Parks & Recreation

Snow Heritage Park

ABOUT THE PARK

The Snows Heritage Park offers two softball fields, pickleball courts, four horseshoe pits, tennis courts, playground and a covered pavilion with picnic tables and an outdoor BBQ.

Pavilion Rental

Please see the Treasurer’s Office for the rental form and to pay the deposit.

Peek-a-Boo Trail

ABOUT THE TRAIL

The 3.8 mile Peek-a-Boo Hill trail will be an all season, non-motorized trail open to hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, in accord with the Township’s plan for non-motorized recreation. The idea for the bike trail began around 2015 when Mike Mahn approached then Township supervisor, Gary Reid, for it. Peek-a-Boo hill had been a skiing site many years ago, and the cross-country ski trail was developed with the DNR after that.

Mike had a dream and knew the site like the back of his hand. The idea lay dormant for a while, and then was reawakened in 2019. The Township was awarded a DNR Trust Fund grant for $267,000 in 2021 to construct the trail. Several donors–individuals, businesses, and institutions–stepped forward to give more than enough to cover the 25% ($66,750) match needed.

Sanders & Czapski Architects PLLC, of Marquette, was hired to design and over see the project, with Mr. Bill Sanders the project’s architect. The trail will have a 2.5 mile medium trail loop, atop of the cross-country ski trail, for the average and family biker, hiker or skier with a section adjacent to a beaver pond. Along the hill side, a 1.3 mile “Black Diamond” segment will challenge the avid mountain biker with such things as a rock garden, jumps, “skinnies”, table top jumps, rolls, and more. Two decks are planned for rest stops along the trails.

A targeted completion date is the early fall 2024, depending on construction progress and weather. The project committee hopes to hold various events at the site in the coming years. New members are always welcome to help nurture the project. Current members include: Max Heil, Kristi Merritt, Sue Bakkila, Sarah Reding, Jordan Huff, Jeff Cousins, Mike Wagner, Bob Lightfoot, Gil Newberry, Mark Clymer, Carol & Dave Murray.

Hessel Beach

ABOUT THE BEACH

This is a beautiful site just west of the Marina on Hessel Bay. A launch site for non-motorized watercraft is provided on the west end. There is a beautiful sand beach with picnic tables and benches. The bath house was remodeled inside and out in 2015 – 2016, adding a covered picnic and seating area. We even have a foot washing station for your convenience so you don’t track sand into your vehicle!

Improvements have been possible due to the generous donations of many residents and non-residents. Our construction in the past, beginning with new shingles and siding is due to the community minded and generous donations of time and expertise by some of our local contactors.

Come and enjoy a sunny, relaxing day at one of the most desirable spots in the Les Cheneaux Islands. Plus, it’s a short walk for ice cream cones and nearby restaurants! NO DOGS OR SMOKING ALLOWED.

Aldo Leopold Nature Preserve

ABOUT THE NATURE PRESERVE

In 2014, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources contacted Clark Township inquiring if the Township would be interested in receiving two parcels of state-owned property, about 39 acres, on Marquette Island off Duck and Voight Bays. The Township readily agreed. The two parcels were transferred to Clark Township with the stipulation they were to be used for public access to Marquette Island. Today, those 39 acres are known as Leopold Landing.

About the same time, the Little Traverse Conservancy was concluding negotiations with various property owners on Marquette Island to establish the 1,683-acre Aldo Leopold Preserve. The Preserve abuts the Seiberling-Stewart Nature Preserve which includes another 192 acres and 4,200 feet of Lake Huron frontage, overlooking Marquette Bay and Lake Huron. The three parcels added together have created 1,914 acres of property that can be explored and appreciated by everyone.

Since then, with gran funds from the Les Cheneaux Community Foundation, the Little Traverse Conservancy, Eastern UP Regional Planning and Development Commission and Clark Township, a new boat dock and a kayak ramp have been installed at Leopold Landing to provide easier access to Marquette Island and the Aldo Leopold Preserve. There are now 3.8 miles of shoreline along with trails that extend across the Preserve, with the primary trailhead being Leopold Landing.

To help protect private property and avoid potential forest fires, both Clark Township and the Little Traverse Conservancy do not allow for overnight camping or picnic fires on their properties. Otherwise, you are invited to use Leopold Landing to explore the Aldo Leopold Preserve, walk the trails, and enjoy your time there.

Clark Township