Dickinson County board members Joe Stevens and Nancy deKoster, center, gave a presentation on Lake Antoine improvements at the recent Golden K meeting. Golden K member Joan Jouppi introduced the guest speakers.

By JOAN JOUPPI

For The Daily News

IRON MOUNTAIN — A very busy schedule greeted the Golden K members on Monday morning. Chairwoman Sharon Scholke wasted no time in bringing the group to order.

Alyce Derwinski, on piano, brought the mood to a much lighter level with the help of Nancy deKoster directing the group in singing some oldies. Mary Jane Nelson took home her 50-50 winnings. Happy anniversary wishes were sent to Bob and Mary Tachick on Aug. 18. Happy Dollars reflected members glad to be together and Lois Outcelt was off to try the zip line with her family.

With time at a premium and two speakers on the program, Scholke introduced first guest Nancy deKoster. In 2019, she joined the Dickinson County Board working with the Lake Antoine Park Partners. She, as well as many community residents have fond memories of fun days at the lake. Over the course of time the park, beach, camping area and playground equipment has been well used and became in need of “TLC.”

In 2017, a few concerned citizens started to make an effort to make improvements at Lake Antoine. To date this has turned into a dedicated community effort to establish a goal and bring it to fruition step by step. Their mission statement is “To preserve, promote and protect Lake Antoine Park in Dickinson County, for the use and benefit of the general people.”

With the combined efforts of foundation and federal grants, Toro Land Water Thrive Green Enhancement program, Buy A Block for the Beach Wall campaign, individual donations, fundraisers, Crafty Flea Market and businesses that allowed the use of necessary equipment when needed and countless volunteers improvements too numerous to mention, it wouldn’t have come together.

The beach area project was challenging but now allows easier access to the water for all people. Playground equipment has been redone. Three area Girl Scouts troops decorated the garbage cans with a donation of paints from Hometown Lumber. Trees have been planted. Major landscaping throughout the park has been done, with help from Bacco Construction. The artesian well-house across from the park was renovated and accommodates the camping area, as well as individuals filling water jugs for personal use. A kiosk greets visitors entering the park. Family nights free at the outdoor movie theater were provided on Saturdays, sponsored by local organizations. A wi-fi cafe has been established with an outdoor gathering spot next to the donor wall.

The Crafty Flea Market is looking forward to its fourth joint fundraiser on Sept. 11.

Joe Stevens, Dickinson County Board member, also spoke on the renovations within in the park and the campgrounds. With a major water line problem and antiquated electric set-ups, each camp area needed to be replaced. Money, time and equipment had to come together to allow work to be done.

The campground is extensive and many hours of work has gone into providing water lines and electrical hook-ups per camp site, which will handle the needs of today’s campers and their technical world.

Thanks to Kleiman Pump & Well Drilling’s efforts, the spring can produce 100 gallons of water per minute and will sufficiently supply water for public use and the campground.

Take notice of an “old sign” near the boat landing area with two children on it. This sign will be replaced with a new sign donated by a local couple welcoming people to the park. Stevens will take the two children from the “old” sign and reincorporate them in a new setting using two 30-foot logs also iconic to the park.

The office has been upgraded as well.

There are many projects in the planning and will be done as time and money permit. The bathroom plans are a long-awaited improvement on the table.

The new kayak dock has been well used, and the lake has is popular with fishermen and boaters.

It is coming together, step by step. Take some time to drive through the park and take in the many changes already in place.

Crystal Hogan and Dawn Krans will entertain the Golden K and guests on Monday in the pavilion at First Presbyterian Church in Kingsford. The GK members will have their business meeting inside and then join the ladies outside.