CaledoniaTownship

DRAFT Recreation Master Plan 2010 ‐ 2014

Prepared by Caledonia Township Planning Commission

Adopted by the Caledonia Township Board of Trustees March , 2010

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DRAFT

Caledonia Township Recreation Master Plan 2010 ‐ 2014

Table of Contents

NOTE: Maps will be included and Table of Contents will be finalized after the Public Hearing

Department of Natural Resources Approval Notification

Community Recreation Plan Certification Checklist

Community Description...... Zoning Map...... Administrative Structure...... Current Year and Projected Annual Budgets...... Recreation and Resources Inventory...... Map Showing Location of Recreation and Resources Inventory...... Regional Recreation Opportunity Adjacent to Caledonia Township...... Basis for Action Plan and Capital Improvement Schedule...... Action Plan...... Description of the Recreation Plan Process...... Goals and Objectives...... Action Program......

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COMMUNITY DESCRIPTION

Caledonia Township is located in Township 28 North, Ranges 6 East and the upper one half of Ranges 7 and 8 East of Alcona County. It shares its northern border (Hubert Road) with Alpena County and is bordered on the east and south b y Alcona Township and on the west and south by Mitchell Township.

The Township consists of 72 square miles of which approximately four square miles contain the northern portion of Hubbard Lake. A large portion of the Township is made up of private hunting camps with 36 square miles in the western part of the Township completely void of hard surfaced roads and with only one access road.

LAND USE The Caledonia Township Rural Zoning Ordinance, amended and readopted in 1997, and last amended in 2009, defines seven zoning districts throughout the Township: Residential, Residential Lakeshore, Residential/Commercial, Lakeshore Development, Residential/Agriculture, Forest/Recreational and Industrial. The principal designated land uses within the Township are Forest/Recreational, Lakeshore Development and Residential/Agricultural.

All 36 sections of the western area of the Township (T28N, R6E) are designated Forest/Recreational. In the central area (R7E) approximately half of the 18 sections are Forest/Recreational with the balance Residential/Agricultural, Residential Lakeshore and Lakeshore Development around Hubbard Lake.

The eastern third of the Township (R8E) is primarily designated Residential/Agricultural and a small area along the southern border is designated Forest/Recreational. Within the central and eastern areas there are small designations of residential usage.

The Forest/Recreational District is defined as "intended to promote appropriate use of wooded, flood plain and natural areas to promote an attractive environment for area biota and interest for tourists and visitors." (Note: Biota refers to the plant and animal life of the region.) Recreational areas requiring large land areas, especially wooded areas, are specifically encouraged in this District. Permitted uses within this District include seasonal homes and cabins; public and private parks, recreation and conservation areas, hunting and fishing camps, golf courses, country clubs, shooting clubs and riding stables.

The Residential/Agricultural District is defined as "intended to provide and protect the areas of the Township that have high quality agricultural soils and to provide limited development of rural residential uses and recreation uses." Permitted uses within this District include farming, plant nurseries, single family dwellings, schools, cemeteries, churches, temples and synagogues. 3

The Lakeshore Development District is defined as "intended for areas of the Township that are used for tourism, water‐based recreation and permanent residential development. The purpose is to provide an environment where multiple uses can be permitted in a recreational and residential environment without having major conflicts." Permitted uses within this District include single family residential and seasonal homes, public parks and recreational uses, water‐ based businesses, freestanding one family rental cabins and boat houses.

The Residential District is defined as "designated for dispersed rural residential development and related uses ... intended to be designated primarily along improved roads for the convenience of rural residents." Within its permitted uses, it includes public parks and playgrounds with no buildings.

The Residential Lakeshore District is defined as "designated for residential development and related uses for properties adjoining or near an inland lake."

The Residential/Commercial District is defined as "intended for residences and commercial uses such as retail shopping, offices, personal services, consumer services, consumer convenience and other business uses including some wholesale and warehouse activities."

The Industrial District is defined as "intended for warehouses and wholesale businesses, terminals for trucks, manufacturing, assembling, fabrication and similar light industrial uses" as well as mineral extraction operations.

