What’s the best way to cool off in the summer?

Jeff Broddle | Cadillac News Above, Kam Selleck rides the water slide at Adventure Island.

Nothing ushers in the summer like the first trip to the beach, the river or maybe the water park.

With so many ways for Cadillac area residents and visitors to keep cool during the summer, it’s hard to know what is the best way to do it.

As in most things, what’s right for one person may not be right for another, but with different options to fit different price ranges and needs there is something for everyone when it comes to cooling off.

If a day at the beach is a person’s fancy, then Osceola County Parks Director Jim Wolfe said he has a lot to offer. According to Wolfe, the beach is the best place to spend a hot summer day. The three parks in the county include Rose Lake County Park, Sunrise Lake Recreation Area and Crittenden County Park.

“(People) can be part of nature, enjoy the sand on their feet and the cold water. There is sun bathing and the chance to be around other people doing the same thing,” he said. “It doesn’t cost anything other than a park’s permit fee.”

Larry Richardson also thinks going to the beach is the perfect way to spend a summer day.

As the Missaukee County Parks director, Richardson is charged with the upkeep of Missaukee Lake Park, Crooked Lake Park as well as Ben E. Jeffs Park. According to Richardson, there is nothing quite like enjoying a day at the beach.

“People just love the real beach. Kids just love playing in the sand, and cost wise, we are way less than what it would cost for a water park,” he said. “You can always be at the park and camp and use the beach and lake all day.”

Although Richardson believes a day at a water park is expensive, Jeremy Williams said there are ways to fit every budget.

The manager of Adventure Island in Cadillac said that a person could come and enjoy the park and it will fit whatever budget they have. Other attractions include go-karts, batting cages, miniature golf, bumper boats, playground and arcade.

“It’s a fun, clean alternative to the lakes and rivers in the area. It’s a good way to cool off on a hot day and the water is 83 degrees if the northern Michigan weather doesn’t cooperate,” he said. “The prices are set up so you can come to the park and do one thing or a whole day of activities. You can start for $5 to $6 a person or for $22 you can get enough activities to keep you busy the whole day.”

Beaches and water parks may offer ways for people to cool off during the summer, but Natalie Davis said there are other ways to keep cool during the heat.

As co-owner of Missaukee Paddle Sports with her husband Greg, Davis said canoeing or kayaking down one of the area rivers is a great way to interact with nature as well as keep cool and get some exercise.

“There is more solitude on the river and it is a better opportunity to see wildlife. It is a great family activity that builds team work skills,” she said. “To me, those are the primary things. It is a lot quieter and is a great form of exercise but you are still able to enjoy the refreshing cool water.”

rcharmoli@cadillacnews.com | 775-NEWS (6397)

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