New Serenity Garden and Boardwalk Planned for Blue Lake Township Park

The park, previously known as the 'community forest', will get an accessible path, viewing platform, and boardwalk crossing Grass Lake.

Mar. 10, 2026 at 4:49pm

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Blue Lake Township Park in Muskegon County, Michigan is undergoing a major transformation, with plans for a new serenity garden, accessible path, viewing platform, and boardwalk crossing Grass Lake. The 300-acre park, previously called the 'community forest', offers 8.5 miles of trails around Grass Lake and will soon feature a tranquil garden space next to a historic 1950s-era cottage. The $6,500 serenity garden project will be funded by the township and community donations, while a $90,000 state grant will cover the cost of the accessibility improvements.

Why it matters

The new features at Blue Lake Township Park aim to make the natural space more accessible and inviting for visitors, providing a peaceful respite just steps into the woods. The serenity garden and boardwalk will allow people of all abilities to experience the park's natural beauty and connect with the outdoors. The project also highlights the community's commitment to preserving and enhancing this public green space for residents and tourists alike.

The details

The serenity garden will be located across the street from the park's trailhead, accessible via a quarter-mile path. It will feature a metal trellis entrance, three curved benches donated by locals, and potentially a piece of outdoor metal art. The historic 1950s cottage will remain in the background, surrounded by new wooden posts. An informational sign will provide the cottage's history to visitors. The township is also using a $90,000 state grant to build an ADA-accessible path, viewing platform of Grass Lake, and a boardwalk crossing the lake.

  • Construction on the serenity garden is expected to begin in June or July 2026.
  • The first round of donor bricks for the garden's pathway will be installed this year, with additional bricks added annually.
  • The accessibility improvements funded by the state grant are also slated for completion in 2026.

The players

Blue Lake Township Park

A 300-acre public park in Muskegon County, Michigan that offers 8.5 miles of trails around Grass Lake.

Chris Billie

A volunteer leading the serenity garden project at Blue Lake Township Park.

Jeff Abram

The township clerk of Blue Lake Township, which owns and manages the park.

Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR)

The state agency that provided a $90,000 grant to fund accessibility improvements at Blue Lake Township Park.

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What they’re saying

“It's ideal for those people that want to get into the woods … and want to get into nature and see everything but not have to walk far.”

— Chris Billie, Volunteer

“This park could not have been built without the leadership of our recreation committee and the enormous hours put in by dedicated volunteers of our local communities.”

— Jeff Abram, Township Clerk

What’s next

The township plans to begin construction on the serenity garden and accessibility improvements in June or July 2026, with the goal of completing the projects by the end of the summer.

The takeaway

Blue Lake Township Park's new serenity garden and boardwalk demonstrate how a community can come together to transform a neglected natural space into an inclusive, accessible, and peaceful oasis for residents and visitors to enjoy. This project highlights the power of grassroots efforts and public-private partnerships to enhance local green spaces and connect people with the outdoors.