The Woodlands Activity Center has opened to the public, the newest addition to the amenities offered at Grand Hotel. The area features a new greenhouse, bicycle rental pavilion, and miniature golf course.
The activity center project was delayed by weather and supply chain issues, Grand Hotel President of Operations David Jurcak said at the ribbon cutting ceremony Wednesday morning, July 20. Grand Hotel had hoped the activity center would be open by Memorial Day. It opened in time for the Fourth of July weekend.
The nine-hole golf course is named The Gem, in reference to Grand Hotel’s 18-hole golf course, The Jewel.
The greenhouse is used for plants used by the grounds crew at Grand Hotel. Eventually, the space will be filled with plants indigenous to Mackinac Island, as well as non-native staples like geraniums and lilacs. Interpretive panels will also be added, explaining the natural history of the Island.
“You’ll be able to see the plants we have in our gardens and the native flora of the Island, and learn about them more in depth,” said Drew Butterfield, the senior director of landscaping. “This will primarily be so people can learn more about the Island.”
A new path will be added next year, connecting the greenhouse to the hotel’s Secret Garden planting in the woods that features a view of the hotel’s cupola.
The greenhouse also features stools made from wooden stumps decorated with wood burnings of Mackinac Island scenes. The stumps were created by artist Erynn Rice, Mr. Butterfield’s sister who lives in Ohio and visits the Island many times a summer.
Next year, the activity center will continue to grow, Mr. Jurcak said, with the addition of the Cedar Grove Bike Track. The bike track will be a molded mountain bike trail intended for older children and teenagers.
The tennis courts were also improved this summer, and two were converted to pickle ball courts. Four more pickle ball courts will be added in the future.