PARKS AND RECREATION PLAN 2010 – 2014
GAINES CHARTER TOWNSHIP KENT COUNTY, MICHIGAN
Adopted by the Township Board of Trustees December 14, 2009
GAINES CHARTER TOWNSHIP PARKS AND RECREATION PLAN 2010 – 2014
GAINES CHARTER TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES Don R. Hilton, Sr., Supervisor Crystal Osterink, Clerk Laurie Lemke, Treasurer Eric Fouch, Trustee Dan Fryling, Trustee Tim Haagsma, Trustee Carol Van Laan, Trustee
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE Dana Lehmann, Chairperson* Lani Thomas, Vice-Chairperson Laurie Lemke, Township Board Liaison Rob DeWard, Planning Commission Liaison* Linda Crumback Brian Diemer* Kathy Vanderstel Don R. Hilton, Sr., Supervisor Thomas J. Tilma, Superintendent
*Parks and Recreation Plan Subcommittee Member
With Assistance From: Brian Tingley, Township Planner Megan Sharp, Assistant Planner Jeff Gritter, Township Engineer Jennifer Lamb, Executive Secretary Elizabeth VanDoorne, 2009 Planning Department Intern
Special thanks to all members of the public and other public agencies that contributed to the development of this plan
Gaines Charter Township 8555 Kalamazoo Avenue SE Caledonia, MI 49316 Phone: 616.698.6640 www.gainestownship.org
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GAINES CHARTER TOWNSHIP PARKS AND RECREATION PLAN 2010 – 2014
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Executive Summary 1
Community Description 2
Administrative Structure 4
Recreation Inventory 7
Planning and Public Input Process 26
Goals and Objectives 34
Action Program 51
Appendix I – Prairie Wolf Park Expenses
Appendix II – Survey
Appendix III – Survey Data
Appendix IV – Survey Comments
Appendix V – Township Property/Prairie Wolf Park
Appendix VI – Township Board Resolution No. 09-02-PR
Appendix VII – Township Board Meeting Minutes
Appendix VIII –Parks and Recreation Committee Resolution No. 09-PR-01
Appendix IX – Copies of Letters Transmitting Adopted Plan to County and Regional Planning Agencies
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MAPS, TABLES, FIGURES AND IMAGES Image 1 Township Signage Page 2 Map 1 State & County Location Page 2 Map 2 School Districts and Streets Page 3 Figure 1 Organization Structure Page 4 Table 1 Budget Page 5 Image 2 Committee Members Page 6 Image 3 Prairie Wolf Park Trail Page 7 Map 3 Prairie Wolf Park Aerial Page 8 Map 4 Cody’s Mill Park Aerial Page 9 Map 5 Creekside Park Aerial Page 10 Map 6 Dutton Shadyside Park Aerial Page 11 Map 7 Brewer Park Aerial Page 12 Map 8 Prairie Wolf Park Trail Page 13 Map 9 Steven’s Pointe Trail Page 14 Image 4 Steven’s Pointe Trail Page 14 Map 10 Cook’s Crossing Trail Page 15 Image 5 Cook’s Crossing Trail Page 16 Image 6 Hammond Estates Trail Page 16 Map 11 Fred Meijer M‐6 Trail Page 17 Map 12 Trail Network Page 18 Map 13 Areawide Parks Page 19 Image 7 Pocket Park Page 21 Table 2 Recreation Inventory Page 23 Table 3 Recreation Opportunities; Misc. Page 24 Table 4 Recreation Opportunities; Parks Page 25 Figure 2 Survey Question #1 Page 27 Figure 3 Park Frequency Page 28 Table 5 Survey Question #12 Page 29 Table 6 Survey Question #14 Page 29 Table 7 Top Ranked Facilities Page 29 Table 8 Facilities to be Added Page 30 Table 9 Past Responses Page 31 Image 8 Community Open House Flyer Page 32 Image 9 Public Comment Notice Page 33 Image 10 Public Hearing Notice Page 33 Table 10 Existing Land Use Page 35 Map 14 Future Land Use Page 36 Map 15 Zoning Map Page 37 Table 11 Overall Population Page 40 Table 12 Population Comparisons Page 40 Table 13 Population Projections Page 41 Map 16 Population Density Page 42 Table 14 Households Page 42 Table 15 Age Distribution Page 43 Table 16 Generation Distribution Page 43 Figure 4 Median Age Trends Page 44 Figure 5 Per Capita Income Page 45 Figure 6 Unemployment Page 45 Figure 7 Household Income Page 46 Table 17 Gender Page 46 Table 18 Race Page 47 Table 19 Education Page 47
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Executive Summary 2010 ‐ 2014
INTRODUCTION Parks and recreation are fundamental to improving health, reducing obesity and achieving economic viability for communities. The power of public parks and recreation to shape Americans’ quality of life, to foster community purpose and to promote a sense of place is indeed tremendous. As the United States moves towards a “Knowledge-Based” economy and an increasing awareness about human impact on the environment, parks and recreational opportunities will become a driving factor that helps drive future economic growth.
Developing and maintaining a parks and recreation system that best serves a community requires careful planning. The Gaines Charter Township Parks and Recreation Committee has prepared this Parks and Recreation Plan with assistance from Township staff to guide the Township decision- making process for parks and recreation over the course of the next five years. The Plan’s purpose is to establish a realistic strategy for efficiently meeting the recreational needs of the residents of the Township.
This Plan is the third recreation plan that the Township has adopted. The Parks and Recreation Committee prepared the first plan in 1999, after a community opinion survey identified strong support for the creation of parks and recreation areas in the Township. Since adopting the 1999 and 2004 Plans, the Township has completed many significant projects: • Expansion and improvement of the county-owned Brewer Park. • The development of the Township-owned Prairie Wolf Park • Beginning of a nonmotorized transportation system • Assistance with the continued development of the county trail system
This new Plan builds on the achievements of the 1999 and 2004 Plans. Some of the most important projects identified in this plan are to complete projects initiated in the previous plans. However, this Plan goes beyond simply restating the goals and objectives from 1999 and 2004. It also proposes new goals and objectives to fulfill previously unaddressed needs, and begins to lay the foundation for utilizing the parks and recreation system as a tool for economic growth. This Plan has also been prepared to satisfy state and federal grant program requirements.
