Past District Projects

Bay Cliff Health CampCapital Program

Bay Cliff has a 70-year history that began on a dairy farm that was already 20 years old. The original buildings, many of which are still in use, were built between 1913-1918. The last major building campaign was in the early 1960’s. The buildings have outdated and inadequate plumbing, electrical and heating systems. Accessibility to many of the buildings is inadequate. Most bathrooms are not accessible or functional for persons using wheelchairs. The Facility does not comply with the American with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) of 1990.

An ambitious $7.2 million campaign is underway to modernize the Bay Cliff facility. This includes renovation of existing buildings, new construction, accessibility to and development of the Lake Superior waterfront, creation of an accessible trail system, landscaping, and architectural fees. The plan calls for winterizing the camp’s facilities to allow for programs to be offered year-round, bringing the camp into full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements, and updating and renovating all of the camp’s buildings used for therapy, camping activities, and living accommodations.

When the changes have been accomplished, Bay Cliff will be able to provide more comfortable accommodations for campers and staff and updated facilities that support the various therapy programs provided for children. Because the camp will be available year-round, Bay Cliff also will be able to expand its mission to serve the programmatic needs of other children not currently served. A recent survey of Upper Peninsula non-profit organizations confirmed that such an expanded mission would be welcomed—indeed, many respondents expressed a desire to partner with Bay Cliff in offering programs at the camp.

This exciting plan is not just a distant dream. Rather, it has already begun! Phase I of the plan, which involved renovating and winterizing the Big House, was completed in June. It is SPECTACULAR! The renovation was carefully done to preserve the farmhouse nature of the Big House, and this approach will serve as a model for the next phases of the plan.

Over 100 non-profit and charitable organizations in the Upper Peninsula have expressed an interest in using the Bay Cliff Facility to conduct programs. Organizations that serve children with mental, emotional, and behavioral disabilities will have the opportunity to plan and conduct programs at Bay Cliff. We expect Bay Cliff will become a very busy place all year!

Northwood’s Air Lifeline Hangar Project

MD10 Lions Clubs raised $75,000 to match a Grant of $75,000 from Lions International to build an aircraft hangar at the Ford Airport in Kingsford. The hangar project was completed in early 1999 and the hangar was heated and available for plane storage by January 1999. The cost of the project did come within the $150,000 proposed budget. Due to additional funds being available, the bathroom and rest area were also completed, bringing the total project cost to $156,295. The hanger has the ability to house nine aircraft.