About Grand Haven's Grand Haven Beach

Memorial Day my husband and I, our two teenagers, and my daughter's boyfriend went for a walk out on the Grand Haven pier. First thing I realized immediately was that I was going to freeze as I had forgotten my coat. As we briskly walked down the pier I noticed a new building and wondered what was up with that. What I found out was that was no ordinary building and that my little community was going "green"!

Grand Haven State Campground is leading the way to providing a more earth friendly atmosphere in West Michigan--The Other West Coast! Today is the big ribbon cutting ceremony as they proclaim to the world how progressive they are by opening one of the first state "green" shower and toilet facility.

So what makes it "green"? The shower and toilet facility is equipped with many energy saving basics. My personal favorite are the light sensors that make the lights come on only when someone is occupying the particular facility--I need those for my bathroom I am sure. But that isn't it. They are saving electricity and water in several ways! The 4 private and 8 family shower facilities have on demand water heaters with timers and low flow toilets and urinals. To further reduce the use of electric, windows have been installed to let the natural light in. There are also solar panels that power the ventilating systems for the showers and toilet facilities.

Apparently it is one of the first campgrounds to try this. Personally I couldn't think of a better place to try this--have you ever tried to get into Grand Haven State Campground? Nearly impossible. It is always packed because the campground sits right on the beach. But don't think you can just go to the beach and check it out! It is only for the campground.

My second thought was, I wonder how much this cost Michigan. Our state is leading the way in foreclosures (although we are no longer first--yeah!!!) and really can't afford spending money that doesn't need to be spent. I was happy to hear that the $750,000 project was funded by a land conservation fund. It will be exciting to exactly how much money this shower facility will save! Hopefully I will do a follow-up in the fall to let you know what happened!

I am proud of the community I live my life in called West Michigan--The Other West Coast!