The process to create this Plan included extensive input from the public, including a survey and community open house, as well as a detailed inventory of relevant facilities. The public input was used in conjunction with a comparison to national standards to inform the specific goals and objectives. From those, a detailed Action Program was prepared to help guide the Township in the implementation of this Plan.
Gaines Charter Township is uniquely situated in the Grand Rapids metropolitan area. With components of both a large urban community and large areas of rural land, the Township is poised to use its park and recreation system as a means to greater economic strength and protection of its rural characteristics.
Parks and Recreation Plan Page 1 Community Description 2010 ‐ 2014
JURISDICTION In order to develop a sound vision for parks and recreation for a community, it is important to understand the scope of the service area and the relationship between a community and that service area. The 2010 - 2014 Parks and Recreation Plan contains a vision for all parks and recreation opportunities within Gaines Charter Township. Image 1 ‐ Township Signage Besides Township-owned facilities, the Township is also home to county and school district facilities, all of which were taken into consideration when constructing the 5-year vision. Gaines Charter Township is located south of the cities of Kentwood and Grand Rapids, in Kent County, Michigan. The Township is bounded by Byron Township to the west, Caledonia Township to the east, and Leighton Township (Allegan County) to the south.
Within the Township, there are three public school districts that provide varying degrees of parks and recreational opportunities: Kentwood Public Schools, Caledonia Community Schools, and Byron Center Public Schools. In addition, the Township is home to private school facilities associated with the South Suburban Christian Schools Foundation (SSCSF).
Map 1 below is a locational map that shows where Gaines Charter Township is located within the State of Michigan.
Map 1 – State & County Location
Parks & Recreation Plan Page 2 Community Description 2010 ‐ 2014
Map 2 identifies the major streets and highways in the Township, as well as the three local school districts.
Map 2 – School Districts & Streets
The Paul B. Henry Freeway (M‐6) traverses the northern third of the Township, and provides links to US‐ 131 to the west and both M‐37 and I‐96 to the east, allowing access to Muskegon, Holland, Grand Rapids, Detroit and Lansing. Other major local roads within the Township include Division Avenue, 68th Street and Kalamazoo Avenue.
Parks & Recreation Plan Page 3 Administrative Structure 2010 ‐ 2014
ORGANIZATION The legislation authorizing the creation of a Township Parks and Recreation Commission is Michigan Public Act 157 of 1905, as amended. Although Gaines Charter Township does not have a formal Parks and Recreation Commission, the Township Board created a standing Parks and Recreation Committee by way of Resolution No. 98-MAR-01-PRK, as amended, on March 9, 1998.
The Committee is appointed by the Township Board upon a recommendation from the Township Supervisor. The Committee is comprised of 7 members, all with voting privileges. 5 members represent the general citizenry, one member represents the Township Board, and one member represents the Planning Commission. The Township Supervisor and Township Superintendent are both non-voting, ex-officio members of the Committee. The Committee is staffed by Township personnel from the Superintendent’s Office, the Engineering Department and the Planning and Zoning Department.
The Committee has established a group named “Friends of Prairie Wolf Park”. This group is organized by the Committee and consists of volunteers who are committed to the maintenance and promotion of Prairie Wolf Park. Other subcommittees are appointed for various activities on an as-needed basis.
Figure 1 on the following page presents an organizational chart showing staff functions and lines of authority. Figure 1 – Organization
Gaines Charter Township Electors
Gaines Charter Township Board
Parks and Township Township Recreation Supervisor Superintendent Committee
Township Township Volunteers Engineer Planner
The Parks and Recreation Committee is responsible for planning, developing, programming, budgeting, operating and maintaining the existing and proposed Township park and recreation facilities. Oversight is provided by the Township Board, which must approve all expenditures that are recommended by the Committee. The annual meeting schedule for the Committee is determined at the beginning of each calendar year and varies based on anticipated activity level.
Parks & Recreation Plan Page 4 Administrative Structure 2010 ‐ 2014
The Committee generally meets 4 to 10 times per year, depending on the anticipated work load for that year.
In developing recreational opportunities, the Committee works on a cooperative basis with other Township departments as well as other local, county, regional and state agencies.
FUNDING Funding for parks and recreation programs and activities comes from the Township’s General Fund and is supplemented by private donations. On occasion, private businesses within the Township also offer in-kind donations by providing maintenance or materials for parks and trails and other activities.
The Committee and Township do not currently maintain relationships with any school districts. However, the Committee and Township maintain a close relationship with the Kent County Parks Department and have partnered with the County on county projects such as trail or park development and redevelopment.
Table 1 presents the adopted budgets for Parks and Recreation since 2005, as well the projected budget amount for 2011.
Table 1 ‐ Budget
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011* 2012* Salary – 4,000.00 4,000.00 4,000.00 4,500.00 2,500.00 2,500.00 Boards/Commissions Social Security/Medicare 325.00 306.00 306.00 350.00 200.00 200.00 Taxes Pension 150.00 150.00 150.00 200.00 100.00 100.00 Contribution Printing 0.00 98.00 250.00 300.00 300.00 300.00 Postage 0.00 150.00 150.00 150.00 150.00 150.00 Publication 250.00 250.00 250.00 300.00 300.00 300.00 Contracted Services 750.00 750.00 750.00 2,000.00 5,000.00 5,000.00 Byron Twp. Summer 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 7,500.00 Rec Miscellaneous 850.00 850.00 850.00 500.00 500.00 500.00 Total 6,325.00 6,554.00 6,706.00 8,300.00 9,050.00 16,550.00 16,965.00** 17,390.00** *Projected ** Based on 2.5% increase per year.
