Parks and Recreation Board Meeting 5.17.2022

Detailed briefing

Parks and Recreation Board Meeting — May 17, 2022 ATTENDEES: Susan Clark, John Copps, Deanna Mulder, Scott Reese, and Alice Larson were marked present during roll call. • Marina Park’s future layout was discussed, with members focusing on how to preserve open waterfront park space while meeting restroom and marina laundry needs. The discussion favored exploring an addition to the existing harbormaster building instead of constructing a new standalone building in the park. Members also discussed pedestrian connections, shade, parking, bike racks, and retaining room for concerts and large events. No formal vote was recorded. • The stated Marina Park next steps were to talk with the Harbor Commission, refine an addition concept, and determine the appropriate Council process. Members noted that construction costs are high and that an addition could offer a shorter timeline than replacing the existing building. • City Council has authorized fundraising for the boardwalk, and a preservation nonprofit also received approval to fundraise. The groups will not formally partner but intend to coordinate materials. The city will create a separate donation account, accept cash and checks, and direct online donors to the nonprofit. The city reported just under $10,000 in commitments at the meeting. • Boardwalk fundraising materials will be updated with the 2021 plan and newer drawings. Members discussed a brochure, tax-bill insert, donor acknowledgments, possible fundraising levels, outreach to businesses, and a possible barbecue or groundbreaking-style event. Staff said a Council update is anticipated in four months, though the project could return earlier if the fundraising goal is met. • Members stressed that contractor planning cannot wait until fundraising is complete. They discussed bidding in the fall for possible spring construction, while noting that contractor availability is limited and quoted prices may only remain valid for short periods. • The board reviewed a draft survey for the five-year parks plan. Proposed additions included playgrounds, Forest Park, Marina Park, Zorn Park, basketball courts, senior recreation needs, and questions about community support. Staff plans to seek broad electronic and physical distribution and expects the survey to be available for about a month. • Staff reported $15,000 from the Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation and $10,000 from Petoskey Rotary for the skate park, bringing the estimated total to about $260,000. The boardwalk did not receive an EDA federal grant; staff is applying for an MEDC placemaking grant due June 30. Worth watching: • Whether Harbor Commission and Council advance the harbormaster-building addition concept. • Whether boardwalk fundraising reaches a level that supports bidding and a spring construction schedule. • How the city revises beach lifeguard coverage and posts swim-at-your-own-risk notices during staffing shortages. Upcoming: Marina Park cleanup is May 18 at 10 a.m.; Marina Park planting is May 25 at 11 a.m.; Harbor Fest is May 28; the MEDC placemaking grant application is due June 30. Why it matters: The board is balancing major waterfront improvements and fundraising with immediate park operations, safety, and public input for the next five-year plan.

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