Paddle Antrim is leading the development of the Chain of Lakes Water Trail, an over 100-mile water trail stretching through 12 lakes and interconnected rivers in Antrim, Charlevoix, Grand Traverse and Kalkaska Counties. The Chain of Lakes Water Trail is one of nine state-designated water trails in Michigan and is a collaborative effort which includes 81 approved access sites from 17 different governmental jurisdictions and non-profit organizations.
Rotary Park is a key access site for the Chain of Lakes Water Trail. In 2017, the Village of Elk Rapids completed a recreation survey and improvements to Rotary Park, including a kayak launch, were identified. As identified in the water trail plan, Paddle Antrim wants to offer more water trail accessibility to paddlers with varying levels of mobility. This launch will connect to the existing universal kayak launch at Milton Township Waterfront Park, creating the first accessible route on the Chain of Lakes Water Trail.
In March 2020, Paddle Antrim and the Village of Elk Rapids collaborated to develop a design to enhance and improve Rotary Park. Financial assistance for this project was provided, in part, by the Elk Skegemog Lakes Association, Elk Rapids Rotary Club and individual members, Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation. In-kind contributions were provided by the Village of Elk Rapids, Gourdie Frasier, Inc, Paddle Antrim, and Disability Network of Northern Michigan.
Based on public input, a final design was approved by Elk Rapids Village Council in March of 2021. We look forward to working with the Village on the next steps to complete construction.
Click the links below to view PDF of the proposed improvements:
Rotary Park Proposed Improvements
Contact us for questions or more information at info@paddleantrim.com