en-us Copyright 2008 - All Rights Reserved. Sun, 26 May 2013 06:14:34 GMT 15 By Allison Mahn
SKI, SKATE, LUGE! As the Muskegon Winter Sports Complex begins its 25th anniversary, they take on the Olympic motto, "Faster, Higher, Stronger." With new improvements coming way for this non-profitable organization, staffs at the complex begin to prepare for a more successful season than last years. The record snowfall and freezing temperatures made last winter one of the complex’s best. The complex has added a second family ice rink and doubled the length of the popular ice skating trail that is 50’ by 90’ so that hockey and family skating can take place at the same time. The ice rinks will open when there becomes enough snow and the temperatures become cooler and consistent. "Now that the word’s out, it’s extremely popular. People drive from Lansing," Director Jim Rudicil said. There were new improvements also made to the two miles cross country trails, being wheelchair accessible and putting up more maps and signs making it more clear to where your destination may be. The cross country trails opened Friday, December 11. "It is our goal and priority to make the customers happy, and make sure they are having a good time here," lodge manager Pam King said. Located just on the other side of the skating rink is a new sledding hill, the first since the complex opened. This hill is supposed to be a big hit for the parents who are able to watch their kids from the lodge. The complex’s main attraction, the luge course, attracts kids and adults of all ages. The luge alone more than doubled its best previous season with over 10,000 runs. This course helped create, Muskegon native, Mark Grimmette into an Olympic luger. The luge course should open by January 1, when given enough snow and cold. "I’m so excited to be able to be a luge coach again. It’s a lot of fun and I enjoy helping people of all ages that come here," past employee Sarah Landstrom said. Not only are there more options given to you when exploring the complex, but new early-bird specials for the first 200 family ski and skate season passes purchased. For all those runners out there, there are more races offered throughout the season of operation. There is also, an additional Dine and Glide dinner on top of the Valentine’s Day Dine and Glide, that features a four course gourmet dinner by Lakeside Inn Resort located amongst the complex’s trails in the Muskegon State Park. ]]> Tue, 22 Dec 2009 18:06:06 GMT