Olson Park: City of Algoma

Friends of Crescent Beach

LNRP is assisting Friends of Crescent Beach, working with the City of Algoma to enhance the habitat and improve water quality at Olson Park. Olson Park is a small park adjacent to the Ahnapee River in Algoma, with a boat launch and river access. Most of the park consists of a large gravel parking area used by the City for snow clearing operations in winter.  A small area consists of mowed grass, and there is an archery target area, and a shelter and restroom structure which are in disrepair.  The natural land cover is limited to a riparian/wetland fringe along the river bank, which is dominated by non-native and invasive species, including reed canary grass, Phragmites, and crack willow.  Some native willow, red-osier dogwood, quaking aspen, and herbaceous wetland plants are present. The park has been underused as a recreational resource, and the City is interested in restoring portions of the gravel lot and renaturalizing areas of historic fill to natural landscaping and to enhance recreational and aesthetic value.