Summary
The Leelanau Township Parks and Recreation Committee held a meeting on December 17, 2025, during which several park issues, budget considerations, and upcoming projects were discussed. Notable outcomes included plans for park upgrades and recommendations for additional funding.Public Comments
No public comments were made during the meeting.Parks and Recreation Matters
Several parks were reviewed, highlighting the following key points: - **Woolsey Airport**: Phase 1 is mostly completed, with Phase 2 pending bids primarily for roof repairs. The Township allocated $50,000 for upgrades, with community support evident through received letters. Grant funding inquiries were made regarding historical preservation. - **Braman Hill**: A proposal for a Verizon tower was discussed, including a potential lease for a parcel of land. The committee emphasized that a detailed recommendation would follow further information gathering from the Township Board's decision. - **Buster Dame Park**: Requests for additional amenities, including wind screens and snow removal in the dog park, were noted. The need for a more permanent structure was stressed for protecting park users from wind. - **Budget Items for 2026**: Additional financial needs identified included $5,000 for the bike path and sealing basketball courts, with maintenance budgets proposed for each park.Other Business
No old business was discussed. The committee also agreed that new officers are needed for 2026, as Jon is stepping down. Future meetings were scheduled for the third Wednesday of each month at 5:30 PM.Financial Summary
The committee identified key funding needs for the 2026 budget, which include: - An additional $5,000 for the bike path, on top of the existing $2,500. - Requests for upgrades to several park facilities including the Buster Dame Building, Omena Beach toilet structure, and skate park improvements.These budget considerations indicate that financial implications are essential for future park developments and maintenance.