Members of the Sumpter Township Parks and Recreation Committee have scheduled a public hearing regarding the master plan for recreation. The meeting is set for 6 p.m. Jan. 24 and will be part of a regular workshop session of the board of trustees.
Input on the plans for renovation and redesign of Banotai Park and Sherwood Pond in the township will be discussed. A current plan, now being designed by Wayde Hoppe, could include amenities previously discussed by members of the board including new parking, public pathways, multiple features and a total reconstruction of the pond.
Township Manager Anthony Burdick referred to the plan as a complete reclamation of the 81.82-acre site in the township during recent discussions of potential improvements. The plan, as described, would include the complete redredging of the pond with improved amenities for public fishing.
Township Supervisor Tim Bowman has been a strong supporter of recreation improvements and a redesign of the park, formerly known as Sherwood Park, which is located on the northwest corner of Sherwood Road and Wear Road.The property was named after former Township Supervisor John Sherwood who led the township from 1932 until 1942.
The $28,000 expense for a preliminary design for the property was approved by members of the board of trustees, although trustees Don LaPorte and Matt Oddy had questions regarding the proposal. LaPorte suggested the township could better invest funding in a new township hall which he described as "needed" and inquired if the board might be "putting the cart before the horse" in moving ahead with the design plan. He said any plan submitted should include projected costs for each phase of any improvements. Hoppe agreed to include costs with the design proposal.
The public will be asked for opinions and suggestions regarding the planned improvements and a draft copy of the plan is available for review at the township offices, 23480 Sumpter Road in Belleville, the Sumpter Township Senior Center at 23501 Sumpter Road in Belleville and online at www.sumptertwop.org.
Questions regarding the plan or the meeting can be directed to Burdick at (734) 461-6201.
