, however little may be performed about it at this level.
“I want the DNR had scheduled it within the fall after which wrapped it up within the spring. So throughout the peak tenting season, we wouldn’t have it closed,” he mentioned. “However, it’s too late for that now. Relaxation assured, we’re doing every thing we are able to to mitigate the fallout from this, as a result of it’s not a great factor and can have a severe affect on Rogers Metropolis.”
Hoeft isn’t the one state park that will probably be closed to campers this yr. Tasks are additionally deliberate for Cheboygan State Park that can restrict close by choices for individuals who wish to go to the Rogers Metropolis space. Season-long closures have been additionally deliberate for Clear Lake State Park close to Atlanta, however the DNR pivoted on its plan and can now preserve the parks open till Aug. 4 after which shut them to start work.
Steve Schulwitz may be reached at 989-358-5689 or sschulwitz@TheAlpenaNews.com. Observe him on X @ss_alpenanews.com.
