Field Research Notes – September 2nd 2025

Jaycee Park / Island Park

Investigated Jaycee Park and was testing out new hiking shoes. So there has been some upgrades to this park and is actually a really nice park. The boat launch is a little overkill as the grand river isn’t really deep enough to support most trailer-ed boats. but the Kayak launch is in good condition.

The closest parking is the gravel lot (posted for boat trailers) up the hill from the launch

Since I was testing out new hiking shoes (can’t really consider them boots). I decided to walk the paved path in the park. This, in one direction, just goes out the the main street. The other, is a good distance walk to the Island Park.

This was a good walk and the island is nice. However the high banks make it nearly impossible to pull up to. It is doable in an emergency, but shouldn’t be planned on use.

There is not much past the Island Park other than the usual sidewalks in town. So returned to the vehicle. Was going to check out Moore’s park but since I was wearing the wrong socks with the new hiking shoes I was starting to get a callus from the shoe rubbing against my ankle and decided to call it early.

Notes for Next Field Research

Well, first and foremost, wear the proper socks with the new hiking shoes. Also, no matter how short you think the walk is going to be, bring a water bottle. Next place to check out is Moore’s Park and potentially Sweeney’s Landing depending on how the Moore’s park goes. Also may check out Hunter’s Ridge Park 4099-3927 Hunters Ridge Dr, Lansing, MI 48911. From the map, it doesn’t look like anything but there isn’t really anything else past Moore’s park (other than the River View park which has no access. But may want to investigate that as well).

As for downstream, if time permits, checking out Grand Kayak and seeing if there is any public access nearby. May even stop by in the location (see if they do any sales kind of stuff). May also again stop at Fitzgerald Park and re-review access for kayak work since it is a known portage for Grand Kayak’s tours.

Stretch Goal would be to check out Charlotte Hwy Kayak Launch (12041 Charlotte Hwy
Portland, MI 48875)