Celebrating 50 Years of Preservation
Your Paradise Lake Association was formed in 1973 by concerned community members wanting to improve the lake and the community with a positive approach. We are now celebrating the 50th Anniversary of their beginning.
Founding members of the PLA were Art Nelson, Bill Coffin, Don Jordan, Bill MacDonald, Pat Ambrose, ‘Neath the Birches and The Maples. Meetings and Bingo at the Paradise Lounge raised enough money to purchase the Park on Paradise Trail from Don and Ann Winters. They built tennis and basketball courts and eventually donated the park to Carp Lake Township due to the cost of property taxes. The Pavilion at the park was a joint effort of the township and the PLA. In 1995 more playground equipment was installed. The PLA is donating 3 new benches and co-funding a permanent porta-potty with the township in 2023.
The PLA incorporated in February 23, 1978. In March 1978, the Paradise Lake Association, Inc. was formed, a non-profit organization. They received federal 501(c)6 tax exempt status on September 2,1981 and 501(c)3 status on June 3, 2009 to allow better grant opportunities. In the mid 1970’s Virginia Freebairn represented the PLA in encouraging the formation of the Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council. The PLA became members of TOMWC in 1980.
Water Quality testing started in the early 1980’s and continues to this day with TOMWC compiling the data. Through the years Vic Fabro, Bob Smith, Dick Moster, Dick Dragoo, Dick Elliott, Cathy Freebairn and now Dave Milne have provided secchi disk and water sampling expertise. Over 30 years of water quality data exists.
In the 1990’s snowmobile races were held on the ice, until insurance costs became prohibitive in 1995. Bass Tournaments were held for 25 years and Ice Fishing Tournaments and Summer Festival still continue.
Our PLA logo was designed by Ryan O’Neil in 1996. The same year our goal statement was developed and remains in our hearts & on the front page of every newsletter.
Over the years many different community members served as board members of the PLA . Many successful projects include: coordinating with Little Traverse Conservancy to purchase Stony Point Preserve and four other land preserves totaling 602 protected acres, building walking trails at Lincoln Park on Stony Point, placing weevils to help control Eurasian water milfoil, upgrading community triangle, including flag pole, garden and community bear, repairing outflow dam, walleye rearing pond, removing beaver debris from Mud Creek to clear walleye spawning grounds, working with MDNR and separately fundraising to plant walleye, promoting greenbelts, creating a rain garden in coordination with the Boat Wash Station, promoting Boating Safety and Clean Boats Clean Waters programs. 50 Years has been a culmination of many community members forming partnership with each other and various organizations to help promote and protect the Paradise Lake/Carp Lake area. Impressive!! Congratulations!!