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(ZONING MAP)

(INSERT)

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ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE

The Township of Caledonia is governed by a five‐member elected Board of Trustees. They are:

Roxann Brown ‐ Supervisor Helen Timm ‐ Clerk Gailen Thornton ‐ Treasurer Ron Ott ‐ Trustee Jack Scott ‐ Trustee

The Township Planning Commission oversees recreation planning as well as zoning within the Township. Members of the Planning Commission, appointed by the Board of Trustees, are:

Kathleen E. Vichunas ‐ Chairperson Nick Williams ‐ Vice Chairperson Jane L. Waldeck ‐ Secretary Henry Freigruber John Preston Jack Scott Jeremy Hahn

In addition, the Township has a three member Zoning Board of Appeals. The Township has three employees: a Zoning Administrator, who issues zoning permits, enforces the Township ordinances and serves as Constable; a Township Assessor and a Custodian. Parks and Recreation committees are appointed by the Township Board of Trustees as needed.

FINANCES Finances for acquisition and maintenance of all recreational properties within the Township come through the Township Board of Trustees. Funds are garnered from property taxes, permits, fees and liquor tax funds. Grant funds are sought where appropriate. Potential sources of grants include the Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF), the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), the Small Acquisition Grants Initiative (SAGI), Quality of Life Recreation Bond Program, Transportation Enhancement Program (MDOT TEA‐21), Presque Isle Electric and Gas Communities First Fund, other Michigan Department of Natural Resources Grants, Recreation and Waterways Division Grants. Other potential sources of funding include the Michigan WORKS Program, the Caledonia Township General Fund, Foundation funding or assistance, Power Company, local fund raising and service club projects and funds obtained through sale of resources, i.e.: timber removal.

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The current year and projected annual budgets for parks operations and maintenance, recreation planning and capital improvements are listed below:

Proposed Actual Proposed 2008‐2009 2008 ‐ 2009 2009 ‐ 2010

REVENUE

Interest from Tax Account $ 6,000.00 $ $ 1,000.00 Delinquent Property Tax 6,155.11 4,300.00 Interest, Penalties, Unpaid Personal Tax Property Tax & PILT 50,050.00 49,221.29 51,050.00 Administration Fees 30,000.00 31,809.33 31,000.00 Delinquent Personal Property Michigan Shared Revenues 75,000.00 85,235.84 80,000.00 Liquor License Refund 1,600.00 1,623.05 1,600.00 Interest ‐ General Fund Account 15,000.00 11,122.66 10,000.00 Land Use Permits 1,500.00 1,220.00 1,200.00 Rental and Leases 2,200.00 1,450.00 1,500.00 Hall Cleaning 1,000.00 480.00 400.00 Cemetery Lot Sales 800.00 2,000.00 1,000.00 Contracts: Schools 6,000.00 6,030.00 6,000.00 Roads 500.00 500.00 Oil, Gas Rights, Tower Leases Service Charge, Books, Refunds, Misc. 100.00 34.00 100.00

Total Revenue $189,750.00 $196,381.28 $189.650.00

Carried Over Previous Year $430,998.94 $430,998.94 $467.935.70

Total Revenue and Carry Over $620,748.94 $627,380.22 $657,585.70

Expenditures ($211,667.22) ($158,969.46) ($208,607.23)

Balance to Carry Over $409,081.72 $468,410.76 $448,978.47

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Proposed Actual Proposed 2008‐2009 2008 ‐ 2009 2009 ‐ 2010

EXPENDITURES

Building and Grounds Manager Salary $ 4,000.00 $ 4,520.80 $4,000.00 Cemetery Office, Supplies & Expenses 674.00 624.00 674.00 Hall Cleaning 1,000.00 480.00 400.00

Cemetery Administration & Operating 371.00 371.00 371.00 Supplies & Maintenance 1,500.00 3,618.00 1,000.00 Improvement & Development 500.00 500.00

Township Hall Maintenance & Supplies 2,000.00 1,859.57 2,000.00 Utilities 4,000.00 3,144.78 3,500.00 Improvement 36,500.00 36,500.00

Parks and Recreation Administration, Supplies, Expenses 300.00 300.00 Maintenance & Utilities 2,150.00 1,982.76 2,650.00 Development 3,000.00 3,000.00 Hickey Hill Improvements 4,000.00 450.00 4,000.00

Total Expenditures $211,667.22 $158,969.46 $208,607.23

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Recreation and Resource Inventory

TOWNSHIP OWNED PROPERTY:

