The Mecosta County Parks 2017 camping season is starting off full throttle. Park Superintendent Jeff Abel reported to the Park Commission on Tuesday that everything is going great.

“Starting out very well. The weather's cooperating for the most part and a lot of guests in the parks and so far the feedback we've gotten has been very positive from everybody coming in.”

He adds that bookings for campsites are up at all the campgrounds compared to a year ago. He did note however that many campers have had questions regarding firearms at the campgrounds. He says there is no specific policy on guns, but...

“Our policy is we'll follow the policies of the state so, whatever those regulations are related to concealed carry or open carry is what you're allowed to do within our parks as well.”

Park workers however follow a different set of rules.

“We do not allow personnel to carry when on duty, but that will be getting sent back to committee for re-evaluation just to affirm that that continues to be our stance,” he says.

A recent on-line survey for park improvements received 1,583 responses and Abel says they will start evaluating the suggestions and getting them worked into the park's master plan.