May 25, 2011

Join staff at Mears State Park and Air Fun Kites for a special "GO-Get Outdoors" Kite Day on the beach from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 4.

The event kicks off at noon when park staff will be available to assist participants, ages 3 to adult, make a kite of their own. There will also be about a dozen stunt kites for everyone to try and learn how to fly.

At 1:30 p.m., kites with tails of all shapes and sizes will take to the skies. Air Fun Kites' staff will offer a skills demonstration at 2 p.m. using two specially shaped kites - the Hound Dog and the Big-O-Fish, followed by a mass ascension of kites that will fill the skies for the final event at 2:30 p.m.

Mears State Park is located on West Lowell Street in Pentwater in Oceana County, off US-31. From the Monroe Road Exit, go west to Lowell Street and travel about five blocks to the park entrance. Mears is home to the famous "Old Baldy" sand dune, and is nestled on the shores of Lake Michigan in the quaint town of Pentwater. The park offers paved, modern campsites surrounded by fine sand, and a lodge that accommodates up to eight people.

For more information about this event, the park, accessibility, or persons needing accommodations to attend this event, contact the park supervisor at 231-869-2051 (TTY/TDD711 Michigan Relay Center for the hearing impaired), or visit www.michigan.gov/mears.

Camping reservations can be made online at www.midnrreservations.com, or by calling the central reservation system at 1-800-447-2757.

Although this event is free to campers, park visitors and kite enthusiasts, a Recreation Passport is required for vehicles entering the park. The Recreation Passport has replaced motor vehicle permits for entry into Michigan state parks, recreation areas and state-administered boating access fee sites. This new way to fund Michigan's outdoor recreation opportunities also helps to preserve state forest campgrounds, trails, and historic and cultural sites in state parks, and provides park development grants to local communities. Michigan residents can purchase the Recreation Passport ($10 for motor vehicles; $5 for motorcycles) by checking "Yes" on their license plate renewal forms, or at any state park or recreation area. To learn more about the Recreation Passport, visit www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport, or call 517-241-7275.

Non-resident motor vehicles must still display a valid Non-Resident Recreation Passport ($29 annual; $8 daily) to enter a Michigan state park, recreation area or state-administered boating access fee site, which can be purchased at any state park or recreation area, or through the Michigan e-Store at www.michigan.gov/estore.

"GO-Get Outdoors" is a series of continuous, special events designed to encourage all people, and especially families, to take advantage of the many outdoor recreational opportunities that are available in this great state. For a list of events taking place at your Michigan state parks, recreation areas and boating facilities, visit the Get Outdoor Calendar at www.michigan.gov/gogetoutdoors.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state's natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.