$15 million in improvements coming to Lake St. Clair Metropark

Nearly $15 million in improvements will be completed at Lake St. Clair Metropark over the next three years.

The following projects will reopen the long-awaited North Marina, dramatically expand accessibility across the park, add new trail connections, modernize aging infrastructure and advance sustainability initiatives that will keep Lake St. Clair Metropark vibrant for years to come. 

The North Marina has been closed since 2019 due to infrastructure and utility damage caused by high water levels.

The transformation will be eye-opening

This renovation will fully reopen the marina with 78 boat slips for transient docking — nearly doubling its existing capacity — and bring accessible floating finger docks back to the North Marina basin. 

Additional improvements include a dedicated fishing area on the west side of the lagoon, bollard-style lighting upgrades to reduce fish fly attraction, expanded picnic areas and a new fire pit. 

The project is currently underway and is expected to be complete by Memorial Day 2027.  

Collaborative funding effort

The project is being funded by $5 million in state appropriations from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, $294,000 in a DNR Waterways grant to support engineering and at least $1.5 million in Metropark matching funds. 

The renovated North Marina Bathhouse will serve as the hub of the marina area, providing year-round family restrooms, updated shower and toilet facilities, a boater registration area, vending machines and accessible adult changing tables.

The building’s location positions it as a key trailhead along the hike-bike trail and a gathering space for picnics and events. Accessible parking improvements and rerouted pedestrian walks will also improve overall traffic flow through the area.