Work Session (Handout 1 – Rec Plan Cover Sheet for WS 01092025)

**Executive Summary**

This document presents an updated DRAFT of the Recreation Plan for the Village of Empire, incorporating feedback from the Public Hearing held by the Empire Planning Commission on January 7, 2025. The primary addition is Appendix D, Empire Park Metrics, which provides a baseline assessment of Empire’s park lands based on the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) standards. These standards are widely used by grant providers, including the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, to evaluate recreational facility needs. The plan emphasizes a community-driven approach to recreation planning, recognizing the unique priorities of Empire while aligning with national guidelines.

The updated plan aims to facilitate collaboration across jurisdictional boundaries, partnering with Empire Township and Leelanau County, as well as all organizations involved or interested in providing recreational programming. This collaborative approach is intended to enhance recreational offerings for residents. The plan’s design is a departure from past practices by incorporating inclusive planning.

The updated plan builds upon the 2018 plan, focusing on achievable goals within a five-year timeframe. While this plan offers a five-year outlook, it is expected that the plan will eventually return to the comprehensive 20-year plan to determine the next steps to advance recreation in Empire.