Hubbard Lake North End Park. Development first began on this 10 acre site at the North End of Hubbard Lake in 1993, through a grant received from Thunder Bay Power Company. The Township completed perimeter security fencing at a cost of $7,000.00; improvement to the driveway to the boat launch and park as well as providing a gravel parking lot and access road. Dust control on the access road began in 1994 and community work bees helped with improving the park grounds. A $10,000.00 Waterways Fund, Small Grants Program funding as well as funding generated from timber sales and the General Fund financed a $34,000.00 project to improve lake access through creation of a boat launch, approach and parking area for boaters. Ice damage to the boat launch in 1996 was repaired at a cost of $8,000.00 in Township improvement funds. In 1997, the Township received a $9,400.00 Waterways Fund Grant toward a $19,000.00 park project. This project funded paving the approach to the boat ramp and adding a fully handicap accessible dock which was completed in the fall of 1997. The parking lot and driveways were asphalted during the summer of 2000 at a cost of $53,783.00. This funding came from the Township General Fund and grants from the State of Michigan. The North End Park has 500 feet of lake frontage with swimming and picnicking facilities and is the primary emphasis of the Township's Recreation Plan.

Late winter of 2009, a group of approximately a dozen citizens have formed a committee to determine what additional improvements should be considered for the North End Park. This committee plans to address numerous improvements in two stages. In Stage One, plans call for renovating the boat ramp, improving the handicap accessible dock, providing restroom facilities near the launch, repaving and enlarging the boat staging area, the addition of lighting to the dock for night navigation, placing the electrical power underground, removing trees as they die and replacement with disease resistant trees and planting new vegetation along the east fence to provide screening from the adjoining residential area. In Stage Two, plans are to make the beach area swimmer friendly, to create a swimming area, build two pavilions with electrical power, provide picnic tables and grills, provide bath and changing rooms, create a nature walk in the wooded area, make the park family friendly, to install a new fence as well as to improve the park entry from Hubert Road. All proposed improvements will emphasis handicap accessibility. In an effort to enhance the North End Park and to make it family friendly, consideration is being given to purchase some or all of the adjoining property presently owned by Walden Properties. This would also provide fishing access at the dam.

Hickey Hill 80 Acre Woodland. This area is generally undeveloped. In 1997, the Township retained the services of a professional forester who created a timber management plan to open up vistas and promote wildlife. Thinning of existing timber improved the site and revenue generated from the project was dedicated to recreational improvement.

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Spruce Park. Approximately 20 acres of privately owned land, leased to the Township for one dollar per year. This area provides a baseball diamond, an outdoor concrete basketball court, a soccer playing area, a sandbox, a swing and a concrete park bench. The local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post members and its youth affiliate made improvements to the park in 1997 with the Township sharing costs. The Born in the Barn Spruce area 4H Club made improvements in 2009.

Hubbard Lake Access Site (Tolson Park). This site has 100 feet of lake frontage and is 200 feet deep (approximately .5 acres) located in a private subdivision on the East Bay of Hubbard Lake. This park is in a semi‐developed condition and there is no parking, limited picnicking facilities and is primarily used for swimming. This area is not suitable for boat launching.

Vacant 40 Acre Site. This site is located one half mile north of Spruce Road on the east side of Hansen Road (Town 28 North, Range 8 East, Section 2). This acreage, a former disposal site, has been reforested and is used for public hunting. The Township has no plans for this site at this time.

Reforested Gravel Pit. This parcel consists of five (5) acres of land and is open to Township residents. The Township has no plans for this site at this time.

Vacant 40 Acre Site. This site lies at the mouth of Holcomb Creek (Town 28 North, Range 7 East, Section 12). The State of Michigan owns the adjoining 40 acres to the north. The Township has no plans for this site at this time.

Pleasant View Cemetery. This ten (10) acre parcel is located one‐half mile south of Spruce on Gillard Road and is behind the Spruce Presbyterian Church.

PUBLIC BUILDINGS.

Caledonia Township Hall. This handicap accessible facility is situated on approximately 1.5 acres on Gillard Road in Spruce. This building is used primarily as a community center.

OTHER PUBLICLY OWNED PROPERTY.

The State of Michigan owns the 266 foot DNR access site on Hubbard Lake. Two concrete ramps and a dock are provided for boaters.

