Holly Outdoor Recreation to “Adopt” Seven Lakes State Park

Posted on: September 3rd, 2011

Holly, Mich.— With ever dwindling-budgets and ever-increasing visitors, Michigan’s state parks are a state-wide treasure that are in need of some manpower. The Holly Outdoor Recreation Coalition has stepped up to offer that support and manpower by “adopting” Holly Township’s Seven Lakes State Park and providing park staff with the power of community hands.

The “Adopt-a-Park” program is managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment and allows local volunteer organizations or groups to work on park-related projects. After 400 manhours of volunteer work are logged, the volunteer group receives a posted sign recognizing their achievements.

In the Holly community, the Holly Recreation Area has been adopted by the Friends of the Holly Recreation Area, and the Holdridge Lakes Mountain Biking Trails have been adopted by the Flint Chapter of the Michigan Mountain Biking Association.

“When visiting our local state parks, we noticed that there wasn’t a group that had (yet) stepped up to ‘adopt’ Seven Lakes State Park,” said Ryan Bladzik, president of the Holly Outdoor Recreation Coalition. “Seven Lakes is an outstanding park, and we saw it as a great opportunity to better connect the park with the community.”

Seven Lakes State Park has more than 230 acres, including 70 camping sites, kayak/canoe/boat launches, modern restrooms, sandy beaches and playgrounds. There are more than 5 miles of trails suitable for running, hiking and cross-country skiing.

The Holly Outdoor Recreation Coalition and Seven Lakes State Park is currently working on an action plan and volunteer project dates, which will be posted at www.hollyorc.org.