Sunset Beach: Antoine Partners to improve lakefront
Progress 2024
IRON MOUNTAIN — Lake Antoine Park Partners will begin construction on the Sunset Beach project at the end of the summer.
About 150 feet of beach in front of the park’s former concession stand building will be developed to allow for handicapped accessibility. Contractors will start removing the old concrete wall and steps in August, if the weather cooperates.
“This year we are actually able to get things started,” said Doni-Mae B. Rauch, LAPP vice president. “This is great progress.”
Plans include the installation of four ADA-compliant benches and two ADA picnic tables. Kwik Trip has stepped forward as one of the major businesses to sponsor a picnic table. The non-profit LAPP is currently seeking additional sponsors for the seating equipment.
“Many people don’t realize how expensive they are,” said Rauch, adding they are about $1,500 each and similar to those used at Kwik Trip locations.
Donors will get their name or business name on a plaque that will be mounted to the piece sponsored. “We want those to be acknowledged,” said Carrie Toretta-Partello, LAPP secretary. “We appreciate the community for the support we have received to improve the park.”
The shore front will be landscaped and regraded to allow for wheelchair access directly to the lake. A rock wall will be built, in compliance with all state regulations, at the shoreline where the former Sunset Point was located.
LAPP will also plant additional butterfly gardens as well as expand on the current plantings.
This spring, butterfly art pieces joined the history of Lake Antoine Park panels on the beachfront building. “We have made that look much more educational, inspirational and we are doing something for the pollinators in the area,” Rauch said.
Total cost of the Sunset Beach project is almost $30,000, with a goal of having it done by winter.
Coleman Engineering has been one of the volunteers that has donated their time to help with the design, Rauch noted.
The LAPP also received several grants from the Dickinson County Community Foundation that has allowed them to move forward with projects.
“The mission of the Community Foundation is to enhance and strengthen our communities now and for generations to come,” DCCF Executive Director Tamara Juul said. “We are thrilled to have partnered with LAPP with the continuous improvements at the park, which is for all to enjoy.”
Although they have received some grant funds, a large portion still needs to be raised, Toretta-Partello said.
LAPP’s Phase 2 plans include the construction of a fully accessible playground along the side of the building.
“A lot of kids in the area don’t have ADA playground equipment,” Rauch said. “People would like it.”
Rauch explained the wish to add handicapped- accessible equipment and seating at the park was brought to board members several years ago.
“We first added the Mobi-Mat at one end of the beach to allow wheelchairs to go down directly into the water,” said Rauch, adding it was done through volunteers and fundraising.
She said the board has been searching for other ideas and also who can support them financially. “The community will be absolutely amazed when we get started,” she said.
While in construction, the LAPP will continue with its fundraising and annual events.
It’s the seventh year for the Crafty Flea Market sponsored by the LAPP and The Daily News Newspapers In Education. The event will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, at the Lake Antoine Park campground.
Vendors who are still interested in participating can contact Jennifer Flynn at 906-774-2772, ext. 218.
The annual flea market is their fundraiser for basic needs such as insurance and office supplies.
“It’s wonderful we get to help the artists and crafters in the area show their wares,” Rauch said. “Every single campsite will be sold out.”
The LAPP will again bring back its annual Fall Fest on Oct. 12, for area youth. “We would like to see the trunk-or-treat participation expand,” Toretta-Partello added.
The annual Lights At The Lake is planned Nov. 28 through Dec. 31.
This year they have opened up additional campsites to expand the tour.
Toretta-Partello said nearly half the sites already have been sold, so those interested need to make reservations as soon as possible.
“Before the park used to be dark in the winter and now it’s beautiful,” Rauch said.
The LAPP will also decorate the campground entrance this year. “It will be more welcoming,” Toretta-Partello said.
The next event is the Kites Over Awesome Lake Antoine that will be announced in 2025.
“We had to cancel the KOALA event last year, as Mother Nature didn’t help us,” Rauch said. “We hope we have better luck next year, as it’s a major project.”
The LAPP is also looking for people to bring different ideas, including art they would like to see. “We love ideas,” Rauch said. “That’s progress — ideas are progress.”
The board researches everything brought up by the public to see if it is viable and try to put that to work.
LAPP is a volunteer organization that does not receive tax support for projects.
Joining Rauch and Toretta-Partello on the board are President Allison Lucier; Treasurer Ann Hruska; Joe Stevens; Nancy deKoster; Dan Jaspen; Barb Kramer; and Jody Christy.
They welcome any new members in addition to those interested in joining the LAPP board. The membership is $35 for a year.
“Our goal is to increase membership and public participation in developing the park and continue to raise the funds needed for those projects,” Rauch said.