Lake Monterey Dam Project Update | August 9, 2024

Dear Sandy Pines Members,

We hope this letter finds you well and that you are enjoying the summer season. We want to inform you about the upcoming Dam Project, an essential initiative involving Allegan County, Salem Township, and Sandy Pines. The project aims to ensure the safety and functionality of our dam and will involve significant construction work. We plan to provide additional updates throughout the process of the project.

Project Overview

Last month, we selected a contractor to undertake the dam project. The timeline for this work has been finalized, with construction set to commence on Monday, September 9th, 2024. This will involve the closure of the roadway over the dam, which will be impassable to park traffic once construction begins. The project is expected to continue through September and October, with a targeted completion date in early November.

Impact on Lake Access and Recommendations

Given the scope of the project, we strongly advise all members who utilize boat services—whether through the park or external contractors—to consider removing their boats from the lake earlier than usual. The construction may affect lake levels and access, potentially making it challenging to retrieve boats later in the season.

Please be sure to monitor your boat’s position on the lakeshore and ensure it is not stuck or at risk due to fluctuating water levels. We recommend that all boats be removed from the lake before Monday, September 9th, the start date of the project.

As we experience hot August days, it’s important to note that lake levels may lower. However, rest assured that the pumps will continue running to maintain water levels as best as possible during this period.

Construction Zone and Alternate Routes

Please note that a lot of activity will be occurring in the dam area. The construction crew will be installing a coffer dam by the spillway, and the roadway will be closed to any traffic. The contractor will begin by removing the cement slabs along the upstream embankment and bushes on the downstream embankment. Additionally, they will be building a road at the intersection of 137th and 28th Street along the tree line within the park to facilitate trucks bringing in rip-rap and removing old cement slabs and debris.

Please note that this roadway is for the construction crew only. For your safety, do not attempt to drive on that roadway.
For safety reasons, do not enter the construction zone. We strongly urge all members, visitors, and guests to stay clear of this area.

Travel for members in Phases 4, 5, and 6 will require exiting through a park gate and re-entering through another gate. To assist with this, we plan to install VOIP call boxes at the remote gates (Phases 4 and 6) for member guests and vendors to gain access to the park. Staff will be able to verify via the VOIP phone and remotely open the gate.

Alternate Routes and Updates

Alternate routes through the park will be finalized later this month. We will communicate these routes and any other important information through our usual channels, including online updates and direct communications.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we undertake this critical project. Your safety and enjoyment of Sandy Pines are our top priorities. Should you have any questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

*Image below shows the roadway for construction vehicles