The Linwood Scenic Access opened this fall at the end of Linwood Road, creating the only free public access spot in over 100 miles of shoreline.
For Bob Bragiel, President of the LInwood Civic Improvement Club (LCIC), the opening of the site marked the realization of his father’s dream.
“He was treasurer back 50 years ago, and even then he would say ‘Someday we need to do something out here.’”
Bragiel, who grew up in Linwood and attended St. Anne’s, said every Sunday, as a family, his dad would drive to the end of the road, look at the Saginaw Bay, and tell his family, that treasure needs to be preserved.
![]()
Photo courtesy of the Linwood Civic Improvement ClubA map of the Linwood Scenic Access site.He’d say, “Let’s go see if it’s still there,” referring to the view.
His dad, Frank, and a handful of his friends who started the LCIC believed that if something wasn’t done to preserve the beauty and access to the site, the northeast winds that whip the coastline would continue to deteriorate the land and it would slowly disappear.
Over five decades, Bragiel kept those words uppermost in his mind. Now that it’s finished, he wants to see the site become a premier draw for the village of Linwood.
“It’s a huge shot in the arm for Linwood,” he says, “Actually, the whole Bay Area and the Great Lakes Bay Region.”
![]()
Photo courtesy of the Linwood Civic Improvement ClubFor decades, members of the Linwood Civic Improvement Club have been working to make improvements to the site.He says the LCIC and Linwood community got behind the project, but Bay County, Fraser, and Kawkawlin townships also were among the supporters and funders.
“One of the bigger hurdles that we had to cross was with the DNR,” he adds, explaining that the state didn’t want a seawall. The seawall was crucial, though, for protecting the shoreline from the northeast winds.
“If it wouldn’t have been for Jim Barcia’s office to keep moving this forward … there’s no way we could have done it. No way,” Bragiel says.
Bragiel says Barcia, Bay County Executive, and Laura Ogar, Director of Economic Development for Bay County, brought in civil engineers who drew up the plans that met DNR specifications.
Ogar was passionate about the project for many reasons. She says one of her greatest concerns is the lack of free public access to the Saginaw Bay.
“It’s an environmental justice situation,” says Ogar, adding this is the only site within 130 miles of shoreline with free public access.
From Tawas City to Quanicassee, east of Bay City, there are marinas, parks, and rivers to access the Bay. But before this site opened, there was no place where people could stop, step out of a vehicle, and stand close to the water without paying a fee.
Ogar also wanted to see greater shore-based fishing access.
“This has about the only accessible fishing platform on the whole Bay,” she says. “You’re not fishing in the river, you’re not fishing in a drain, you’re not fishing in one of the little fishing access points. No, this is right into the Bay, right now.”
Even when the water is shallow, Ogar says the fishing is great. “I caught a white fish in 3 feet of water.”
And the water will rise, as it always does.
Along with the accessible fishing platform, Ogar says the site also is home wheelchair-accessible spotting scopes and picnic tables. The boat launch has been updated and there’s a walkway that connects to a sidewalk leading to Downtown Linwood.
Mike Kelly, Director of the Conservation Fund and Manager of the Great Lakes Watershed Initiative, says the organization was happy to support the project.
“One of the things that we’ve always prioritized is providing access to our rivers and Bay, so when this project came up, it certainly met that as one of our goals.”
The site will be an all-season access too, which is another reason for supporting the project, Kelly says.
The site is as popular with ice fishermen and summer anglers as it is with kayakers and people on Sunday drives.
“Whether it’s just to go out there and enjoy the view of the Bay or to kayak, or fish in that area or for another access site for ice fishing on the Saginaw Bay,” Kelly says the project is worth supporting.
Bragiel sees the site as not only the fruition of a lifelong dream but also a boost for the local economy.
“As you drive down through Linwood to see the point, you’re going to see the (Village Inn) and the (Linwood) Hotel and the (Linwood) Party Store. You know if you want to go fishing right there, stop and get your worms and your minnows.”
To keep the park a free public access site, Bragiel says the LCIC will continue to fund the maintenance of the site, like they have for decades. They’ve lined up lawnmowing, portable toilets, and volunteer workers.
![]()
Photo courtesy of the Linwood Civic Improvement ClubThe ribbon cutting ceremony at the Linwood Scenic Access was the culmination of decades of work.Keeping the site in good shape fits perfectly with the LCIC mission. The LCIC formed over a half century ago. Bragiel says a handful of business owners, including his father, formed the LCIC to build up the community. The recent improvements to the access point are a big step toward realizing that goal.
Bragiel admits there is more work to be done. For now, though, he’s content.
“To actually see it come to pass … I walked out there at the end of the point when it was finished and I stood at the railing and I looked out over the water and I said, ‘Daddy, we did it.’”
He intends to take some of the ribbon from the grand opening and put it on his father’s grave.
Bragiel encourages anyone with an interest in the community join the LCIC. He stresses members don’t need to live in Linwood. “You just have to have a good civic mind and a willingness to help.”
Anyone interested in volunteering, or helping with the maintenance of the Linwood Scenic Access can visit the
LCIC Facebook page for more information. For a map to the site, click
here.