Summary
The Leelanau Township Parks and Recreation Committee met November 19, 2025, with Jon Thatcher, Tom Mayhew, Julie Preneta, Eric Potes, and Elizabeth Schwind present, along with Facilities representative Ian Dawkins and resident Nancy Shuman. Court Wengreen and Dan Toole were absent. The committee approved prior minutes, supported an historically accurate roof for the Woolsey Airport pending funding, and reviewed progress across several parks including Braman Hill, Christmas Cove, Buster Dame, and Peterson Park. A Verizon cell tower proposal at Braman Hill was discussed at length.
Public Comments
Nancy Shuman, a Ransom Road resident and dog park user, requested a wind break for the dog park and a water spigot in the shelter, and noted the small dog park gate is sticky. Jon Thatcher and Ian Dawkins agreed to address the gate issue.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Braman Hill: the Youthwork contract is complete; the next phase involves designing and building features, with Pat Sendyairtime being approached and a volunteer arranged for equipment use. Some budget funds remain available. Half pipe work has stalled due to time constraints; materials will be purchased this fiscal year with completion planned for spring. Christmas Cove: the Township voted to pursue a grant application for accessibility and erosion work, requiring matching dollars and labor; Ian Dawkins expressed opinions on the matter. Omena Beach and Peterson Park had no updates. Buster Dame: committee discussed options for a windscreen (seasonal, transparent, or none) versus strategic tree planting, with more research needed. Basketball equipment has been stored for winter; court cracks still need sealing, though the seasonal window has passed. Baseball field watering costs have risen due to planned use by the "pitspitters"; the committee discussed whether to stop watering to save mowing hours or expand community use of the outfield (e.g., grills).
Infrastructure Projects
Elizabeth Schwind reported that a Verizon contractor presented plans to the Township to lease land at Braman Hill for a 195-foot cell tower with a 50x50-foot footprint and surrounding fence. Verizon indicated it would not continue pursuing other Northport locations if this lease is not approved, meaning no Township lease would end Verizon's interest. The committee will seek DNR input to confirm the tower would not interfere with recreational uses.
Other Business
Tom Mayhew expressed thanks for cans collected at Braman Hill to help make the site safer for youth work crews. No old or new business items were raised.
Financial Summary
Some Braman Hill budget funds remain available for signage and additional work. The Township's water bill has increased due to watering for the planned "pitspitters" baseball event. The Christmas Cove grant application requires matching funds and labor contributions.
Action Items
Jon Thatcher and Ian Dawkins to fix the sticky dog park gate. Committee to continue seeking funding for the Woolsey Airport roof. Half pipe materials to be purchased this fiscal year for spring completion. Committee to seek DNR input on the proposed Verizon cell tower at Braman Hill. Christmas Cove grant application to proceed with matching funds. Further research needed on a Buster Dame windscreen option. Basketball court cracks still need sealing. Decision pending on whether to continue watering the baseball field. Next meeting scheduled for December 17, 2025.