The Township also has a Park and Trail Fund, which includes funds set aside for match money for grants and capital expenses. Private donations made to the Township for parks and recreational opportunities are placed in the Park and Trail Fund. At the beginning of the 2010 fiscal year, the Park and Trail Fund will contain approximately $49,000.
Parks & Recreation Plan Page 5 Administrative Structure 2010 ‐ 2014
Recent, approximate expenditures from the Park and Trail Fun are detailed below.
2007 $104,000.00 was spent on paving the trail and parking lot in Prairie Wolf Park. $320.00 was spent on internal park signage and installation at Prairie Wolf Park. $1,800.00 was spent on new trees within Prairie Wolf Park.
2008 $11,300.00 was spent on the Prairie Wolf Park entrance sign and installation. $300.00 was spent on internal park signage and installation at Prairie Wolf Park. $225.00 was spent on a pet waste station. $9,800.00 was spent on materials for the overlook area.
2009 $57,000.00 was spent as matching dollars for the Fred Meijer M-6 Trail construction. $12,000.00 was spent on the Prairie Wolf Park Overlook area. $4,000.00 was spent on signage for Prairie Wolf Park.
From 2007 through the early part of 2009, all expenses (including non-capital expenses) for parks and recreation total approximately $140,000.00. (See Appendix I for more detail). As the Township moves forward, the intent is for capital improvements to be funded through the Park and Trail Fund, while the operating and programming expenses will be linked directly to the Parks and Recreation Committee budget.
Image 2 – Committee Members
Parks & Recreation Plan Page 6 Recreation Inventory 2010 ‐ 2014
PARKS AND RECREATION AREA INVENTORY In order to prepare a vision for parks and recreation within the Township, it is imperative that an inventory of the existing facilities be conducted. From this inventory, deficiencies can be recognized, and new strategies for remedying the deficiencies can be prepared. This Section contains the following categories: • Township and Major County Facilities • Other Government Facilities • School and Private Facilities • Recreational Programming
TOWNSHIP AND MAJOR COUNTY FACILITIES This section lists Township owned and managed facilities, as well as certain Kent County facilities that play an important role in meeting the Township’s overall recreation goals. Each facility is described using the guidelines of the National Recreation and Park Association, and at a minimum lists the park type, park name, size in acres or length, and the most likely service area. Each Township owned or managed facility has also been given an Accessibility Assessment. Other descriptors have been included when appropriate.
Prairie Wolf Park • Community Park • 45 Acres • Service Area – The Entire Township • Accessibility Assessment - 3
Prairie Wolf Park is located at the southwest corner of the intersection of 84th Street and Kalamazoo Avenue. The Township owns the 80-acre parcel, which is also home to the Township Offices on the north 35 acres. The site was once farmland and an orchard. The Park is considered a passive-use park and offers recreational opportunities such as hiking, walking, cross-country skiing, nature viewing, and picnicking. Within Prairie Wolf Park you can find:
• 0.25 Mile of Paved Trails • 8.5 Acres of Wooded Wetlands • 0.33 Acre of Perched Wetland Image 3 ‐ Prairie Wolf Park Trail • Large Open Meadow • 65 Plant Species • Sharp’s Creek • Historic Barns • Native Wildlife
Parks and Recreation Plan Page 7 Recreation Inventory 2010 ‐ 2014
Map 3 ‐ Prairie Wolf Park Aerial
Map 3 above is an aerial image of the entire 80-acre site.
Major infrastructure improvements to the park began in 2006 with the construction of 0.25 miles of paved trail. Others additions have included construction of a paved parking area adjacent to the park, park signage and benches. In 2009 the Township completed construction of a barrier- free observation deck that overlooks the southern portion of the park. The paved trail and other accommodations provide maximum accessibility to the abundant natural resources.
Parks and Recreation Plan Page 8 Recreation Inventory 2010 ‐ 2014
Cody’s Mill Park • Community Park • 25 Acres • Service Area – The Entire Township • Accessibility Assessment – N/A – No Existing Facilities
To the northwest across 84th Street from the main Township property is a 25-acre parcel named Cody’s Mill Park. It currently has no development, but the Township envisions this property being dedicated to more active recreational opportunities such as fitness trails, athletic fields and other equipment. Map 5 is an aerial of the property.
Map 4 – Cody’s Mill Park
Parks and Recreation Plan Page 9 Recreation Inventory 2010 ‐ 2014
Creekside Park (Kent County Park) • Community Park • 32 Acres • Service Area – Southern Kent County
According to www.accesskent.com, Creekside Park is one of only two parks in the Kent County System with exercise trails. The playground equipment at this park is ideal for children under five years of age. Park activities and facilities include baseball diamonds, exercise equipment, hiking/walking, an open shelter house, soccer, restrooms, playgrounds, and picnicking.
Map 5 ‐ Creekside Park Aerial
Parks and Recreation Plan Page 10 Recreation Inventory 2010 ‐ 2014
Dutton Shadyside Park (Kent County Park) • Neighborhood Park • 17 Acres • Service Area – Southern Kent County
According to www.accesskent.com, this picturesque park with its large maples is ideal for picnics on hot summer days. The open shelter, new playground equipment and tennis courts provide a wide variety of recreation opportunities. Park activities and facilities include tennis courts, baseball diamonds, an open shelter house, picnicking, a playground, and restrooms.
Map 6 – Dutton Shadyside Park Aerial
Parks and Recreation Plan Page 11 Recreation Inventory 2010 ‐ 2014
Earle Brewer Park (Kent County Park) • Large Urban Park • 91 Acres • Service Area – Southern Kent County
Activities and facilities at Earle Brewer Park include disc golf, picnicking, restrooms, a playground, ball diamond, basketball court, tennis courts, soccer fields, and an open shelter house. The rolling landscape of Earle Brewer Park makes the disc golf course challenging and interesting.
