Water Warrior Island has initiated legal action against the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), asserting that construction work at the Lower Trout Lake day-use area has severely impacted its ability to operate during the 2025 season. The owners of the floating water park claim they invested over $400,000 into the facility, only to face significant financial losses due to delays caused by the state’s construction timeline.
The lawsuit, filed earlier this year, highlights the owners’ contention that the DNR’s activities rendered it impossible to properly staff and prepare Water Warrior Island for the upcoming season. According to Aaron Fulton, one of the owners, the changes made by the DNR disrupted their operational plans, ultimately leading to the decision to forgo the entire season. They estimate that lost revenue could amount to approximately $300,000.
Legal Claims and Financial Implications
In their February complaint, Fulton and his partners detailed substantial investments related to the park’s operations. These included nearly $150,000 spent on insurance, advertising, and system upgrades. They also outlined how the delays forced them to remove a popular attraction, the 30-foot launch slide, which alone could cost over $70,000 to dismantle.
The DNR has refrained from commenting on the ongoing litigation but has acknowledged the construction project, which includes a $3.9 million renovation of the concessions building that began in 2024. The lawsuit cites that a certificate of occupancy for the Lower Trout Lake day-use area was not issued until June 26, 2025, creating a tight timeline for the park’s operations.
Background and Future Steps
Water Warrior Island, located within the Bald Mountain Recreation Area, had previously operated successfully by offering a range of activities, including floating obstacle courses and rental services. The park’s growth was bolstered by the addition of the launch slide in 2023, which quickly became a major attraction. Guests were required to possess a Michigan Recreation Passport to access the park, which marketed various pricing options for families and individuals.
As the case moves forward in the civil-litigation process, the DNR is expected to formally respond to the complaint. If the lawsuit proceeds, both parties will engage in discovery, which involves exchanging documents and taking depositions. While the financial stakes are significant, the case also underscores the potential challenges that arise when private enterprises and state agencies attempt to coordinate construction timelines and operational plans at shared recreational sites.
For now, the owners of Water Warrior Island are focused on recovering their investments and addressing what they describe as lost opportunities due to the state’s construction delays. With the DNR’s silence on the specifics of the case, the future of Water Warrior Island hangs in the balance as both parties prepare for the next steps in the legal process.
