The Department of Natural Resources and Environment today announced that the Sleepy Hollow State Park boating access site on Lake Ovid has reopened for public use after major site improvements.

 

This project included a new road to the boat launch off Price Road, shortening the drive to the launch by three and one-half miles. Other improvements were made to reduce congestion at the launch and consolidate and improve parking. Energy-efficient lighting and pervious concrete were also installed, as part of the DNRE Recreation Division's "Green Initiatives." The former surface was deteriorating and needed replacement.

This new surface allows storm water to penetrate instead of flowing down the parking lot and carrying pollutants into the lake.

 

The project also expanded the ramp to allow room for two skid piers and included improvements to ensure that the new vault toilets, sidewalks, parking lot and information kiosk are aligned with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.

 

"Despite the temporary inconvenience during construction, the reaction from the public to these improvements has been positive," said DNRE Park Supervisor Tim Machowicz. "Visitors enjoy the shorter drive and the new parking adjacent to the ramp. We were able to close nearly two miles of roadway, reducing the need for road maintenance and surface replacement. The old road bed will be allowed to return to a natural habitat."

 

This project was financed through the federal Sport Fish Restoration Program and the Michigan State Waterways Fund, a restricted fund derived from boat registration fees and the Michigan marine fuel tax, which is used for the construction, operation and maintenance of recreational boating facilities, harbors and inland waterways.

 

Lake Ovid has 362 acres of surface area and Machowicz said it is known as a great fishing lake. It also is a "no wake" lake. Visitors who would like to rent canoes, motor boats, kayaks, row boats or pontoons can do so at the park's concession area or call ahead at 517-651-6363.

 

Sleepy Hollow State Park is located at 7835 E. Price Road near Laingsburg, five and one-half miles east of US-27 off Exit 91. The new entrance to the launch is on the north side of Price Road, between Shephardsville Road and the park entrance, one-quarter mile before the park entrance. The launch has new signage. For more information about this project, the park or accessibility, contact the park supervisor at 517-651-6217 (TTY/TDD711 Michigan Relay Center for the hearing impaired), or visit www.michigan.gov/sleepyhollow.

 

Lake Ovid boating access site requires a Michigan state park Motor Vehicle Permit, available for purchase at the park entrance or on-line through the Michigan E-store at www.michigan.gov/estore. Cost is $24 for a resident annual and $6 for a resident daily. A non-resident annual is $29 and a non-resident daily is $8.

 

Beginning Oct. 1, the $10 Recreation Passport replaces the state park sticker for access into all state parks, recreation areas and boat launches.

To get the Recreation Passport, Michigan residents can check "YES" on their license plate renewal forms. The Recreation Passport also helps preserve forest campgrounds and trails, historic and cultural sites in state parks, and local parks. Where can $10 take you? Visit www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport for more information.