Map 7 – Brewer Park Aerial
Parks and Recreation Plan Page 12 Recreation Inventory 2010 ‐ 2014
Prairie Wolf Park Trail • Park Trail • Township Owned and Maintained • Type II – Multipurpose Hard Surfaced Trail – 0.25 Mile in Length • Type III – Soft Surface Nature Trail – 1.1 Miles in Length • Accessibility Assessment - 2
The Prairie Wolf Park Trail is located within the park and is currently not linked to any other trails.
Map 8 ‐ Prairie Wolf Park Trail
Parks and Recreation Plan Page 13 Recreation Inventory 2010 ‐ 2014
Steven’s Pointe Trail • Connector Trail • Township Owned and Maintained • Type II – Multipurpose Hard Surface Trail – Approximately 0.5 Mile in Length • Accessibility Assessment - 4
The Steven’s Pointe Trail is owned and maintained by the Township by way of an access easement over private property. At its west end, the trail is linked to Kent County’s Brewer Park. The trail terminates at Eastern Avenue.
Map 9 – Steven’s Pointe Trail
Image 4 – Steven’s Pointe Trail
Parks and Recreation Plan Page 14 Recreation Inventory 2010 ‐ 2014
Cook’s Crossing Trail • Connector Trail • Privately Owned • Type II – Multipurpose Hard Surface Trail – Approximately 0.5 Mile in Length • Accessibility Assessment - 4
This trail segment begins on the east side of Eastern Avenue, where the Steven’s Pointe Trail ends. It is not currently completed, but when it is, it will extend east through the Cook’s Crossing residential development. Eventually, the trail is envisioned to connect to Cody’s Mill Park.
Map 10 – Cook’s Crossing Trail
Parks and Recreation Plan Page 15 Recreation Inventory 2010 ‐ 2014
Image 5 – Cook’s Crossing Trail
Hammond Estates Trail (Private) • Connector Trail • Privately Owned • Type II – Multipurpose Hard Surface Trail – 0.2 Mile in Length • Accessibility Assessment - 4
Image 6 – Hammond Estates Trail
Parks and Recreation Plan Page 16 Recreation Inventory 2010 ‐ 2014
Fred Meijer M-6 Trail • Connector Trail • Kent County Parks Trail • Type II – Multipurpose Hard Surface Trail – Approximately 4 Miles in Length • Accessibility Assessment - 4
The Fred Meijer M-6 Trail runs from Kent Trails in Byron Township to the Paul Henry-Thornapple Trail where connections can be made to both the City of Kentwood and Caledonia Township. In total, the trail will be approximately 8 miles in length
Map 11 – Fred Meijer M‐6 Trail
Parks and Recreation Plan Page 17 Recreation Inventory 2010 ‐ 2014
Paul Henry-Thornapple Trail • Connector Trail • Kent County Parks Trail • Within Gaines Township – Type II – Multipurpose Hard Surface Trail – Approximately 1 Mile in Length • Accessibility Assessment – 4
When complete, the trail will run approximately 42 miles between Grand Rapids and Vermontville, Michigan through Kent, Barry and Eaton counties. The trail's west end is located on the Grand Rapids - Kentwood border and passes through Dutton, Caledonia, Middleville, Irving, Hastings and Nashville, with the east end located in Vermontville. It is envisioned to become an important link in a regional trail network, that allows walking, hiking, jogging, bicycling, cross- country skiing, in-line skating, wheelchair access, nature study and bird watching. Completed sections of the trail have a 10-foot wide paved surface and a gravel shoulder. Undeveloped sections, where open, have a variety of surfaces and run through woodland, farmland, wetlands and small towns. See the map below for a Township-wide view of the trail network, including the Paul Henry-Thornapple Trail.
Map 12 – Trail Network
B R O A D M O 60TH ST O 6 R UV A V M-6 South Beltline Trail E UV6 UV6 CREEKSIDE COUNTY PARK M-6 Trail Connector 68TH ST
Hammond Estates Trail (Private)
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Stevens Point Trail P au l H en ry Cooks Crossing Trail (Private) -T h o rn ap p 84TH ST le T ra EARLE BREWER PRAIRIEPRAIRIE il COUNTY PARK WOLF PARKPARK
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Parks and Recreation Plan Page 18 Recreation Inventory 2010 ‐ 2014
Finally, the following map depicts the parks within the Township, as well as other nearby parks.
Map 13 – Areawide Parks
FUTURE FACILITIES As part of the construction of M-6, the Michigan Department of Transportation established a wetland mitigation area off of 76th Street between Breton and Hanna Lake avenues. It was agreed that after a 7 to 10 year monitoring period by the state Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), the Township may request a transfer of the property from MDOT to the Township, contingent upon DEQ’s approval. 2009 marked the 7-year point of the timeframe and the Township is committed to the completion of this transfer, which may allow for the construction of nonmotorized pathways, subject to the conservation easements that exist on the property.
Parks and Recreation Plan Page 19 Recreation Inventory 2010 ‐ 2014
OTHER GOVERNMENT FACILITIES Regional recreational facilities that are publicly-owned and available to satisfy the diverse needs of Township residents offer a variety of recreational opportunities. State-owned facilities include state games areas, state parks, and public access sites. The following regional facilities are among those most likely to be used by Township residents because of their proximity and/or recreational opportunities.
State-Owned Facilities • Rogue River State Game Area (Kent County) – 5,587 Acres • Canonsburg State Game Area (Kent County) – 2,331 Acres • Lowell State Game Area (Kent County) – 840 Acres • Public Access Sites on Rivers and Lakes (Kent County) – Approximately 15 Sites • Yankee Springs State Recreation Area (Barry County) – 5200 Acres • Grand Haven State Park (Ottawa County) – 48 Acres • Saugatuck Dunes State Park (Ottawa County) – 300 Acres • Allegan State Game Area (Allegan County) – 50,000 Acres
Ottawa County Parks • Spring Grove Park with playground, picnicking, shelter, and ball field on 16 acres. • Hager Hardwood Forest with playground, picnicking, museum, arboretum and ball field on 95 acres. • Grand River Park with picnic building, fishing dock on small lake, boat launch, children's playground, wetland overlook platforms, river overlook platform, picnic tables and grills, and 3 miles of nature trails on 162 acres.
