Summary
The Leelanau Township Parks and Recreation Committee met on 09/16/2026, with Jon Thatcher calling the meeting to order at 5:30pm. The committee noted Tom Mayhew's resignation. Key actions included approving amended August minutes, discussing the Braman Hill NCV proposal, recommending early closure of the skate park for safety, and reviewing progress on the five-year parks plan and membership survey. No public comments were made. The meeting adjourned at 6:35pm, with the next meeting scheduled for October 21, 2026.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Several park updates were shared. Woolsey Airport had no new developments but remains promising. At Braman Hill, the committee discussed the NCV proposal but stated it lacks sufficient information to make a recommendation, suggesting the Township Board seek more details from NCV and gather community input. Concerns were raised about washout on Braman Drive. The skate park saw heavy summer use; the committee recommended closing it early due to safety concerns, and Jon Thatcher is exploring additional ramps. There were no bike trail updates. Christmas Cove was noted for scenic sunsets and poison ivy growth. At Omena Beach, the county issued bids (under $200,000) to repair the road in front of the park. At Buster Dame, the dog park and basketball courts are being actively used. At Peterson Park, the new park reservation system is working well, and the beach access involves 113 steps.
Under old business, the P&R survey is ready for printing and distribution, with a test print planned and a poster to be available at the Township Booth during Uncaged; electronic promotion is also planned. Dan Tompkins reported contacting leaders from Tart Trail, the DNR, and the Leelanau Conservancy regarding a possible five-year parks plan and trail system between Omena and Northport, and from Woolsey to Leelanau State Park. The DNR and Conservancy offered to help draft the plan, and Tart Trail could assist with trail proposal language. The TC Rotary was identified as a possible grant funding source.
Infrastructure Projects
The county has issued bids (under $200,000) to repair the road in front of Omena Beach Park. No other infrastructure projects (marina, cell towers, water, sewer) were discussed.
Other Business
Under new business, the committee discussed membership: prospective new members should submit written interest to the township supervisor.
Financial Summary
The county has put out bids under $200,000 for road repair near Omena Beach Park. The TC Rotary was mentioned as a potential source of grant funding for the five-year parks plan, though no specific amount was discussed.
Action Items
- Township Board to pursue additional information from NCV regarding the Braman Hill proposal; community input needed before the committee can make a recommendation.
- Jon Thatcher to continue looking into additional skate park ramps.
- Committee to proceed with printing and distributing the P&R survey, including a test print and poster for the Uncaged event at the Township Booth.
- Dan Tompkins to continue coordinating with DNR, Leelanau Conservancy, and Tart Trail on drafting the five-year parks plan and trail proposals.
- Prospective new committee members to submit written interest to the township supervisor.
- Next meeting scheduled for October 21, 2026 at 5:30pm.