The State of Michigan owns a 40 acre parcel at the mouth of Holcomb Creek (Towns 28 North, Range 7 East, Section 12.)

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PRIVATELY OWNED RECREATIONAL FACILITIES.

Lions Park. This facility is located just north of the "4 Corners" on Hubbard Lake Road in Alpena County and contains ball fields, tennis courts, a playground and pavilion. The local Lions Club has obtained grant money as well as donations to install "state of the art" playground equipment in the Park in the summer of 2010. The pavilion, cook shack and restrooms are available for rental.

Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox Campground. This 100 site campground is located on US‐23 and includes 80 modern and 20 primitive sites. The modern sites include water, electric and sewer hookups and the primitive sites include only water and electric hookups.

Rodney McKinnon's Hunting Preserve. This preserve is located on Swede Road.

Whitetail Campground. This 50+ primitive campground is located on Hickey Hill Road.

RECREATIONAL SUPPORT BUSINESSES:

Blue Water Bait and Gifts. This shop is located at the north end of Hubbard Lake a couple hundred yards just east of the North End Park and sells fishing and hunting supplies.

Hubbard Lake Marine. Provides the only gas dock on the west shore of Hubbard Lake as well as marine sales and service.

Lynn's Bait Shop. This shop is located at the south end of Hubbard Lake in Hawes Township and sells fishing and hunting supplies as well as some groceries.

Viking Marine. Provides marine sales and service accessible on the east shore of Hubbard Lake in Alcona Township.

REGIONAL RECREATION.

Approximately 74.5% of the land in Alcona County is forested, and State and Federal forest areas comprise about 35.6% of this. Most of these areas are open to the public for hunting, hiking, camping and other sporting activities. Facilities on Federal forests are used primarily for primitive camping. Several Townships within the County offer small community parks.

While there is no school‐owned recreational property located within the Township, the Alcona Community Schools District does own 54 acres in Gustin Township, approximately 15 miles south of the Township. The property is a centralized area for both elementary and secondary schools. Recreational facilities include a football field, practice football field, log cabin study center and elementary and secondary gymnasiums. The facilities have limited use and must have proper authorization of the Alcona Community Schools. 11

The Alcona Recreation Area (ARA) is a 121 acre County‐owned site located in the northwest corner of Harrisville Township, approximately 12 miles south of Caledonia Township. The area is the site of the Alcona County Fair and is utilized for snowmobile racing in the winter months. The located has a one‐half mile dirt track for trotter and snowmobile races, four pole barns, an arena, an office and maintenance building with flush toilets, a BMX track, an observation/broadcast booth, gatehouse, two wells, four irrigated soccer fields, water and sewer, six portable toilets and 80 acres of undeveloped forest land.

Sturgeon Point Lighthouse located approximately 10 miles south of the Township on US‐23 is a major tourist attraction. The Alcona Historical Society offers summer tours of the working, Federally‐owned facility. The State of Michigan owns the 40 acres surrounding the lighthouse, but has no immediate plans for development.

The Harrisville , located in Harrisville Township and Alcona Park near Glennie in Curtis Township, offers modern camping facilities.

Negwegon State Park, currently includes 1,720 acres of land, falls partly in Alcona Township in Alcona County and partly in Sanborn Township in Alpena County. Present facilities allow for primitive camping and provide hiking and nature trails.

The Harrisville Recreation Area, approximately 15 miles south of the Township, is a 17‐acre, County‐owned site with two (2) softball diamonds, two (2) baseball diamonds and restroom facilities.

Harrisville Harbor, operated by the City of Harrisville, contains 97 boat slips with 48 for transient boaters and 49 for seasonal boaters. Facilities associated with the harbor include fuel (gasoline and diesel), pump‐outs, 30 & 50 amp electric hook‐ups, public restrooms/showers, laundry service, wireless internet, ice/soft drinks, boat launch, courtesy van, volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, pavilion, grills, picnic tables and playground. This recreational harbor is part of the State of Michigan's Harbor of Refuge network. An outdoor basketball court is located across from the Harbor.

The Pine River National Forest Campground, located at the old State trout‐rearing ponds in the in Mikado Township, offers 11 primitive campground sites with toilets, hand pumped water and a picnic pavilion with grills.

