Summary
The Leelanau Township Parks and Recreation Committee met April 17, 2024, with Jon, Bob, Kristi, Mike, and Denise present; Dan and Court were absent. The meeting focused on updates across multiple park properties, decisions on bee protection and a kayak launch proposal, and a plan to submit a funded budget proposal to the township, whose annual report currently shows $0 allocated for parks. Previous meeting minutes were approved.
Public Comments
Ian Dawkins and Gary Friedrickson were listed as attendees for public comment, but no public comments were made.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Woolsey Airport: Bob asked about creating a QR code, which Mike will follow up on. Al Noftz will install a donation box at the airport. Mike will connect Dan with Judy Galla for grant-writing assistance, and Dan will coordinate with Jessica and Denise on website updates.
Bramen Hill: Jon installed ramps and retrieved additional platforms from Harbor Springs, with a half pipe to be picked up this weekend. The committee discussed a shade structure between the pickleball and tennis courts; Mike will propose the idea to the pickleball community for design help, and Kristi will research tree options for shade.
Peterson Park: Denise noted facilities checks occur when areas are reserved. Ian is still awaiting quotes for parking lot striping.
Buster Dame Park: The committee agreed not to use chemicals on bees sighted at the park.
Omena Beach Park: Bob researched mobi mats for water access and encouraged the committee to consider them.
Christmas Cove Beach: Deering Tree Service and Willard inspected a fallen tree and found no concern. Mike called the affected resident but only reached voicemail. The committee discussed adding "swim at your own risk" and "poison ivy" signage, to be finalized during the May parks tour with Ian. A second bathroom location will also be discussed.
Mudd Lake: The committee decided to forgo a canoe/kayak launch proposal due to unstable ground, shrinking lake size, and surrounding growth. The village is exploring a launch at Haserot, and Kiehl Lake was noted as a better kayak site.
Entrance Signage: Denise will obtain contact information for David Caudill, who previously offered signage assistance.
Other Business
The committee plans to tour the parks with Ian in the coming weeks. Ian noted that Christmas Cove needs an additional bathroom and a changing room. The committee agreed to draft a budget proposal with projected dollar amounts for township consideration.
Financial Summary
The township's current annual report shows $0 allocated for parks. The committee agreed to prepare a proposal with projected dollar amounts to submit to the township so parks funding can be included in the budget.
Action Items
- Mike to follow up on creating a QR code for Woolsey Airport.
- Al Noftz to install a donation box at Woolsey Airport.
- Mike to give Dan contact information for Judy Galla regarding grant writing.
- Dan to coordinate with Jessica and Denise on website updates.
- Mike to propose a shade structure idea to the pickleball community; Kristi to research tree options.
- Ian to continue awaiting parking lot striping quotes at Peterson Park.
- Committee to finalize signage locations at Christmas Cove during the May 2024 parks tour with Ian.
- Denise to obtain contact info for David Caudill on entrance signage.
- Committee to draft a budget proposal with projected dollar figures for township parks funding.
- Next meeting scheduled for May 15, 2024.