BARAGA CO. -- A loyal group of campers has received an honor for their hard work at Van Riper State Park.
The Michigan Department of Parks and Recreation awarded the 'Friends of Van Riper and Craig Lake State Parks' for their outstanding work to improve the park. Since the group began two years ago, they've raised up to $25,000. The money has been used for various projects like installing WiFi and planning playgrounds.
Members of the group say their inspiration lies in their love of the park.
"We're all campers and feel like this is our second home here and we're trying to make it nicer for our kids and everybody else who uses the park here," said Carl Hosang, president of Friends of Van Riper and Craig Lake State Parks.
On Saturday the park will hold its annual Fourth of July celebrations beginning at 1 p.m. with a bike parade.
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