Summary
This is a redline draft of the Leelanau Township Parks & Recreation 5-Year Plan (2027-2031), reviewed by the Parks & Recreation Committee in October 2026. Prepared with notes from Dan Toole, it updates demographic tables, adds new ALICE poverty and workforce housing sections, and reviews progress on the 2022-2026 plan park by park. Many sections remain flagged for committee decision, including whether to hold a public meeting based on a newly launched survey, possibly in late November or early December 2026.
Public Comments
The Fall 2023 Youth Parks Survey drew 83 respondents from Northport and Leland schools (Suttons Bay declined to participate). Students ranked biking trails (30%) as the top desired amenity, followed by hiking trails (23%) and skateparks (17%); Braman Hill was the most-visited park among youth (33.7%). The earlier 2021 adult survey drew 492 responses, with a September 22, 2021 public input session attended by 44 people; trails were the top priority, with 91 respondents requesting them, many citing a TART trail connection. No new 2026 public comments are recorded; the October 2026 survey results are not yet available.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
The draft adds ALICE and workforce housing data, citing a 2023 Housing North/Bowen National Research study finding a county housing gap of 2,335 units through 2027. A reviewer note states that in August 2026 the Committee heard a proposal from NCV to exchange 7 to 10 acres of Braman Hill Recreation Area for land on the former Timber Shores property to allow housing; this was referred to the Township Board and would trigger an MDNR grant-conversion process (the land was acquired in 1973 under grant 26-00431) and require substantial public input. Separately, the Township Board is considering a HomeStretch housing agreement for 824 N. Warren St. The plan has not yet decided whether to address either proposal directly.
Parks and Recreation Matters
The Township owns 285 acres across six parks (Braman Hill 65.8 acres, Peterson Park 11.7, Buster Dame 3.2, Omena Beach 0.46, Christmas Cove 1.7, Woolsey Airfield 202.45), with a corrected park-land analysis showing an overall surplus of 241.4 acres but a small neighborhood-park deficiency. Completed work since 2022 includes new pickleball courts and resurfaced tennis courts, dark-sky lighting, and donated skate ramps at Braman Hill ($6,000 reserved for a half-pipe); playground, parking, and accessibility upgrades at Peterson Park; a completed dog park at Buster Dame; erosion and parking fixes at Omena Beach and Christmas Cove (a Township grant request for matching erosion funds at Christmas Cove was declined); and Woolsey Airfield terminal rehabilitation roughly 80% complete, with the Board approving funds for roof repainting. Six broad goals (maintenance/funding, branding, infrastructure/amenities, accessibility, partnerships, resiliency/sustainability) were carried forward.
Financial Summary
Parks and Recreation spending rose from $76,162 (2019) to $154,140 (2022) per the (outdated) budget table. The Township received $129,564 in state revenue sharing in 2020, with property taxes and revenue sharing together making up 88% of revenue. MDNR grants since 1973 total $530,652, though Table 9 needs updating past 2012. Woolsey Airfield has $50,000 reserved in the 2026 capital plan for the terminal and $25,000 for hangars; the volunteer group Save Woolsey Airport Terminal has raised about $85,000 toward Phase 2. Median household income is $119,044 (2024) versus $99,422 countywide; HUD's FY2026 low-income limit for a family of three is $87,950, extremely low income $33,000; the ALICE survival budget is $45,000 for a single adult and $120,660 for a family of four.
Other Business
Township partnerships continue with the Village of Northport, Northport Public Schools, Northport Sportsman's Club (which leases the Braman Hill shooting range), Leelanau County, the Leelanau Conservancy, and the MDNR. The organizational chart and volunteer program remain informal and are marked for update.
Action Items
- Decide whether/when to hold a public meeting on the new survey (possibly late November/early December 2026) – Dan Toole.
- Township Board to decide on the NCV proposal to exchange Braman Hill parkland for housing, requiring MDNR approval and public input.
- Township Board to decide on the HomeStretch housing agreement for 824 N. Warren St.
- Confirm committee officer roles (Jon Thatcher as Chair, Dan Tompkins as Vice Chair not yet formally decided) and resolve membership shortfall (5 members versus bylaw minimum of 7).
- Treasurer to supply FY2024-FY2027 budget figures and most recent audit.
- Update Grant History table beyond 2012 and decide whether to purchase updated Esri data.
- Committee to follow up with TART on a bike trail connection and decide future use of the Buster Dame building.