Lakeview Park Renovations

Parks
Written By Chelsie Wyse

All photos courtesy of John Hart, City of Portage

Awarded 2025 Project of the Year

by APWA Southwest Michigan Branch for Structures >$1 Million

The Lakeview Park Renovation project began with a four-phase 2019 master plan to upgrade the park by expanding existing well-loved amenities such as the fishing piers and outdated structures, and to enhance amenities along walkways and the lakefront.

Phase 1 of the project included 810 LF of boardwalk overlooking Austin Lake then along the canal with views to West Lake. The boardwalk includes 24 light poles, seating areas, and a game pocket with ping pong tables, cornhole, and game tables. The existing piers are expanded to include an additional 200 SF of fishing area and a second shelter, increasing access to a popular fishing location.

The Judy Acker Inspiration Garden sits at the highest point of the park with views towards Austin Lake. The custom pergola and stone seat walls are surrounded by flowering perennials and grasses.

OCBA was the project lead and landscape architect; Slocum Architects provided architectural services for the inspiration garden pergola, Mitten State Engineering provided stormwater management, utility layout and permitting services, and final grading; Geotech, Inc provided site electrical services; Spartan Distributors provided irrigation design; and Prein & Newhof provided structural review for the boardwalk. Balkema Construction Inc., was the general contractor with portions of work completed by the City of Portage DPW.

 
Chelsie Wyse

I’m Chelsie Wyse, Founder of TACT Marketing Strategy, where we turn marketing chaos into business growth and messaging clarity.

With over 15 years in the advertising industry, I specialize in growth marketing—building strategies, campaigns, and brands that drive visibility, engagement, and revenue.

My expertise spans brand development, CRM improvement strategy, systems development, creative partnership management, and content creation and deployment; all grounded in a deep understanding of client experience and small business ownership.

I believe marketing should be intentional, measurable, and aligned with genuine business objectives. Every project I lead is designed to create lasting impact and support sustained business growth.

https://get-intact.com
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