Township Supervisor Tim Bowman discussed the preliminary plans during the Aug. 9 workshop session of the board members, stressing that the plans were conceptual and that no funding mechanism had been discussed or even estimated for the project.
The entire 80 acres of the park needs to be cleared during a first phase of the reclamation, Bowman said, and in another phase the entire 5-acre pond area should be re-dredged allowing for a larger pond of about 15 to 18 feet.
The project would include new slopes and a beach area for the public to enjoy. The renovation would include two guard structures to control traffic in and out of the area and new designated parking lots.“Users would come through gates to go to four parking lots,” Bowman said, and each would have easy access to the ponds and pedestrian paths.” He said the proposed paths would be asphalt and that paths would be wide enough to allow for emergency vehicle access and vehicles from the maintenance department. He envisions horse trails at the park along with the hiking trails.
Bowman said the plans would use an estimated 90,000 yards of sand to create the amenities. He said the ideal plan would be the construction of one or two brick and mortar restrooms in the park which would be maintained by township employees under the supervision of a newly-hired Parks and Recreation Director for the township. The new director would supervise two or three part time or seasonal employees at the park.
The plan includes bringing electric power to the plant and possibly a maintenance building where park maintenance supplies and equipment could be stored.
Bowman said the concept includes the installation of multiple docks, one he said, should be “a good size.” He said the plan also includes a dedicated area for pets at the site.
Trustees had several questions regarding the impact of temporary seasonal employees on the current union contract. Bowman reiterated that the plans he was discussing were in the very preliminary stages and conceptual at this time.
Deputy Supervisor/Trustee Tim Rush also cautioned the board members that the discussion of was “just conceptual and only conceptual.” He said the plan would be presented in great detail in the future as discussions continue. He also suggested that there might be grant money from Wayne County available to fund some portion of the renovation. Trustee Matt Oddy agreed and suggested that the township should ask for more financial help for projects.
Bowman added that the project would ideally include signage on township roads with directions to the park and that a new play structure or even a splash pad could be included in the amenities the township would offer, but that cost considerations might limit the township to new swing sets and sandboxes.
Township Manager Tony Burdick said he believes that there are several resources available for grants and added that the concept was user friendly and included handicap access.
Board members also responded to questions from Recreation Committee member Sharon Pokerwinski regarding the current application for grants from Wayne County. Trustees said applications for grants should probably continue as the conceptual plan would take years to complete especially, they noted, with the involvement of the DNR (Department of Natural Resources.)
“This is a long-term plan. It is not going to happen tomorrow,” Bowman said.
