Summary
The Leelanau Township Parks and Recreation Committee met on May 21, 2025, with members Elizabeth Schwind, Jon Thatcher, Tom Mayhew, Dan Toole, and Julie Preneta present (Court Wengreen absent). The committee approved prior meeting minutes, reviewed updates on multiple parks including Woolsey Airport, Braman Hill, and Omena Beach, and set the next meeting for June 18, 2025, when a five-year Parks & Rec plan will be discussed.
Public Comments
Nate Drier spoke during public comment, proposing that outdoor calisthenics equipment be added to a township park. No committee response or decision was recorded on this suggestion.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Several park updates were discussed:
- Woolsey Airport: Dan Toole, the SWAT committee, and the township grant writer met with Supervisor Conoly. A designated bank account for Woolsey donations has been established, and a future meeting will assess fundraising progress. A $20 suggested donation for landing at the airport, with a QR code for payment, was discussed.
- Braman Hill: Jon Thatcher and his crew reinstalled the skate park for the season and are ready to purchase half pipe materials. A new sign with park rules and regulations was installed. Tom Mayhew met with Chad Jordan regarding a mountain bike trail; hiring YouthWork to build the trail was discussed, and Tom will continue coordinating.
- Pickleball courts: The Township Board approved up to $2,500 for a shade pergola purchase; Court Wengreen will need to pull permits.
- Buster Dame: The land swap with the DNR is no longer being pursued. A plaque honoring Buster Dame was suggested for consideration.
- Christmas Cove: The gate has been opened for the season.
- Omena Beach: Possible updates to the pit toilet were discussed, including painting, skylights, and motion sensor lights. The BLDHD will test for E. coli at the beach this summer.
- Peterson Park: Nothing to discuss.
New business: the Parks & Rec 5-year plan will be added to the June agenda.
Financial Summary
The Township Board approved up to $2,500 for purchase of a shade pergola for the pickleball courts. A $20 suggested donation for landing at Woolsey Airport was discussed, along with a QR code system for collecting the donations, and a dedicated bank account for Woolsey donations has been set up.
Other Business
No old business was reported. New business consisted solely of adding the Parks & Rec 5-year plan to the June 18, 2025 agenda.
Action Items
- Tom Mayhew to continue coordinating with Chad Jordan on the Braman Hill mountain bike trail and potential hiring of YouthWork.
- Court Wengreen to pull necessary permits for the pickleball court shade pergola.
- Committee to hold an upcoming meeting to assess Woolsey Airport fundraising efforts.
- Consideration of a plaque honoring Buster Dame to be revisited.
- BLDHD to conduct E. coli testing at Omena Beach this summer.
- Parks & Rec 5-year plan to be discussed at the June 18, 2025 meeting.