DNR Seeks Input on Kelley Park

Representatives from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently held an open house at the Peninsula Township Hall to discuss plans and gather input for Kelley Park, located on Mission Road across from the Old Mission Inn.

The park, also known as the “Old Moorings” or “Nevinger Campground” to longtime locals, was purchased by the DNR a number of years ago with funds from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund.

At an informational meeting last year in August 2017, DNR District Supervisor Tim Schreiner outlined plans for the park, noting that the DNR has concluded that Kelley Park is best suited for carry-down boats – kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, etc. – which do not require a dredged channel. The launch of larger boats will remain at Haserot Beach. Read more about that meeting here.

At the recent open house, the DNR presented two plans for Kelley Park, both of which include a carry down launch, vehicle and trailer parking, vault toilet, ADA parking spaces, using the existing road system, vegetative plantings and stormwater management erosion control.

Both plans also include removing all existing structures, decommissioning all existing utilities, and a one-way vehicular circulation on the site.

The differences include the placement and number of parking spaces, vault toilet, direction of the one-way road and other details as noted in the images below (click the images for larger views).

At the meeting, Annamarie Bauer, DNR Regional Field Planner, said that no matter what the final plan for the park includes, the DNR will begin expanding and improving the stormwater retention area this fall.

The DNR is looking for input on the plans by Oct. 1, 2018. Email comments and suggestions to:

By mail:
Annamarie Bauer, Regional Field Planner
Cadillac District Office
8015 Mackinaw Trail
Cadillac, MI 49601

By email:
[email protected]