Plans for the renovation and redesign of Banotai Park in Sumpter Township are moving forward following a 5-2 vote of the members of the board of trustees.
During the regular meeting of the board Nov. 22, the trustees approved an agreement with Hoppe Design to prepare a design and master plan for the 81.92 acre Banotai Park/Sherwood Pond at a fee of $28,000. Plans for the park and pond include a complete draining and construction at the pond, multiple amenities for public use, new entry and exit paths and several public recreational features. Members of the board heard preliminary suggestions and proposals for inclusion into the project at a meeting last fall.
Trustee Don LaPorte suggested that exact numbers be associated with each phase of the plan which includes major and reconstruction. Wayde Hoppe, who will prepare the plan, agreed that each phase would include the associated costs.
The board also discussed the plans for the fairgrounds project. Township Manager Tony Burdick explained during the study session preceding the regular meeting that this is a major project which could include tri-community involvement. He said this project, like the plans for Banotai Park, would be completed in several phases and will include multiple community amenities.
Burdick said a full report on the project would come before the board members during the Dec. 13 meeting.
LaPorte suggested that cost was a factor and that the board might be “putting the cart before the horse” by proceeding too soon with certain aspects of the project.
LaPorte also said he was concerned that the township is in need of a new township hall while the board is considering funds for parks and recreational projects.
Supervisor Tim Bowman, who has been a major supporter of the fairgrounds renovation project, said the entire board was in favor and supportive of the upgrades to the fairgrounds and that the completed facilities could be a revenue source for the township with rentals of the facilities. LaPorte suggested that perhaps the township should be considering the completion of the Banotai Park renovation and redesign or the fairgrounds project before proceeding with the other major work.
“Not in my mind,” Bowman responded.
No votes were cast by Trustee Peggy Morgan and Trustee Matt Oddy.Plans for the renovation and redesign of Banotai Park in Sumpter Township are moving forward following a 5-2 vote of the members of the board of trustees.
During the regular meeting of the board Nov. 22, the trustees approved an agreement with Hoppe Design to prepare a design and master plan for the 81.92 acre Banotai Park/Sherwood Pond at a fee of $28,000. Plans for the park and pond include a complete draining and construction at the pond, multiple amenities for public use, new entry and exit paths and several public recreational features. Members of the board heard preliminary suggestions and proposals for inclusion into the project at a meeting last fall.
Trustee Don LaPorte suggested that exact numbers be associated with each phase of the plan which includes major and reconstruction. Wayde Hoppe, who will prepare the plan, agreed that each phase would include the associated costs.
The board also discussed the plans for the fairgrounds project. Township Manager Tony Burdick explained during the study session preceding the regular meeting that this is a major project which could include tri-community involvement. He said this project, like the plans for Banotai Park, would be completed in several phases and will include multiple community amenities.
Burdick said a full report on the project would come before the board members during the Dec. 13 meeting.
LaPorte suggested that cost was a factor and that the board might be “putting the cart before the horse” by proceeding too soon with certain aspects of the project.
LaPorte also said he was concerned that the township is in need of a new township hall while the board is considering funds for parks and recreational projects.
Supervisor Tim Bowman, who has been a major supporter of the fairgrounds renovation project, said the entire board was in favor and supportive of the upgrades to the fairgrounds and that the completed facilities could be a revenue source for the township with rentals of the facilities. LaPorte suggested that perhaps the township should be considering the completion of the Banotai Park renovation and redesign or the fairgrounds project before proceeding with the other major work.
“Not in my mind,” Bowman responded.
No votes were cast by Trustee Peggy Morgan and Trustee Matt Oddy.
