Friends of the Ludington State Park encourage winter lantern hikes.

Friends of the Ludington State Park encourage winter lantern hikes.

Around the County is a presentation of Preferred Credit Union, www.preferredcu.org, located locally at 266 N. Jebavy Dr., Ludington.

By Katie Provenzano, MCP Correspondent

HAMLIN TOWNSHIP — On Saturday, February 26, the Friends of the Ludington State Park held its fourth and final lantern-lit hike of the 2022 season. The non-profit organization has been lighting the way for winter hikers, cross country skiers, and snowshoers since 2014 as a way to encourage winter visitors to the park. Eight volunteers help light the trail, tend two bonfires, and distribute hot chocolate and marshmallows. 

Friends of the Ludington State Park Board President Patrick O’Hare said he wanted to share his gratitude to the Ludington and Scottville Area Chamber of Commerce for its continued partnership on the annual Brrrew Fest Fundraiser held in January in downtown Ludington. 

The Friends of the Ludington State Park will be adding three new items to the park during the 2022 season: a track chair, a bike fixing station, and a SeeCoast EnChroma viewer. 

“I did not realize until about a year ago that one in 12 men and one in 200 women are colorblind,” said O’Hare. “We are putting in a SeeCoast EnChroma viewer on the Skyline Trail that will allow colorblind individuals to actually be able to see the colors in nature that those of us who are not colorblind enjoy anytime we are out here.” 

The track chair may be reserved by individuals with limited mobility to assist with trips down to the beach. 

Also in store for the 2022 season will be 20 entertainment events on Wednesdays and Saturdays that are no additional charge for park attendees. 

“If you are looking for things to do this summer in addition to entertainment, please come out and enjoy the playground [and] the kayak launch. These are projects that the Friends group have taken on over the years,” said O’Hare.

Visit https://friendsofludingtonstatepark.org to learn more about the Friends of the Ludington State Park.

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