Parks and Recreation Board 5.16.23

Detailed briefing

Parks and Recreation Board — May 16, 2023 • The board reviewed Ford Park and agreed that major redesign questions should wait for future harbor-related planning, but discussed smaller near-term improvements. The Harbor Commission was reported to be considering a temporary kayak and paddleboard drop-off area near the southwestern parking area, with a suitable surface and signage. Members cautioned that waterfront space is limited for both boat and paddlecraft activity. • Ford Park ideas included benches near the water and ferry area, limited picnic-table additions, recycling and trash containers, bike-rack review, grill assessment, landscaping, and repainting the restroom building to brighten the park. Staff said any major tree planting or redesign should wait until future planning is clearer. A possible joint Parks/Harbor Commission discussion was raised for longer-term design issues. • At Shea Park, members generally favored modest amenities rather than major changes: more tables, umbrellas, trash containers, bike facilities, and possibly a grill. The board discussed, but did not resolve, questions around a proposed locomotive display and its location. A future path could be considered after the locomotive location is known, to address grass being worn down near the existing boat display. • Staff presented a proposed “Passport to Adventure” parks brochure. The concept includes a park map, amenity grid, history, program information, and optional passport participation, with QR-code and digital options also discussed. A subcommittee was formed to work with staff and designer Molly Baker; staff said it would like the brochure available by mid-June if feasible. • Recycling is planned as a phased effort, beginning with Ford Park and the beach, subject to manageable collection and sorting arrangements. Staff will contact Emmet County about bins and the system needed. A Friends of the Park webpage is also being developed to list donation and volunteer opportunities. • Project updates: a bike fix-it station is in the works for Cozy Quad Park; the proposed Zorn railing replacement is estimated at about $13,000 and must go through the fall capital-improvement-program process; Harborview brush removal is targeted before July 4; and the county approved an easement for the planned wheelway route. Worth watching: • Whether the Harbor Commission establishes the temporary paddlecraft drop-off area this summer. • Whether Ford Park recycling can be operated without overflowing bins or unclear collection responsibility. • Whether the Zorn railing advances through the fall CIP ranking process. Upcoming: A joint City Council, Planning Commission, and DDA meeting was announced for May 22 at 6 p.m.; Harbor Inc. will host an outdoor-recreation event at Nub’s Nob on June 8 at 4 p.m.; Arbor Day Fest is May 27 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Why it matters: The discussion identifies immediate upkeep needs while setting up public-facing outreach and longer-term choices about how waterfront and historic park space will be used.

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