Olson Park: City of Algoma

Friends of Crescent Beach

LNRP is assisting Friends of Crescent Beach in working with the City of Algoma to enhance the habitat and improve water quality at Olson Park. Olson Park is a small park adjacent to the Ahnapee River in Algoma, with a boat launch and river access. Most of the park consists of a large gravel parking area used by the City for snow clearing operations in winter.  A small area consists of mowed grass, and there is an archery target area, and a shelter and restroom structure which are in disrepair.  The natural land cover is limited to a riparian/wetland fringe along the river bank, which is dominated by non-native and invasive species, including reed canary grass, Phragmites, and crack willow.  Some native willow, red-osier dogwood, quaking aspen, and herbaceous wetland plants are present. The park has been underused as a recreational resource, and the City is interested in restoring portions of the gravel lot and re-naturalizing areas of historic fill to natural landscaping and to enhance recreational and aesthetic value.

LNRP supported the City of Algoma in securing grant funds to reimagine the park, leading to a completed design in 2023. Since then, LNRP has been working to secure construction funding. Now, with support from the Fund for Lake Michigan, Sustain Our Great Lakes and the Green Bay Packers Foundation construction should be underway soon.