Summary
The Leelanau Township Parks and Recreation Committee met on August 19, 2026, with Dan Toole, Tom Mayhew, Dan Thompkins, Court Wengreen, Elizabeth Schwind, and Julie Preneta present; Jon Thatcher and Ian Dawkins were absent, and no members of the public attended. The committee approved prior minutes and reviewed multiple park sites. The most significant new item was an initial land-swap proposal involving Braman Hill and the former Timber Shores property, presented by representatives of NCV.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Woolsey Airport's Fly In event was cancelled, resulting in lost fundraising and visitors. The township will not use remaining budgeted Woolsey funds for other purposes and must spend the promised money to keep fundraising viable; the township committed $10,000 for a temporary painted roof solution. At Braman Hill, skate park equipment has been installed and work continues on bike trail features; Pat Sedyairtime is expected back in town soon. Trail tools were purchased, with mini excavator funding approved at the July 2026 meeting. Christmas Cove remains in good shape aside from poison ivy. Omena Beach is busy, with improved trash pickup and TP maintenance. The Buster Dame dog park is in use. At Peterson Park, Dan Thompkins raised the issue of a broken water pump and asked whether it can be repaired; no resolution was recorded.
Infrastructure Projects
A proposed cell tower at Braman Hill remains undecided; committee members noted that most public sentiment opposes the tower. No vote was taken.
Other Business
Dan Thompkins presented an updated draft survey and asked whether a ParksandRec@leelanautownship.gov email address could be created; no decision was recorded. Andy Thomas and John Sentell (NCV president) proposed swapping 7-10 acres of Braman Hill for a portion of the former Timber Shores/Maashkikiki property, to allow home construction on the swapped Braman land and public trailhead/park access on the NCV property; NCV would help fund home-site planning and assist with legal transfer of NCV land on M22 to the township. It was disclosed that Beth Verhay, NCV vice president, is spouse of committee member Dan Toole. Dan Thompkins asked about next steps, a five-year plan, and coordination with the Leelanau Conservancy and TART, noting the township must approve a plan before applying for grants. Tom Mayhew agreed to look into REI grants for outdoor recreation opportunities.
Financial Summary
The township committed $10,000 for painting the Woolsey Airport roof as a temporary fix. Remaining budgeted Woolsey funds will not be redirected; instead, donations will be used, and the township must spend already-promised funds to maintain fundraising credibility. Mini excavator funding for Braman Hill trail work was previously approved in July 2026.
Action Items
- Investigate repair of the broken water pump at Peterson Park (raised by Dan Thompkins).
- Determine feasibility of creating a ParksandRec@leelanautownship.gov email (raised by Dan Thompkins).
- Tom Mayhew to research REI grant opportunities for outdoor recreation.
- Further discussion needed on Braman Hill cell tower decision and the NCV land-swap proposal, including coordination with the Leelanau Conservancy and TART.
- Next meeting scheduled for September 16, 2026, at 5:30pm.