Summary
The Leelanau Township Parks and Recreation Committee met on March 20, 2024, with Court, Kristi, Dan, and Jon present (Bob and Denise absent). The committee approved the previous meeting's minutes, reviewed progress on the 2024 Park Action Priorities, and discussed fundraising for the Woolsey Airport SWAT project, upgrades at several parks, and planning for a new half-pipe and possible reconfiguration of the basketball court/ice rink area. No members of the public attended either public comment period.
Public Comments
No members of the public were present for either public comment period (item 2 or item 7), and no written comments were noted.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Dan reported on a call with SWAT regarding Woolsey Airport fundraising; ideas discussed included a donation "thermometer" suggested by Tom Weatherbee, a QR code, a donation box, and promotional materials to advertise the fundraising effort around town. Dan will follow up with Gina about a grant writer and with Mike about requesting money from the foundation account.
For Buster Dame Park, Jon observed 8 cars there recently. Jon raised the idea of creating a master plan for all parks, but Dan noted the committee had previously decided to continue following the existing five-year plan priorities, which remain on track.
At Omena Beach Park, Ian has already moved a rock that was blocking handicapped beach access; Dan noted Mike and Bob were previously tasked with pricing a mobi-mat for water access. At Christmas Cove Beach, the committee needs to follow up with Ian about poison ivy signage and the status of new restrooms. No new updates were given for Woolsey Airfield/Mudd Lake.
Jon shared an aerial photo showing a potential half-pipe location and will meet with Ian to prepare the site and draft a funding proposal to the township. He will also obtain remaining materials from Harbor Springs and consult local skater Justin Harter on ramp layout. The committee discussed possible relocation of the basketball courts, ice rink, and skatepark, including resurfacing the existing rink area; Court will get a quote for asphalt resurfacing. The committee will also check with Mike McMillan regarding village discussions on a possible bike lane from the Village to Braman.
Other Business
Court has connected with Christian Saile about mountain bike trail plans and will continue researching options and costs. The next meeting is scheduled for April 17, 2024. The meeting adjourned at 6:23 pm.
Action Items
Dan to follow up with Gina on a grant writer and with Mike on requesting foundation account funds for Woolsey Airport. Committee to follow up with Ian on Christmas Cove Beach signage and restroom status. Jon to meet with Ian on half-pipe site preparation and prepare a funding proposal to the township, obtain materials from Harbor Springs, and consult Justin Harter on ramp layout. Court to obtain an asphalt resurfacing quote and continue researching mountain bike trail options with Christian Saile. Committee to check with Mike McMillan regarding a possible Village-to-Braman bike lane.