Allegan County Parks • Gun Lake Park with playground, swimming beach, picnicking, and boat launch on four acres. • Dumont Lake Park with playground, swimming beach, picnicking, and boat launch on 19 acres. • Bysterveld County Park with two miles of nature trails, a picnic shelter, playground, fishing pond, a grass picnic/recreation area, a restroom facility, and parking for 75 vehicles. • Silver Creek Park with a campground, equestrian trails, and fishing on 320 acres.
Other important regional, public facilities located outside of the Township that increase the opportunities for, and diversity of, recreation in this area include the 143-acre Blandford Nature Center, the 133-acre Howard Christensen Nature Center, the multi-county West Michigan Snowmobile Trail, and the 10.5-mile Egypt Valley Cross-country Ski Trail.
Parks and Recreation Plan Page 20 Recreation Inventory 2010 ‐ 2014
SCHOOL AND PRIVATE FACILTIES The following school and commercial recreational facilities are located in the Township. Access to these facilities is limited. • Old Blaine Elementary School (240 84th Street SE): Playgrounds, hard court, softball/baseball, and basketball. • Cross Creek Charter Academy (7701 Kalamazoo Avenue SE): Soccer, playground, and basketball. • Legacy Christian Elementary (520 68th Street SE): Playground, basketball, soccer, and softball/baseball. • Dutton Christian Elementary (6980 Hanna Lake Avenue SE): Basketball, playground, soccer, and softball / baseball. • Dutton Christian Middle School (6729 Hanna Lake Avenue SE): Playground, basketball, soccer, and softball/baseball. • Dutton Elementary (3820 68th Street SE): Playgrounds, soccer, softball/baseball, and picnic tables. • East Kentwood High School (6230 Kalamazoo Avenue SE): Soccer, baseball / softball, tennis courts, ice rink, and swimming pool. • Explorer Elementary School (2307 68th Street SE): Playground, basketball, soccer, picnic tables, and softball / baseball. • Pinewood Middle School (2100 60th Street SE): Soccer, tennis, softball / baseball, and basketball. • South Christian Sports Park (7979 Kalamazoo Avenue SE): Tennis, baseball / softball and soccer. • Southwood Elementary (630 66th Street SE): Playground, picnic tables, softball / baseball, and basketball. • Townline Elementary (100 60th Street SE): Basketball, playground, picnic tables, and softball / baseball. • Briarwood Golf Course (92nd Street SE – Section 26): Public golf course. • StoneWater Country Club (Kalamazoo Avenue SE – Sections 8 and 9): Private golf course and country club.
In addition to the uses listed above, some churches or businesses may have recreational facilities available for use Image 7 ‐ Pocket Park by their members or employees. These may also be open to use by the public.
Finally, there are several “pocket parks” within certain developments throughout the Township, as seen in Image 7 to the right. These are typically maintained by private homeowners’ associations.
Parks and Recreation Plan Page 21 Recreation Inventory 2010 ‐ 2014
RECREATIONAL PROGRAMMING The Township does not offer any recreational programs. However, schools, churches, and various non-profit organizations do offer recreational programs to the Township’s residents. For example, the American Youth Soccer Organization offers soccer leagues in the Township. Similar opportunities exist for other sports. Churches, such as Kentwood Community Church, also offer sports leagues. The annual Brian Diemer 5K Run/Walk is held as a part of the Cutlerville Days festival and the Township recently began an annual Trail Walk event at Prairie Wolf Park. In 2009 and 2010, the Township Board agreed to contribute $7,500.00 towards the summer recreation programming of the Byron Township Parks and Recreation Department.
Parks and Recreation Plan Page 22 Recreation Inventory 2010 ‐ 2014
RECREATION FACILITY STANDARDS Recreation facility standards can be an important guide in determining the specific needs of a specific community. One set of standards is prepared by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) as a guide to the amount of park space needed, the number of facilities needed, and service radius. Because the NRPA standards are only a guide consideration should be given to local residential densities, local demands and specific conditions, as well as the facilities that are available in adjacent communities. Tables 2, 3, and 4 below offer guidance that will be used to determine the appropriate number and size of recreational facilities in the Township, as well as the Goals and Objectives Section of this Plan.
Table 2 – Recreation Inventory
Recreation Inventory Year 2015 Year 2020 Existing 31,610 Population Estimate 36,658 Population Estimate Facility Standard Differences Differences Without With Needed Without With Needed Without With Schools Schools Schools Schools Schools Schools Baseball Diamonds 1 per 5,000 4 25 6 -2 +19 7 -3 +18 Basketball 1 per 5,000 1 37 6 -5 +31 7 -6 +30 Community Center 1 per 25,000 0 0 1 -1 -1 1 -1 -1 Football/Track 1 per 20,000 0 1 1 -1 0 1 -1 0 Grills 1 per 900 10 10 35 -25 -25 40 -30 -30 Gymnasium 1 per 5,000 0 2 6 -6 -4 7 -7 -5 Horseshoes 1 per 5,000 4 4 6 -2 -2 7 -3 -3 Ice Rink – Indoor 1 per 100,000 0 1 0 0 +1 0 0 +1 Ice Rink – Outdoor 1 per 20,000 0 0 1 -1 -1 1 -1 -1 Picnic Tables 1 per 300 203 215 105 +98 +110 122 +81 +93 Pool – Indoor 1 per 20,000 0 1 1 -1 0 1 -1 0 Pool – Outdoor 1 per 40,000 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Picnic Shelters 1 per 2,000 3 3 15 -12 -12 18 -15 -15 Shuffleboard 1 per 2,000 0 0 15 -15 -15 18 -18 -18 Sledding 1 per 40,000 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Soccer 1 per 10,000 7 21 3 +4 +18 3 +4 +18 Tennis Courts 1 per 2,000 3 35 15 -12 +10 18 -15 +17 Playgrounds 1 per 3,000 5 16 10 -8 +6 12 -7 +4 Neighborhood Parks 1.5 acres per 1,000 17 acres 17 acres 46 acres -39 acres -39 acres 54 acres -37 acres -37 acres Community Parks 6.5 acres per 1,000 193 acres 193 acres 201 acres -8 acres -8 acres 234 acres -41 acres -41 acres Neighborhood Parks: Dutton Shadyside Community Parks: Prairie Wolf, Cody’s Mill, Brewer, Creekside
Parks and Recreation Plan Page 23 Recreation Inventory 2010 ‐ 2014
Table 3 – Recreation Opportunities; Misc.
