Youth Enjoy Summer Recreation Programs
Board Gets Update on Youth Activities
By Leslie Rott

When the Mackinac Island City Recreation Board met Monday, August 22, President Leanne Brodeur updated board members on the results of summer programs.

Twenty-four children, ages five to 13, participated in the “Arts & Nature-In-the-Park” program, which was held Wednesdays, from June 15 through July 20. The favorite activity of children was the nature walk and the Recreation Department hopes the program will take place again next summer.

There were 15 participants, grades seven through 12, at the youth soccer camp, led by former professional soccer player Drago Dumbovic and members of the women’s soccer team from Saginaw Valley State University. The camp was held Monday, June 27, through Wednesday, June 29, and generated $845 in fees for the Recreation Department. Accommodations for the coach and players were funded by the Doris St. Onge Memorial Athletic Scholarship, Mackinac Island Public School Athletic Boosters, and the Recreation Department.

Fifteen children in grades six through 12 took part in a volleyball camp held Monday, July 18 through Wednesday, July 20, led by John Knuth, Marysville High School head volleyball coach and National Volleyball Coach of the Year. The program generated $870, which went to Coach Knuth, and the Recreation Department supplied him with a hotel room at Mission Point Resort for one night.

Seventeen participants took part in a basketball camp held Tuesday, August 9, through Thursday, August 11, led by Coach Sam Cornett from South Haven Public Schools. The program made $440 for the Recreation Department, which provided a hotel room at the Chippewa Hotel and ferry tickets for the coach. Coach Cornett donated his time for the camp.

Twenty-three children participated in Wawashkamo Golf Course’s children’s program and 38 children participated in horseback riding lessons taught by Mrs. Brodeur.

Also deemed successful by the board were the youth softball, gymnastics, and dance class programs.

In other business at the meeting, the board discussed preliminary plans to resurface the softball field at Great Turtle Park, which is getting lumpy and uneven. Mrs. Brodeur suggested stripping the top and reseeding. Board member Barb Fisher told the board they should start locally and get opinions from contractors in the area. It is also hoped that a lighting engineer can be brought in to address lighting issues at the softball field and the park in general.

The board also discussed the possibility of a driving range, but arrived at no consensus as to where to put it. Board member Michael Hart suggested the board keep the idea alive.