A Kayak Launch Near Linden Was Estimated at $50,000. The First Bids Came In Near $235,000.

By Carrie Thompson, Strategic Marketing Real Estate Agent, eXp Realty, Grand Blanc, MI

Paddlers who start in downtown Linden and float the Shiawassee River have had a rough place to get out at Hogan Road in Fenton Township. Kayakers there "have navigated challenges, including steep embankments, roadside parking, and erosion-prone riverbanks" (Community Foundation of Greater Flint, March 7, 2025). A river group, the Keepers of the Shiawassee, has been working to build a real launch at 14347 Hogan Road (Keepers of the Shiawassee).

The plan is simple. The price has not been.

The launch sits at the end of a 90-minute paddle from downtown Linden

The Community Foundation of Greater Flint called Hogan Road "the perfect exit point after an hour-and-a-half trip from downtown Linden." The Fenton Township Board agreed to administer the project's Michigan Department of Natural Resources grant (CFGF, March 7, 2025).

The design calls for a one-way driveway, a gravel parking lot with angled spaces, a stable launch into the river, picnic tables, benches, trash receptacles and fencing (CFGF). The Keepers report that Genesee County has replaced the old Hogan Road bridge and completed much of the preliminary grade work (Keepers of the Shiawassee).

Fenton Township's supervisor wrote in the May 2025 township newsletter: "One exciting new project on the horizon is a kayak and canoe launch at Hogan Road on the Shiawassee River" (The Fenton Township News, May 2025).

$50,000, then $235,000, then $90,000

In March 2025, the Community Foundation put the total project cost at $74,100. That included $12,350 for engineering and permitting and $8,300 for site preparation, both already completed, plus $53,450 for launch construction. Five of the foundation's funds gave a combined $10,500. Construction was "hopeful for Fall 2025," pending the state's review (CFGF, March 7, 2025).

On February 10, 2026, Don Walsh of the Keepers of the Shiawassee gave Fenton Township's Parks and Recreation Advisory Board a different set of numbers. The minutes say the project "was originally estimated at $50,000" and that "the initial bids from the winter of 2025 came in around $235,000." The project was rebid, and the low bid came in at $90,000 (Fenton Township Parks and Recreation Advisory Board minutes, February 10, 2026).

At that point the Keepers had secured $25,000 from the DNR and about $30,000 in other funding, "leaving a shortfall of about $36,000." The board agreed to discuss it again at its next meeting (same minutes).

The $50,000 estimate in the township minutes and the $74,100 total in the foundation's article come from different sources. We report both.

A ribbon cutting is on Linden's list

At the Linden City Council meeting on August 24, 2026, the city manager's update listed an "Upcoming Hogan Road kayak launch ribbon cutting" (City of Linden council packet, September 14, 2026). The records we reviewed do not give a date.

Why the river matters if you live in Linden

The Shiawassee runs right through Linden. The city's Linden Mills building sits on its bank, and Eagles Wooden Park and Playground borders the river. The Mill Pond Gazebo hosts Music by the Mill, a summer concert series (City of Linden). The mill itself is in the middle of its own $5.62 million rescue, which I wrote about here.

Off the river, Linden County Park covers 135 acres with a 1.1-mile walking trail and bike path, and Clover Beach sits on Byram Lake (City of Linden).

If you are buying near the Shiawassee in Linden or Fenton Township, ask how you would actually get a boat in the water and where the nearest public access is. If you are selling a home near the river, that access is part of what you are selling, so it belongs in the listing.

Every listing I take gets professional photos and video, room sizes, targeted digital ads, and targeted buyer avatars. Call or text Carrie Thompson at (810) 893-3269.

About Carrie Thompson

Carrie Thompson, "Your Favorite Property Girl," is a Strategic Marketing Real Estate Agent (REALTOR®) with eXp Realty serving Grand Blanc and Genesee County, Michigan, including Linden, Fenton, Fenton Township, Davison, Flushing, Swartz Creek and Burton. Michigan license 6501338662. Call or text (810) 893-3269.