Lansing resident Isaac Boomershine, 7, uses two hands to dig a hole in the sand at Lake Lansing Park South, while his mom, Michelle, and 4-year-old sister, Alana, play in the water.
Students sticking around East Lansing for the summer are trying to stay cool and, at the same time, maintain a cool summer budget. There are a number of things to do around East Lansing, but finding the right deals can make having fun as easy as lying in the sun.
A walk in the park
Many parks around East Lansing offer free admission. A hot spot for students and locals is Lake Lansing Park North and South, located in Haslett.
Patrons of the park can do a variety of activities, from taking a nature hike to catching a few rays by Lake Lansing.
“The most popular place is Lake Lansing South (because it) has a city park atmosphere,” Lake Lansing Park Manager Pat Witte said. “The park and the park staff cater more to the general public, like having a concession stand and boat rentals and a lifeguarded beach front.”
Witte estimates more than 200,000 people come to Lake Lansing during the summer months.
The number isn’t surprising, because the 400-acre park offers recreational opportunities for people of all ages, he said.
“People can pick up a game of ultimate frisbee or grill out. It’s a really friendly environment for everyone just wanting to spend the day in the park,” Witte said.
Making a splash
For students living on campus, their watery oasis isn’t too far away. While the temperatures rise, many students flock to the pool at IM Sports-West.
“Those that remember or know that it’s here go out and utilize it,” IM Sports-West building director Joel Eddy said.
“It’s relatively inexpensive for students. It’s a dollar to use a day with a student ID.”
After making waves in the pool, students, MSU faculty and alumni can work out in the IM Sports-West and IM Sports-East fitness facilities. Summer rates have been cut in half, with full memberships costing $40 for the remainder of the summer.
“I think if you compare it to places off campus, we’re very reasonable,” Eddy said.
“Actually, I’d say we’re the least expensive and our equipment here is some of the best in the area.”
Those looking to start a game of basketball or use one of the gymnasiums can use them for free with a valid MSU ID.
“I think that people should know we’re open and that we’d love to see students get in and get fit,” Eddy said.
“Whether that be through the fitness center or for recreation, we’re here for the students.”
On the big screen
For students looking for a cheap date destination, the city of East Lansing might have just the solution: the Moonlight Film Festival.
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Every Thursday night in July and August the city plays free outdoor movies in Valley Court Park. Movies range from family flicks to all-out action adventures.
“We used to do a lot more family movies, but we noticed that we got more people who were coming for more date-type movies or PG-13,” East Lansing Communications Coordinator Ami Van Antwerp said. “We really base it on what kind of a draw we get from year to year.”
Moviegoers can lay down a blanket and bring a picnic basket full of treats from home.
But for those wanting to eat out, there are various snacks and Cottage Inn Pizza for sale at the park.
“We do twinkle lights around the trees in the (perimeter) of the area,” Van Antwerp said. “We really try to make it a night out for people.”
A night out
Anyone 21 and older can enjoy the bar scene around downtown East Lansing. Some local bars in the area offer deals for the college student trying to save their pennies.
The Peanut Barrel Restaurant, 521 E. Grand River Ave., offers its lunch specials every day of the week that draw both residents and students. Anyone can grab a burger and a beverage for $4.25.
The specials aren’t the only things bringing people into the Barrel, General Manager Eric Skusa said.
The restaurant’s patio is another hot spot for hot summer days and cool summer nights.
“Our patio brings in a lot of people because we have been around a long time,” he said.
“People like to go to the patio rather than the inside.”
Other bars, like The Post, 213 Ann St., have varying daily specials.
A popular night for the bar is Pink Thursday, a night made especially for women complete with a variety of pink-colored drinks. DJ Ruckus, voted best live DJ by Lansing City Pulse, performs on Thursday.
“We just trying to get some good deals out,” manager Tyler Hawkins said. “We want to run a good party.”
