Ramp at stub pier replaces steps

Ramp at stub pier replaces steps

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief

LUDINGTON — Pedestrians who like to walk the waterfront will notice a major improvement to accessing the stub pier. Earlier this week, construction of a ramp was completed, eliminating the awkward steps that had previously hindered access to the popular breakwater that extends west a few hundred feet into the harbor past the Coast Guard station.

The construction was initiated at the prompting of Ludington resident Mary Lou Ohnsman.

“For years I watched people maneuver the steep two steps,” Ohnsman said. “Wheelchairs, walkers, hip or knee issues, strollers, people young and old were challenged to navigate the steps.  Whether it was to watch the Badger in the channel or catch a fish or a sunset, the steps were a barrier.”

Ohnsman’s grandson, Michael, trying to navigate the old steps.

In 2019, Ohnsman approached Ludington City Manager Mitch Foster and then-Mayor Steve Miller. Along with Ludington Department of Public Works Superintendent Joe Stickney, city representatives contacted the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which is responsible for maintenance of all the breakwaters.

Ohnsman said she was thankful to see the project completed on Monday by Ruggles and Son Masonry of Hart and SRM Concrete.

Foster said the project was completed through federal funds at no cost to the city’s general fund.

This story and original photography are copyrighted © 2023, all rights reserved by Media Group 31, LLC, PO Box 21, Scottville, MI 49454. No portion of this story or images may be reproduced in any way, including print or broadcast, without expressed written consent.

As the services of Media Group 31, LLC are news services, the information posted within the sites are archivable for public record and historical posterity. For this reason it is the policy and practice of this company to not delete postings. It is the editor’s discretion to update or edit a story when/if new information becomes available. This may be done by editing the posted story or posting a new “follow-up” story. Media Group 31, LLC or any of its agents have the right to make any changes to this policy. Refer to Use Policy for more information.

Please consider helping to fund local news. Mason County Press and Oceana County Press are available for free thanks to the generous support of our advertisers and individuals. Three ways to help us: Venmo: @MasonCountyPress; Paypal: MasonCountyPress@gmail.com; Mail a check to PO BOX 21, Scottville, MI 49454.

fb.com/stars