About
The mission of Lake Antoine Park Partners (LAPP) is to preserve, improve, promote, and protect Lake Antoine Park in Dickinson County, Michigan, for the use and benefit of the general public.
Meet the Board
Allison Lucier
President
LAPP Board member (2017-present); Registered nurse- Administrative Nursing Supervisor OSF St Francis Hospital; member of the Dickinson- Iron Nurse Honor Guard; parent, local resident.
Barbara Kramer
Vice President
LAPP Board member (2017-present); Dickinson Co Board of Commissioners (2013-2024) VP and Finance Committee Chair; Friends of the Braumart; 100+ Women Who Care of Dickinson Co; Aging and Disability Resource Center-Florence, WI (2022); Dickinson Co Landbank Committee; Dickinson Iron Community Services Agency Board (2015-present), CUPPAD Materials Management Committee.
Ann Hruska
Treasurer
LAPP Board member (2017-present); Dickinson Conservation District (2000-2022- District Administrator, Project Manager); BS & MS in Horticulture; Dickinson Co Solid Waste Management Planning Committee; 100+ Women Who Care of Dickinson County; grant writer; local resident.
Nancy deKoster
Director
LAPP Board member (2020-present); Retired music educator; Dickinson Iron Intermediate School District Board; Dickinson County Area Band Board; Dickinson Area Community Chorus; local resident.
Carrie Toretta-Partello
Secretary
LAPP Board member (2023-present); Licensed Realtor®- MI/WI Coldwell Banker Real Estate Group; Past President-Upper Peninsula Assoc. of Realtors®; Member of Dickinson Area Chamber of Commerce; 100+ Women Who Care of Dickinson County; Board Member Habitat for Humanity Menominee River Chapter.
Jody Christy
Director
LAPP Board member (2017-present); President and General Manager of Boss/Toro Iron Mountain; United Way of Dickinson County-Board of Directors.
Joe Stevens
Director
LAPP Board member (2017-present); Dickinson County Commissioner /Park Liaison and several other county committees; retired business owner; artist; Veteran; local resident.
Emily Lucier Gasperich
Director
LAPP Board member (2024-Present); Registered dental hygienist- Northwoods Pediatric Dentistry; communications liaison for Superior Sunrise Dental Hygienists Assoc; co-leader of Girl Scout Troop 4466; longtime volunteer for LAPP; parent of child with disabilities; local resident.
Julia Miller
Director
LAPP Board Member (2026); Administrative Assistant, Charter Township of Breitung; local resident.
Doni-Mae Rauch
Associate member
Former LAPP Board member (2017-2024, VP and Secretary); Retired newspaper owner; former JAYCEE President; 100+ Women; camper and outdoor enthusiast; community theatre; local resident.
Our History
The mission of Lake Antoine Park Partners is to enhance and promote Lake Antoine Park for the benefit of all users. A nine member volunteer board has worked diligently since 2017 to help meet the needs of today's users of this 80 year-old park. Our current strategic plan is dedicated to increasing accessibility and fostering inclusivity within this historic and frequently visited park. We cherish the many local partnerships we have forged and have belonged to the Dickinson Area Chamber of Commerce since 2019.
LAPP has secured more than $600,000 in grants and donations to enhance park amenities, thereby improving accessibility and revitalizing the aesthetics of a previously neglected park. While the county updates the park’s infrastructure, LAPP has improved its appeal with projects like a new beach wall, ADA ramp, tree plantings, updated signage, a kayak launch, building renovations, art and history exhibits, and an accessible picnic area. Currently, we are creating Everyone Plays!, an inclusive playground with equipment for all ages and abilities. Our objective is to complete this two-phase project in 2026, building upon the achievements of Phase I in 2025. The initiative aims to revitalize the beach area and provide an accessible environment for all visitors.
In addition to upgrading the park’s facilities, we also strive to transform it into a lively community gathering place by hosting free public events, many of which take place during the quieter seasons and see hundreds to thousands of visitors each. We started with free outdoor movies and a free fishing event, then collaborated with the Iron Mountain Daily News to add a large Crafty Flea market in September, Fall Fest, Lights at the Lake featuring displays by local businesses and organizations during the Christmas season, and Kites Over Awesome Lake Antoine later in winter. The park's 90 campsites have consistently experienced increased reservations, and both pavilions are heavily utilized throughout summer weekends. This reflects a positive outcome of enhanced public appreciation for the park.