Three recreation sites in Millen Township are maintained by the U.S. Forest Service. They are the Jewell Lake Campground, Horseshoe Lake Campground and the Reid Lake Foot Travel Area which offer primitive campsites, pump‐type water, picnic and foot trail areas. The Reid Lake site offers over six miles of cross‐country ski trails. In addition, the State Forest Campground at McCollum Lake, also located in Millen Township, has 30 campsites and a boat launch.

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The Hoist Lake Area in Mitchell Township, approximately 22 miles west of Caledonia Township, is also maintained by the U.S. Forest Service, and offers seven small lakes and over 20 miles of cross‐country ski trails.

The County has six public golf courses: Back Nine, Eagle Ridge, Greenbush, Monarch Ridge, Springport and White Pine National.

Bowling is also available in the County at the Village Lane and Lounge in Harrisville.

Sprinkler Lake, a recreation learning center, is located in Alcona County.

In addition to recreation within Alcona County, Township residents have access to recreational opportunities in Alpena, 15 miles to the north, and Oscoda, 31 miles south. The City of Alpena offers a good deal of commercial recreation. Community‐based recreation includes an indoor community pool, miniature golf, tennis and several community parks with swimming and fishing access. In addition, there is a multi‐purpose arena in Alpena Township with provisions for hockey and figure skating.

Oscoda offers many commercial recreation‐based businesses, such as miniature golf and bowling. Oscoda High School also has an indoor swimming pool. The community has a waterfront park on with playground equipment and tennis courts. A second park area, located just north of Oscoda, offers picnicking and swimming. Several campgrounds are located in or near the Huron National Forest. The Lumberman's Monument area on River Road offers a visitors center with displays depicting lumbering days, the monument itself and numerous scenic hiking and walking trails.

It is important to note that while all of these regional opportunities are available to residents of Caledonia Township, many require fees and all require travel to access. A map of these locations follows.

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CALEDONIA TOWNSHIP RECREATION INVENTORY

These sites will be identified on a Township Map and included in the final Plan.

1. Hubbard Lake North End Park

2. Hickey Hill 80‐Acre Woodland

3. Spruce Park

4. Hubbard Lake Access Site (Tolson Park)

5. 40 Acres (Spruce Road and Hansen Road)

6. Reforested Gravel Pit

7. 40 Acres ‐ Township Owned (Holcomb Creek)

8. Pleasant View Cemetery

9. Caledonia Township Hall

10. DNR Access Site

11. 40 Acres ‐ State Owned (Holcomb Creek)

12. Rodney McKinnon's Hunting Preserve.

13. Lions Park

REGIONAL RECREATION OPPORTUNITY 14

ADJACENT TO CALEDONIA TOWNSHIP

Map of County with the Sites Identified Will be Inserted in the Final Plan

1. 54 Acres in Gustin Township 2. Alcona Recreation Area (ARA) 3. Sturgeon Point Lighthouse 4. 5. Alcona Park 6. 7. Harrisville Recreation Area 8. Harrisville Harbor 9. Pine River National Forest Campground 10. Jewell Lake Campground 11. Horseshoe Lake Campground 12. Reid Lake Foot Travel Area 13. Hoist Lake Area 14. State Forest Campground at McCollum Lake 15. Back Nine Golf Course 16. Eagle Ridge Golf Course 17. Greenbush Golf Course 18. Monarch Ridge Golf Course 19. Springport Golf Course 20. White Pines National Golf Course 21. Sprinkler Lake

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BASIS FOR ACTION PLAN AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT SCHEDULE

Recreation planning in Caledonia Township must consider several pertinent issues.

Hubbard Lake is the largest inland body of water in Northeast Michigan. However, public access to its shores is limited to two pieces of Township‐owned property. One is the North End Park and the other, Tollson Park, is a small lot located between two homes in a private subdivision and not well suited for use by the public.

Private recreational property encumbers a significant portion of Caledonia Township. Hunting camps, summer dwellings and buildings held for "occasional" use represent 48% of the Township's housing units. This population of tourists and hunters has consequential impact on the Township's economic base.

The Township has a largely older population. Individuals 65 years of age and older make up 25% of the population, more than twice the State average of 12%. The majority of in‐migration is most likely due to retirement and relocation of persons 55 years of age or older. Thought must be given to planning for this large resident population who have both the time and desire for recreational activities.

