Parks and Recreation Board 2.21.23

Detailed briefing

Parks and Recreation Board — February 21, 2023 - The board reviewed a summer park-visit schedule intended to place members at parks during busy periods, where they can observe maintenance needs, speak with users and staff, and identify small improvement opportunities. Staff asked members to report issues such as nonworking amenities, mowing needs, and potential low-cost additions. - At Indiantown Park, members discussed basic cleanup, clearer and more visible standardized signage, possible picnic tables and trash receptacles, and painting basketball backboards with replacement nets. A net donor was identified. Members said major decisions should wait until nearby tribal housing construction is underway. Staff committed to contacting the tribe about the park name, possible historical interpretation, and what improvements the tribe may support. No formal decision or vote was recorded. - For a proposed Kiwanis Park Michigan DNR Trust Fund application, the board discussed prioritizing upgrades to the existing building, including ADA-compliant restrooms, possible outdoor restroom access, windows, a small kitchen area, and a deck or covered outdoor space. The application deadline was stated as April 1; an award decision would be expected in December 2023, with construction likely in spring or summer 2024 if funded. Staff said an anonymous donor has confirmed the required 25% match. - Members also treated a multipurpose ice rink as a principal Kiwanis scope item. They discussed a surface that could support uses beyond winter skating, such as summer recreation. Discussion favored keeping the rink recreational rather than specifically promoting hockey. Members generally favored leaving a tow rope out of the main scope for now because of weather, cost, and staffing concerns, while noting Fire Department support for several sledding weekends each season. - A Kiwanis disc golf user reported that the course draws local and visiting players and can have more than 100 people present at peak summer times. Suggested needs included tee pads for the back nine, more manageable trash and recycling service, trail and disc-golf separation, and safety signage. Staff said a seasonal worker would return with a focus on Kiwanis maintenance. - Staff outlined a separate Passport Grant proposal for the Harbor Springs Skate Park, covering new windows and landscaping around the planned concrete skate park. Existing fundraising is intended for Evergreen construction, while grant funding would address surrounding site work. OHM Advisors is contracted for $6,500 to develop concepts and estimates for both grant applications. Worth watching: - Whether Kiwanis building, rink, parking, trail, and disc-golf needs can fit within the grant scope and available funding. - Tribal consultation and the nearby housing project before larger Indiantown Park changes proceed. - Boardwalk construction is scheduled for summer 2023 after the SPARKS grant was not awarded. Upcoming: Grant proposals will remain on February and March Parks Board agendas; City Council is expected to hold a March public hearing, ahead of the April 1 DNR deadline. Why it matters: The board is shaping near-term park improvements and grant requests that could affect access, winter recreation, trails, disc golf, and neighborhood parks.

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