Recreation Opportunities
Facility Location Tennis Courts Tennis Courts Basketball Golf Hard-court Ice Rink Tables Picnic Playground Soccer Softball/ Baseball Swimming Old Blaine Elementary School 240 – 84th St. SE X X X X Cross Creek Charter Academy 7701 Kalamazoo Ave. SE X X X Legacy Christian Elementary 520 – 68th St. SE X X X X Dutton Christian Elementary 6980 Hanna Lake Ave. SE X X X Dutton Christian Middle School 6729 Hanna Lake Ave. SE X X X X Dutton Elementary School 3820 – 68th St. SE X X X X East Kentwood High School 6230 Kalamazoo Ave. SE X X X X X Explorer Elementary School 2307 – 68th St. SE X X X X X Pinewood Middle School 2100 – 60th St. SE X X X X South Christian Sports Park 7979 Kalamazoo Ave. SE X X X Southwood Elementary 630 – 66th St. SE X X X X Townline Elementary 100 – 60th St. SE X X X X Briarwood Golf Course 92nd St. SE (Section 26)X Kalamazoo Ave. SE Crystal Springs Golf Course X (Sections 8 and 9) Streams of Hope 280 – 60th St. SE X Totals 9 2 1 1 4 9 8 12 1 3
Parks and Recreation Plan Page 24 Recreation Inventory 2010 ‐ 2014
Table 4 – Recreation Opportunities; Parks
Recreation Opportunities
Location Size Facility (municipality) (acres) Bird Watching Ball Diamond Basketball Bike/Hike/Walk Canoeing Cricket Field Exercise Equipment Fishing Disc Golf Golf Area Picnic Playground Restrooms (Closed) Shelter (Open) Shelter Soccer Swimming Tennis Courts Volleyball Sports Winter Zoo Brewer Park Gaines 91 X X x X X X X X X X X Creekside Park Gaines 32 X X X X X X X Dutton Shadyside Park Gaines 17 X X X X X X Prairie Wolf Park Gaines 45 X X X Cody’s Mill Park Gaines 25 Caledonia Lakeside Park Caledonia 44 X X X X X X Coldwater River Park Bowne 6 X X X Douglas Walker Park Byron 81 X X X X X X Palmer Park Wyoming 335 X X X X X X X X X Paris Park Kentwood 70 X Ruehs Park Caledonia 3 X X X X Johnson Park Walker 254 X X X X X X X X X X X John Ball Park and Zoo Grand Rapids 100 X X X X X Kent Trails Various 15 miles X X Paul Henry Thornapple Trail Various 8 miles X X Millennium Park Various 1500 X X X X X X X X Totals 1 7 2 8 1 1 6 1 1 11 9 10 4 5 3 1 2 2 4 1
Parks and Recreation Plan Page 25 Planning and Public Input Process 2010 ‐ 2014
PLANNING PROCESS The planning process began in late 2008 when the Parks and Recreation Committee appointed a 3-person subcommittee responsible for working with Township staff to develop a new 5-year Parks and Recreation Plan. The work on this Plan was conducted throughout 2009, and included 4 meetings of the full Parks and Recreation Committee, 3 subcommittee meetings and 1 meeting before the Township Planning Commission, before the subsequent adoption by the Township Board.
Like the 2004 Plan, the Township employed a hybrid planning process, utilizing both the Comparison to Recreation Standards approach, as well as the Systems Approach. This allowed the Township to consider the public input that was received within the framework of national standards for recreation facilities.
The planning process for this Plan analyzes existing and planned land uses, economic, social, and physical characteristics, demographic information and existing facilities. Field visits were conducted by staff in order to get a first-person perspective of the various recreation facilities within the Township. The field visits also helped staff in verifying universal accessibility requirements for the various recreation opportunities.
PUBLIC INPUT PROCESS When preparing a Parks and Recreation Plan, the public input process plays a critical role in shaping the goals, objectives and implementation strategies of the Plan. A community cannot afford to plan, construct and operate a parks and recreation program without being confident that the facilities and programs will be utilized. Gathering public input can often be a challenging task and there are many different tools available that can be used to help obtain the input that is necessary to prepare a meaningful Plan.
During the preparation of its 1999 Parks and Recreation Plan, the Township solicited public input via three different processes. These included a small telephone survey, a community attitude survey distributed through the local, weekly newspaper, and a community forum. For the 2004 Parks and Recreation Plan, a telephone survey and community forum was once again utilized. However, unlike the 1999 Plan, no formal written survey was prepared.
For the public input process for this Plan, the subcommittee and staff determined that it would be appropriate to once again conduct a full community attitude survey, as it had been 10 years since the 1999 survey. A two-page, 24-question survey was prepared by staff. Please see Appendix II for a copy of the survey. Approximately 4900 copies were distributed through the Southeast Advance and Southwest Advance, free newspapers that are distributed weekly to households within the Township and surrounding area. In addition, approximately 250 copies were made available at community events, the Township branch of the Kent District Library, and the Township Offices. In all, 118 surveys were returned, for an overall response rate of approximately 2.3%.
