Update on $1 Million Transformation of Elk Rapids Rotary Park

Photo Credit: Gourdie Frasier and Associates (top row) and Paddle Antrim (bottom row)

By Deana Jerdee, Paddle Antrim Executive Director

Construction has started on the $1 million transformation of Elk Rapids Rotary Park, the popular roadside park in the Village of Elk Rapids and a key trailhead on the Chain of Lakes Water Trail. The Chain of Lakes Water Trail is hosted by Paddle Antrim and is one of only 9 designated water trails in the State of Michigan, the only one in Northern Michigan.

 Many amenities are planned, including a non-motorized launch. A universal access launch already exists on the Chain of Lakes Water Trail – a more than 100-mile water trail stretching through 12 lakes and interconnected rivers in Antrim, Charlevoix, Grand Traverse, and Kalkaska counties – on the north end of Elk Lake in Kewadin. Rotary Park will be the second universally accessible launch, providing the first complete route on the Chain of Lakes Water Trail accessible to all users. Instead of users having to launch from and return to the same site, they will be able to travel continuously between Kewadin and Elk Rapids.

 The first non-motorized boat wash station in Michigan is also planned, along with year-round, fully plumbed restrooms with a changing station. The parking will be redesigned with more spaces and trailer parking. A rain garden with native plants will also be installed to control stormwater runoff from the parking lot.

 Construction began in June and Rotary Park has been partially reopened, with the launch installed and additional parking available since August. The remaining elements, which include the boat wash station, restrooms, and landscaping, will be completed in spring 2025. 

Learn more at www.paddleatrim.com/rotary-park.