Parks and Recreation Board - April 14, 2026

Detailed briefing

PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD — APRIL 14, 2026 • The board approved the March 10 meeting minutes. The motion carried, but no vote count was stated. No board communications or new business were reported. • Audrey Chapman resigned from the board because family health circumstances require more of her time. The city will use its usual application and City Council appointment process to fill the vacancy. Board members were asked to encourage potential candidates to apply, and the meeting chair said the council would be urged to move quickly. • A West Traverse Township resident asked the city to examine the history and subsurface conditions of the former Shea Park Water Works building before proceeding with a cement sidewalk. The chair noted that Shea Park improvements have no funding yet and said there appears to be time to consider the concern. No investigation, owner or deadline was formally established. • Members reviewed the 2026 egg hunt, reporting roughly 40 to 50 participants, several volunteers and weather challenges. Suggestions for future events included evaluating another location, coordinating more closely with other community events and checking or cleaning the park shortly before the hunt when weather permits. No location change was approved. • The board began its Parks and Recreation master plan update. Discussion focused on maintaining the city’s 19 park properties, creating stronger playground options, offering more programs for young children, older adults and multiple generations, improving promotion, reviewing each property annually and building partnerships with schools, clubs, the Chamber and other organizations. Several participants supported a full-time parks and recreation director, but no hiring or budget decision was made. • Staff reported that the Planning Commission recommended the Shea Park and Quonset site plans to City Council. Mark Boudet is preparing bid documents, and the board is expected to help choose exterior building products. Seasonal staffing packets are complete, including materials for skate park workers and approximately 11 lifeguards. The beach restroom project was expected to be completed by May, although no confirmed start date was given. Worth watching: 1. A proposed master-plan schedule is expected for board review at the next meeting, including how work and public input could proceed through the summer. 2. Ford Park has a plumbing problem; the meeting building was reported as the only public restroom currently open. Signs have been posted. 3. Follow-through remains unresolved on the Shea Park Water Works concern, park maintenance responsibilities during the staffing transition and funding for future projects. Upcoming: Next board meeting — May 12. Why it matters: The master plan will guide how Harbor Springs maintains its parks, expands recreation and turns community priorities into funded, accountable projects.

No open public follow-ups are linked to this meeting yet.