THE 90 CAMPGROUND sites at Lake Antoine Park will be closed until further notice, although the park remains open for day use. Portable restrooms will be available while the county plans a project to replace broken water lines. (Brian Christensen/Daily News photo)

IRON MOUNTAIN — Dickinson County hopes to reopen its Lake Antoine Park campground, possibly within six weeks, after accepting a proposal Thursday for water system repairs.

D & L Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning of Iron Mountain will be hired at a cost of $16,938 to complete installation of 2-inch supply pipe with 44 galvanized risers for park campsites.

Meanwhile, the county board will expect a report from Coleman Engineering of Iron Mountain on long-range options — perhaps a new well or rehabilitation of the existing pump house across Lake Antoine Road and installation of a new feeder line. The current line is 4-inch pipe laid more than 50 years ago.

After broken water pipes were discovered, the county board closed the campground May 14 until further notice.

Lake Antoine Park remains open for day use, pavilion rentals and other scheduled events. Portable restrooms have been set up for patron use.

The six-week timeline for the initial water project includes a two-week wait for materials, two weeks for installation and two weeks for site repair, along with testing the water, park manager Eric Robinson told the board Thursday.

There are some variables, however, including availability of pipe.

Cresline Plastic Pipe Co. has a waiting list for its polyethylene products due to high demand and shortages after the pandemic shutdown in 2020, Robinson said.

Hardware may be difficult to obtain as well, although County Controller Brian Bousley said the county will search further, if needed.

“We’re going to go forward,” said Commissioner Joe Stevens, who chairs the parks committee. “My mantra still is to do it right and get it over with.”

Commissioner John Degenaer Jr. said he’s optimistic the initial project will get the campground through the summer without interruption or a reduction in sites. The campground advertises 57 sites with electricity and water and 33 with electricity only.

In another matter, Degenaer said he has an idea to ventilate the park’s bathrooms and showers in lieu pursuing a new building.

Commissioner Barbara Kramer has advocated new construction.