Although this is a relatively low response rate, certain trends still became apparent when the survey results were analyzed.
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SURVEY RESULTS The results of the 2009 community attitude survey reflect several trends that are apparent from both the 1999 survey and the 2004 telephone survey. Although surveys were received from residents of Byron Township, Caledonia Charter Township, the City of Kentwood, and other communities, staff has not included them in the discussion contained in this section because of their statistical insignificance. The complete data from the survey can be found in Appendix III, while Appendix IV contains the list of open-ended responses that were received via the surveys. In terms of the demographics of the survey respondents, there were no important trends identified that were contrary to Township-wide demographics. Question 1 in the survey asked “Of the people in your household, how many of those people are in the following age groups?” Figure 2 below displays the results, which reflect the overall age distribution of the Township. The gender of those household members was split fairly evenly, with 52% male and 48% female.
Figure 2 – Survey Question # 1 ‐ Household Ages
60+ years
46‐60 years
23‐45 years
13‐22 years
6‐12 years
0‐5 years
0 102030405060708090
Survey respondents overwhelming reside in owner-occupied housing, with 95% indicating that they own, as opposed to rent. However, this number may be skewed as a result of the Advance Newspapers not being delivered to apartment buildings and mobile home parks.
Question 6 in the survey asked “How many parks or recreation opportunities are within walking distance of your home?” Out of 106 responses, 76 (or 72%) selected “zero” or “one”. As a Township with a population approaching 25,000 people, figure may indicate that recreation opportunities are not centrally located to the major population centers of the Township.
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When asked in Question 9, “What parks(s), playground(s) or trail(s) do you visit most?” the top responses were Dutton Shadyside Park with 35 votes, followed by Creekside Park (24 votes), the Paul Henry-Thornapple Trail (16 votes), Prairie Wolf Park (11 votes) and Kent Trails (10 votes). This reflects the desire for both parks and trails within the Township.
Figure 3 ‐ Park Frequency
On average, survey respondents spent more time at Kent County-owned parks, but that was expected as the Township only operates one park. However, a strong majority (73%) voted to expand or add Township-owned parks, as opposed to county-owned facilities. Creekside Park was the most frequently enjoyed park, with survey respondents making an average of 9.4 visits per year, followed by 5.1 visits a year to Dutton Shadyside Park, and 1.6 visits a year to Brewer Park. Prairie Wolf Park, with a visitor rate of 1.6 times per year, was most requested for expansion, with 13.5% of the response. In contrast, Dutton Shadyside Park was the most requested County Park to be expanded, with a 22% vote from respondents. 13% of the residents in the Township frequently visit the Paul Henry-Thornapple Trail on a regular basis.
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Table 5 – Question 12 Questions 12 and 13 gauged respondents’ attitudes towards spending increased tax dollars on parks and Are you willing to pay an extra $35-$40 per year to recreation, as well as how they would want those tax support recreational facilities in the Township? dollars spent. A slightly smaller amount of survey 2009 respondents are willing to provide extra funding in Yes 49.2% support of recreational facilities in the Township as No 41.5% compared to previous surveys, with 49% agreeing to a $35-$40 annual rate. However, approximately Depends on type of facility 5.9% 5.9% would choose to provide funding contingent Did not answer 3.4% upon how the monies would be utilized. 44% of 2003 residents would like to see funding supporting Parks Yes 57% and Land Preservation, 34% supporting Parks alone, No 35% and 7% supporting Land Preservation alone. This trend may correlate to the current condition of the Did not answer 8% state and national economies. See Table 5 to the 1999 right for more detailed numbers related to Question Yes 61% 12.
When asked to rank priorities for the Township, Table 6 ‐ Question #14 respondents were in agreement that Land Preservation should not be a primary consideration, with a 56% response Item, Rank Votes % of Total rate ranking this category third (Table 6). This may be a Trails, 1 40 36% reflection that for many people, inherent to land Trails, 2 46 39% preservation is restricted public access and use of protected Trails, 3 22 20% areas. It might be beneficial for the Township to explore land preservation options that are a balance between Parks, 1 44 37% protecting resources and biodiversity as well as providing Parks, 2 44 37% for the enjoyment of residents. By a very slim margin, the Parks, 3 21 19% highest ranking category in Township prioritizing is Parks, Land Preservation, 1 26 25% with 37% of the votes designating this item as a primary Land Preservation, 2 14 13% priority for the Township and 37% of the votes for a Land Preservation, 3 66 56% secondary priority. 34% of respondents ranked Trails as a primary priority, and 39% as a secondary priority.
Table 7 – Top Ranked Facilities
As shown in Table 7, “Nature Trails” 1999 2003 2009* continues to be at the top of the list Nature Trails Nature Trails Nature Trails when asked what is the most popular Playgrounds Picnic Facilities Picnic Facilities activity. Passive recreational opportunities along with access to Picnic Facilities Playgrounds Bicycling natural settings remain important to Basketball Fitness Trails Ice Skating community members, as well as Fitness Trails Ice Skating Sledding picnic facilities, playgrounds, and ice *What activities does your household participate in most/are most skating. Besides being the top important? ranked activities, these categories were also consistently requested to be increased, or added, in the Township. Approximately 52.3% of respondents felt that children are the age group most in
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need of recreation opportunities, and requested an increase in activities such as educational programs, sledding, and ice skating, which could be considered family oriented as well. The top ranked activities that residents would like to see added to/increased within the Township include trails, biking opportunities, picnic areas, a concert arena/amphitheater, and sledding hill. See Table 8 below.
