Summary
The Leelanau Township Parks and Recreation Committee met on 10/15/2025 with Jon, Eric, Julie, TJ, and Court present (Elizabeth and Dan absent), joined by Supervisor Conley. The committee approved prior meeting minutes and reviewed updates across several park properties, with the main action being a vote to support pursuing an EGLE resiliency grant for Christmas Cove. The next meeting was set for November 19, 2025.
Public Comments
No public comments were made during either the initial public comment period or the later public/member comment period.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Woolsey Airport: Dan reported via email that the township and the State are moving forward on a land swap.
Braman Hill: TJ and Court reported Youthwork has completed strong progress on bench cuts, with one more work day planned the following week; some equipment work and additional volunteers are still needed to finish cleanup. Jon is continuing work on the skatepark/half pipe.
Christmas Cove: Supervisor Conley reported on EGLE grant funding through NOA, with GEI's Brian Cici consulting. GEI would help write the grant and serve as the engineering firm for resiliency work, estimated at about $40,000. Julie moved to support pursuing the grant, Eric seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.
Omena Beach: No updates of note; no E. coli closures over the summer, but poison ivy was noted in the garden. The committee discussed cleaning up the pit toilet and considered graffiti-resistant paint.
Buster Dame: Eric reported pickleball nets are being used at Braman, and basketball activity is occurring. The committee discussed whether court cracks can be sealed to preserve them. The dog park is being used, and there is interest in using the baseball diamond with LCYL.
Peterson Park: No report given.
Other Business
No old business was reported. New business consisted of the Christmas Cove grant discussion (detailed above). The next meeting was scheduled for November 19, 2025 at 5:30pm. The meeting was adjourned on a motion by Court, seconded by Eric and TJ.
Financial Summary
The Christmas Cove resiliency project engineering work through GEI is estimated at approximately $40,000, to be pursued via an EGLE grant funded by NOA. The committee voted to support moving forward with this grant application.
Action Items
Jon to continue work on the skatepark/half pipe at Braman Hill. Additional equipment work and volunteers needed to complete Braman Hill cleanup following Youthwork's bench cuts. Committee to pursue writing and submitting the EGLE resiliency grant for Christmas Cove with GEI as engineering consultant. Follow-up needed on cleaning the Omena Beach pit toilet and evaluating graffiti-resistant paint. Question raised on sealing cracks at Buster Dame courts remains unresolved. Next meeting scheduled for November 19, 2025.