Brower Park, a camping destination in Stanwood, Michigan, is set to unveil significant electrical upgrades when campers return in the spring. These improvements aim to address long-standing power issues that have frustrated visitors and park management alike.
For years, the park, situated upriver from Hardy Dam, has experienced electrical infrastructure challenges. “When they don’t have power on a hot day, customers get very frustrated,” Jeff Abel, county parks superintendent, said, as reported by Big Rapid News. “We end up sometimes having to issue refunds or have customers that’ll leave and not stay with us.”
The root of the problem lay not in the power supply but in outdated infrastructure. Before the upgrade project, the electrical pillars for RVs and camping trailers provided insufficient electricity to meet the demands of modern campers who increasingly bring the comforts of home to their outdoor adventures.
Recognizing this trend, park officials decided to upgrade the electrical system to accommodate these modern needs. “Even pop-up campers nowadays, a lot of them, you see an air conditioner on them,” Abel said. “We want to be able to accommodate that.”
The park has initiated a comprehensive electrical upgrade project in response to these challenges. One section of the park has already been upgraded with 30 and 50 AMP outlets.
The upgrade project, originally planned for 2023, faced supply chain delays. However, with all the necessary materials now on site, the park is moving forward with its plans to modernize the entire electrical system. This upgrade is expected to enhance the camping experience for visitors.
Funding for this project comes from a collaborative effort between the Mecosta County Park Commission and the county government. “We can cover part of it from our budget but we couldn’t cover the whole thing,” Abel said. “Now we can get it all done at once.”
According to its website, Brower Park officially opened for the 2024 season, welcoming visitors to enjoy its array of outdoor activities and amenities. However, all seasonal campsites for this year have already reached capacity.
Located on the backwaters of the Hardy Dam, the park spans 280 acres of wooded land, featuring nearly 8,000 feet of riverfrontage and a 1,000-foot sandy beach.
The park offers a variety of activities for visitors, including boat launches accessible from both the north and south shorelines of Hardy Pond. Family-friendly programs are a highlight at Brower Park, with activities such as arts and crafts sessions, hayrides, and movie nights.
In addition to water-based recreation, the park includes numerous facilities like playgrounds, picnic areas, and sports courts for basketball, volleyball, tennis, and baseball.
Brower Park also accommodates visitors with 230 campsites and 10 cabins, offering modern conveniences to enhance the outdoor experience. The park is equipped with three modern restroom buildings featuring showers and flush toilets for added comfort.