Holland's Laketown Township Moving Forward with Beach Stairs Project

HOLLAND, MI — Laketown Township is moving forward with plans to construct new beach stairs at Laketown Township Beach after the previous structure was removed as unsafe in March 2025.

The township board unanimously voted on March 12 to allocate an additional $70,000 to its capital outlay fund, raising the budget from $105,000 to $175,000 to cover construction of new steps from the top of the dune to the shore.

The board unanimously voted to shift money in its 2026-2027 budget, raising the amount for Capital Outlay in the Parks Commission section of the budget from $105,000 to $175,000 to cover construction of steps from the top of the dune to the shore.

The township is also applying for a $150,000 Michigan Department of Natural Resources Passport Grant to fund additional phases of the beach improvement project, including dune restoration and reconstruction of the existing stair system.

The board also unanimously voted to have township Manager Stephanie Fox ask the township's engineering firm Prein and Newhof to submit a request for a state grant for $150,000 to build Phase 2 and Phase 3 of the beach stairs project.

The Problem with the Old Stairs

Laketown's previous beach steps were more than 30 years old, and in March 2025 the township deemed them unsafe for use. They have since been removed, leaving beachgoers to climb the dune without assistance.

The proposed new stairs would be installed in a different location than the previous structure. Plans by Prein and Newhof presented at Laketown Township Hall on March 11 show the new steps would address three phases:

• Phase 1 — steps from the top of the beach dune through "The Bowl" to the lakeshore
• Phase 2 — reconstruction of the existing stair system from the parking lot up the dune, called "The Front" in the engineering plans
• Phase 3 — addition of about 90-feet of elevated deck with a platform and possible trellis on the area called "The Plateau" as well as plantings to help preserve the dune

The proposed new steps would be in a different location. In October, the parks commission recommended contracting with Lakeshore Concepts for $196,500 to install adjustable aluminum beach stairs with composite tread called EZ Beach Steps in "The Bowl."

Funding Strategy

The township is taking a two-pronged approach to funding the project. The $175,000 from the township budget will cover the initial phase of construction from the dune to the lake. If the township receives the Passport Grant, construction on additional phases could begin in 2027.

For the $150,000 grant, the township would commit to paying $50,000 plus an additional $25,000 in contingency and engineering, permitting and other costs, according to township documents.

The Passport Grant program covers up to $150,000, with a minimum required match of 25 percent. Prein and Newhof said the township's plans align fairly well with the program's priorities and would give a fairly good odds of receiving funding, but the Passport Grant is extremely competitive and they cannot guarantee you will be awarded.

Public Hearing on March 11

The township board held a state-required public hearing on the grant proposal for the steps from the dune to the lake, fencing and shrub and tree planting on March 11.

Four people spoke at the hearing, with diverse opinions on the project:

• One resident recommended using current township funds to build the steps and the grant funds to build Phases 2 and 3
• Another resident said building the steps is not imperative, noting there were no stairs from when the township acquired the beach in the 1920s to the early 1990s
• A third resident asked if the township could limit beach access to township residents only, though that rule was rescinded in 1991
• A fourth resident asked the board to not decrease the width of the steps so emergency crews would have enough room to pass others on the stairs

The comments are noted in the minutes and in a recording of the meeting.

The Beach Stairs Controversy

The issue of beach stairs at Laketown Township has been a topic of discussion for years. In December 2025, the township board tabled a proposed $196,500 contract between the township's parks commission and Holland-based Lakeshore Concepts to install adjustable aluminum beach stairs at Laketown Beach.

Six companies submitted bids ranging from $117,000 to $372,000, with construction material including lumber, composite and metal. Township board members, who ultimately must approve funding for new steps, were concerned about the cost and in December tabled the parks commission recommendation and directed the manager to apply for grants to fund the stairs.

Last Thursday, that municipality's Board of Trustees unanimously voted to table a proposed $196,500 contract between the township's parks commission and Holland-based Lakeshore Concepts to install adjustable aluminum beach stairs at Laketown Beach.

Timeline and Next Steps

If the township receives the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Passport Grant, the earliest construction could start would be 2027, according to Supervisor Steven Ringelberg. The board did not decide to start construction or who would do the work if approved.

The Laketown Township Parks and Recreation Commission might address the beach stairs issue at its meeting at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 18, at the township hall, 4338 Beeline Road.

The Laketown Township Parks and Recreation Commission might address the beach stairs issue at its meeting at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 18, at the township hall, 4338 Beeline Road.

About Laketown Township Beach

Laketown Township Beach, located at 6710 142nd Ave., is a popular recreation area in Allegan County. The beach features a concrete tunnel that cuts through a sand dune and provides access to a sparkling Lake Michigan beach. The dune stairway provides incredible views and access to this beautiful Lake Michigan beach.

The township stated in 1963 that the beach was for residents only. That rule was rescinded in 1991. A resident at the public hearing noted access to the beach can be limited by enforcing parking restrictions.

Contact Information

Laketown Township Hall and Park: 4338 Beeline Road, Holland, Laketown, MI 49423

Phone: (616) 335-3050

Fax: (616) 396-5441

Email: office@laketowntwp.org