Summary
The Leelanau Township Parks and Recreation Committee met on June 18, 2025, with Julie Preneta, Elizabeth Schwind, Court Wengreen, Tom Mayhew, and Jon Thatcher present, along with Ian Dawkins of Facilities; Dan Toole was absent. Key actions included approval of a $10,000 allocation for the Braman Hill bike trail, a committee vote opposing a DNR land swap related to the Buster Dame property, and a decision to recommend against removing historical pilings at Omena Beach.
Public Comments
Nate Drier spoke to follow up on the status of the calisthenics park. No formal response was recorded, though the topic was later added to the 5-year plan discussion for the August meeting.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
Affordable housing plans for the Buster Dame property have been tabled. Separately, Jon motioned that the committee inform the Township Board that Parks & Rec is not in favor of a DNR land swap; Elizabeth seconded, and the motion passed with none opposed. Buster Dame is being fixed up, with the Pit Spitters expected in July.
Parks and Recreation Matters
At Braman Hill, the shade structure remains delayed; Elizabeth will follow up with Supervisor Conley on the holdup. Jon has begun work on the half pipe. Tom is in discussions with Chad Jordan and Youthwork regarding the bike trail. Supervisor Conley received a request from Bob Newell about planting trees at the dog park; the committee discussed using 6–8 inch trees, protective measures against dogs, and placing up to three trees in the southwest corner, kept fenced off for about a year, with location still negotiable and possible funding from the tree committee.
At Omena Beach, the committee moved to recommend against removing historical pilings (motioned by Elizabeth, seconded by TJ, none opposed). Indigenous historical markers are now installed at both Peterson Park and Omena Beach. A calisthenics park was added to the 5-year plan, with further discussion deferred to the August meeting.
Infrastructure Projects
The Boardman Lake District Health Department will monitor E. coli levels at Omena Beach, with warning signs to be installed that week. Community members have also requested removal of pilings at the beach, which the committee declined to recommend. At Woolsey Airport, hangars require upgrading and rental agreements need updating; the committee discussed possibly connecting with NMC and drone operators on this issue.
Other Business
Tom motioned to approve the previous meeting minutes, seconded by Court. A separate bank account has been set up for SWAT donations related to Woolsey Airport. The next meeting is scheduled for August 20, 2025, at 5:30pm. Court motioned to adjourn, seconded by Elizabeth, at 6:20pm.
Financial Summary
$10,000 was approved for the Braman Hill bike trail project. A separate bank account was established for SWAT donations tied to Woolsey Airport.
Action Items
Elizabeth to follow up with Supervisor Conley on the delayed Braman Hill shade structure. Tom to continue coordinating with Chad Jordan and Youthwork on the bike trail. Committee to determine tree protection funding and final placement for dog park trees. Calisthenics park discussion to continue at the August 20 meeting. Woolsey Airport hangar upgrades and rental agreement updates to be pursued, potentially involving NMC and drone operators. The committee's formal opposition to the DNR land swap concerning the Buster Dame property is to be communicated to the Township Board.