Eastern Michigan Athletics
Boathouse at Ford Lake
The Boathouse at Ford Lake stands as a lasting investment in student-athletes and the surrounding community. Opened on May 14, 2015, the facility was built through a partnership between Eastern Michigan University and Ypsilanti Township, with key financial support from the State of Michigan, Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation, and the Saline Rowing Club. The shared vision focused on creating a permanent home for EMU rowing while enhancing public access to Lakeside Park along the south shore of Ford Lake.
Located at 10049 Textile Road, the township-owned park now serves as both a competitive rowing base and a community destination. The 5,200 square foot boathouse stores the racing shells and equipment used by EMU rowing and the Saline High School Rowing Club. Inside, rowers have access to a dedicated warm-up room and public restrooms, improving training flow and event-day operations. The structure, which cost approximately $550,000 to design and construct, provides both programs with a secure, centralized space that supports daily practices and regattas.
The broader park renovation elevated the entire Lakeside Park footprint. The project included a lakeside pavilion that functions as an outdoor classroom and picnic space, boat and fishing docks, expanded pathways, and improved parking capacity. The fishing docks are ADA-compliant, ensuring access for all visitors. Trail extensions connect the park to regional trail systems, strengthening its role as a public recreation hub in Washtenaw County.
The total project investment reached approximately $1.35 million. Eastern Michigan contributed $550,000 toward the effort. Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation added $250,000. The Saline High Rowing Program provided $50,000. Ypsilanti Township secured a $500,000 grant from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, which enabled the project.
Today, the Boathouse at Ford Lake supports collegiate training, high school development, and year-round public use. The facility anchors EMU rowing operations while creating a visible, active presence on Ford Lake. The result is a shared space that blends competitive performance with community access and long-term regional impact.
Located at 10049 Textile Road, the township-owned park now serves as both a competitive rowing base and a community destination. The 5,200 square foot boathouse stores the racing shells and equipment used by EMU rowing and the Saline High School Rowing Club. Inside, rowers have access to a dedicated warm-up room and public restrooms, improving training flow and event-day operations. The structure, which cost approximately $550,000 to design and construct, provides both programs with a secure, centralized space that supports daily practices and regattas.
The broader park renovation elevated the entire Lakeside Park footprint. The project included a lakeside pavilion that functions as an outdoor classroom and picnic space, boat and fishing docks, expanded pathways, and improved parking capacity. The fishing docks are ADA-compliant, ensuring access for all visitors. Trail extensions connect the park to regional trail systems, strengthening its role as a public recreation hub in Washtenaw County.
The total project investment reached approximately $1.35 million. Eastern Michigan contributed $550,000 toward the effort. Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation added $250,000. The Saline High Rowing Program provided $50,000. Ypsilanti Township secured a $500,000 grant from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, which enabled the project.
Today, the Boathouse at Ford Lake supports collegiate training, high school development, and year-round public use. The facility anchors EMU rowing operations while creating a visible, active presence on Ford Lake. The result is a shared space that blends competitive performance with community access and long-term regional impact.
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