Young people, under the age of 18, make up 18.5% of the Township's population. Due to its rural nature, the Township offers no commercial recreation. Consolidated elementary and high schools are located 15 miles to the south, necessitating transportation for young people to utilize school facilities.

The Township's median household income is $36,000.00 in 1999 dollars compared with the State's median of $41,994.00. In addition, the per capita income in 1999 dollars is $19,051 compared to the State's per capita of $21,587.00. Almost half of all households in the Township receive Social Security income (45%) and 3% receive public assistance. Fourteen percent (14%) of the households with individuals 65 or older have incomes below poverty levels. Accordingly, to be truly accessible, recreation must also be affordable.

Limited maintenance staff and operation and maintenance of recreational property is conducted on a part‐time basis. Efforts have been made to increase maintenance efforts at the North End Park during the summer months and to utilize volunteer clean‐up and development efforts whenever it is available.

The Township has an abundance of great natural beauty. Much of the property listed in the recreation inventory is primitive. Every effort must be made to balance ecological concerns with economic potential in planning for growth and development.

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The dam west of the North End Park is owned by the Thunder Bay Power Company. As part of its licensing agreement with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Recreation Plan Article 418), it has planned improvements for this site. The planned improvements are:

1. Creating a canoe portage take‐out of Hubbard lake in the area upstream from the buoy line on the right embankment. Six‐inch by six‐inch ten‐foot long timbers will be placed in the ground. The downstream bank to the right side is shallow enough to allow canoeists easy access to the lake. No improvement is planned for the put‐in area and proper signage will also be installed.

2. Building a 12‐foot wide by 14‐foot long fishing platform on the downstream side of the dam. The platform will be constructed of concrete, wood and metal and will be accessible to persons with disabilities.

3. Providing a shoreline fishing area at the North End Park.

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ACTION PLAN

With these issues in mind, factors to be considered in recreational development for the Township include:

1. Development of recreation which would allow residents and visitors access to Hubbard Lake.

2. Development of recreation appropriate to the major population groups of the Township. Both active and passive recreation opportunities require easy access to allow use by those with limited transportation, including the elderly and youth.

3. Development and maintenance of recreational opportunities for individuals with diverse incomes, including recreation available on a no‐cost or low cost basis is essential.

4. Maintenance and operation of recreational facilities with a limited staff must be conducted in a manner which preserves ecological and scenic value.

Taking these factors into consideration, the following areas of the Township have been designated for recreational development over the next ten years:

1. North End Park

2. Hickey Hill 80‐Acre Woodland

3. Spruce Park

There are several reasons for concentrating development at these three sites. The North End Park represents the only true public access to the to the lakeshore within the Township. The Hickey Hill site has potential for both passive and active recreation, but has limited access and must be developed carefully to preserve existing flora and fauna and to avoid erosion. Spruce Park provides the only no‐cost recreational area for activities for young people, such as baseball, soccer and basketball within the Township.

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PRIORITIES

1. The first priority action is the continued development of the North End Park. This project would include:

Creation of an improved swimming area; Addition of stairs to the beach area; Creation of a picnic area with tables and grills; Creation of a children's playground area; Renovate boat ramp and improve handicap accessible dock; Provide restroom facilities near the launch; Repave and enlarge the boat staging area along with the addition of lighting to the dock for night navigation; Place electrical power underground; Remove and replace trees as needed and plant new vegetation along the east fence to provide screening from the adjoining residential area; Build 2 pavilions with electrical power; Provide changing rooms near the swimming area; Create a nature walk in the wooded area; Install a new fence and improve the park entry from Hubert Road and To purchase some or all of the adjoining property to provide fishing access at the dam.

This project would develop the park area available to the public at no cost and allow public access to Hubbard Lake. It would provide both active and passive recreation and activities of interest to diverse age groups. Closing the picnic and playground area of the facility during the late night and early morning hours, while allowing 24 hour access to the boat launch area, would eliminate nuisance use and vandalism.

2. The second priority action is the implementation of the management and development plan for the Hickey Hill property which was developed by a professional forester in 2004. The property lines were surveyed and placement of appropriate signs on the property boundaries at a cost of $3,200.00. This project would include:

Creation of cross‐country skiing and nature trails; and Creation of a parking area.

Access to this property is difficult because of the extremely steep grade. Identification of the flora and fauna in this area is needed so that informational trail markers could be developed. The Township would like to seek a group of volunteers who could assist with this identification. This site would also provide active and passive recreation and development will reduce or eliminate nuisance use.

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3. The third priority action is the continued development of Spruce Park as a playground and sports area for public use with emphasis on families with children. Expansion of the existing playground and ball diamond and basketball areas would provide additional no‐ cost, easily accessed recreational opportunity for youth in the area. Plans include the addition of a skating rink area, water fountain, expanded playground and portable soccer net. Long range plans include the creation of a pavilion for picnicking and a winter warm‐up site as well as the addition of bleachers and dugouts for the ball field. Improvements to the parking lot are also envisioned.

4. The Township is willing to work with outside groups wanting to install and maintain snowmobile trails connecting existing trails in Hawes Township with existing trails in Alpena County as long as Township funds will not be expended.

5. The Township is willing to work with outside groups wanting to install and maintain walking/biking paths adjacent to the roads around Hubbard Lake and also connecting them with the Spruce village area as long as Township funds will not be expended.

6. The Township is willing to work with outside groups wanting to install and maintain shooting/archery ranges as long as Township funds will not expended and that no liability can be attributed to the Township.

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DESCRIPTION OF THE RECREATION PLAN PROCESS

October 5, 2009 Community Description Section reviewed and update began.

March 2010 Information regarding new objectives, changes in zoning, organizational structure, etc., reviewed with the Township Board of Trustees.

March 2010 Review Preliminary Draft. Notice of Public Comments and Public Hearing published in the Alcona County Review.

March 2010 Public Comment Period Ends. Public Hearing.

March 2010 Planning Commission Recommendation. Township Board Adoption. Submission of Recreation Master Plan to MDNRE. Submission of Recreation Master Plan to NEMCOG and the Alcona County Clerk.

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CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT SCHEDULE

2010‐2014

Map Potential Key Improvement Cost Funding

1 North End Park Development $294,700 DNRE Rec. Division (See attached preliminary plan and Twp. General Fund cost estimate)

2 Hickey Hill 80‐Acre Woodland $ 10,900 Twp. General Fund (See attached cost estimate) Foundation Grants Local In Kind

3 Spruce Park $ 5,650 Twp. General Fund Local In Kind Foundation Grants

Snowmobile Trails *******

Walking/Biking Trails *******

Shooting/Archery Range *******

NOTE: The trails and range projects are largely planning activities and require no dollar outlay at this time.

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NORTH END PARK DEVELOPMENT PRELIMINARY COST ESTIMATE

Design Engineers from R.S. Scott, Inc., are presently working on the design $250,000 and cost estimates for the Stage One and Stage Two Improvements.

Purchase some or all of the adjoining property. $ 50,000 to $500,000

Chain link (6‐foot) fence with 3 strand barbed wire with Corner Posts (3") ‐ Line Posts (2") ‐ Top Rails (1 5/8") $ 15,000 Asphalt (2") parking area with 6" gravel base $ 3,000 Chain Link Gates (2) (3 foot) $ 300 Driveway Gate (18 foot) $ 2,900 Concrete Bath House $ 4,000 50 foot Dock with bumpers and extra pipes for boat ramp $ 3,000 Stairs (3) to the Water $ 2,500 Picnic Tables (10), grills, playground equipment $ 10,000 Clean up brush and grass $ 2,000 Clean up beach and waterfront $ 2,000

TOTAL ESTIMATED COST $294,700

Plus Purchase Adjoining Property $ 50,000 to $500,00

HICKEY HILL DEVELOPMENT PRELIMINARY COST ESTIMATE

Parking Lot (2000 sq. ft.) $ 1,500 Cross Country Ski Trail $ 6,000 Trail Marking Signs and Posts (25) $ 500 Driveway Gate (18 foot) $ 2,900

TOTAL ESTIMATED COST $10,900

SPRUCE PARK DEVELOPMENT PRELIMINARY COST ESTIMATE

Parking Lot (2000 sq. ft.) $ 2,000 Baseball field fencing barrier protection $ 2,500 Portable Soccer Nets (2) $ 1,000 Basketball backboard and net $ 150

TOTAL ESTIMATED COST $ 5,650

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