Table 8 ‐ Facilities to be Added
Ranking Total Item One Two Three Four Five Votes Ball Diamonds 6 0 3 8 6 23 Basketball 4 1 4 2 3 14 Bicycling 26 12 6 10 2 56 Arena/Amphitheater 21 5 1 5 6 38 Cricket 0 0 0 0 0 0 Croquet 1 1 0 0 3 5 Disc Golf 9 2 4 2 7 24 Educational Programs 10 3 3 4 4 24 Football 1 1 2 1 0 5 Grills 13 1 2 7 3 26 Horseshoes 10 3 0 2 1 16 Ice Skating 16 6 9 2 3 35 Picnic Areas 21 14 7 10 5 57 Racquetball 0 0 0 2 0 2 Shuffleboard 4 0 1 2 4 11 Shelters 11 3 6 1 5 26 Sledding 18 8 10 5 4 45 Soccer 2 3 3 2 1 11 Tennis 8 1 2 0 4 15 Outdoor Track 3 3 0 4 10
Trails 40 14 7 7 3 71 Volleyball 5 1 2 1 1 10
In comparison to the 1999 and 2004 surveys, these interests are consistent with findings from both, with the exception of pavilion rental and educational programs (See Table 9, Page 31). While educational programs failed to rank in the top five categories, an analysis of the 2009 survey does reveal a strong interest in these types of programs. This is evident from several comments provided by respondents in the open ended write-in answer portion of the survey. In the 2009 survey, a new item was introduced: Concert Arena/Amphitheater. Interestingly, 32% of respondents showed some level of interest in the possibility of adding this feature to the Township. Based upon the open ended, write-in answer questions and comment portion of the 2009 survey, residents would be interested in the addition of dog parks, parks with winter activities (such as ice skating, sledding, and hockey rinks), and parks with water attractions (such as swimming pools, slides, or splash pads). Again, the request for these activities is consistent with approximately half of survey respondents believing that children are in need of more local parks and recreation opportunities.
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Table 9 ‐ Past Responses
Do You Want These Activities? 2003 1999 Facility Yes Facility Yes Picnic facilities 94% Picnic facilities 91% Nature trail 90% Playgrounds 83% Playgrounds 89% Fitness trails 81% Fitness trails 89% Nature trail 79% Pavilion rental 75% Education programs 68% Grills 75% Basketball 65% Education programs 74% Grills 64% Basketball 72% Ice skating 64% Cross country skiing 63% Pavilion rental 64% Ice skating 61% Tennis 63% Soccer 61% Volleyball 60% Volleyball 58% Cross country skiing 59% Horseshoe pit 56% Soccer 54% Tennis 53% Horseshoe pit 53% Shuffleboard 49% Disc golf 45% Skateboard park 39% Swimming pool 42% Disc golf 33% Shuffleboard 40% Lawn bowling 33% Lawn bowling 28%
Public Comment Period/Community Open House/Public Hearing When the draft version of this Plan was completed, it was endorsed by the Parks and Recreation Committee on October 5, 2009 by way of Resolution No. 09-PR-01 (Appendix VIII). The Plan was then made available at the Township library, the Township Offices, and the Township website for a mandatory public review and comment period from October 20, 2009 through November 20, 2009. A Community Open House was also held during this mandatory 30-day public review period, where staff was available to answer questions about the goals, objectives and implementation strategies contained in the draft Plan. The Community Open House was held at the Township Offices on November 5, 2009 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A PowerPoint™ presentation ran during the meeting, while various maps, images and photographs could be found around the meeting room. Comment forms were made available so that any public comments could be recorded and incorporated into this Plan. However, no additional public comments were received during the 30-day review period. Lastly, the Township Board held the mandatory public hearing at a regular meeting on December 14, 2009. After consider all public comments, this Plan was adopted by the Township Board by way of Resolution No. 09-02-PR (Appendix VI). A copy of the minutes from this meeting can be found as Appendix VII.
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Image 8 – Community Open House Flyer
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Image 9 – Public Comment Notice Image 10 – Public Hearing Notice
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THE VISION In order to effectively communicate a sound strategy for parks and recreation within a community, it is essential that a clear “vision” is defined. This vision is a statement that encompasses the overall desires of a community and then becomes the standard by which all goals and objectives are measured. For this Plan, the Township has prepared the following as its vision statement:
Vision Statement In partnership with our citizens and other community stakeholders, the Township will be a leader in promoting community health and well-being through fun, progressive, and memorable parks and recreation experiences and activities for all ages, abilities, and interests. This will take place throughout a well-maintained and connected park and trail system, through comprehensive recreational programming, and within state-of-the-art facilities. The Township will continually respond to, and proactively meet, the changing needs of those who utilize the parks and recreation opportunities. The Township will strive to enhance and protect our open spaces to enrich the quality of life for present and future generations in a safe and secure environment.
This vision is carried out within the context of the local community and the various characteristics of that community, including geography, demographics of the population, socio-economic conditions, land use, transportation systems, and many others. Therefore, it is important that those issues are fully understood.
EXISTING LAND USE Historically, agricultural land uses interspersed with small centers of population have been the dominant land use form in the Township. The communities of Dutton and Cutlerville are the two main population centers. However, as the Grand Rapids metropolitan area has expanded, land use patterns have been changing quickly and become one that is typical for a community on the edge of a growing metropolitan area. The primary division of land uses in the Township is between the north and the south. The north has experienced the most growth pressure, as the Grand Rapids metropolitan area has expanded from that direction. It is therefore the more densely developed part of the Township. The south remains more rural and agricultural in character.
The northern portion of the Township has experienced considerable growth in recent years. The completion of the M-6 Freeway in 2004, which runs through the most northern sections of the Township, has greatly improved access and encouraged development of all land-use types. Its interchange at Kalamazoo Avenue has become a strong focal point for growth, expanding outward into the Township. This area’s land uses are typical of what one would expect in an urbanizing area, with commercial, institutional and office uses along primary roadways and around the Kalamazoo Avenue interchange, and suburban-style residential development expanding southward. Such commercial developments as Gaines Marketplace, Clocktower Plaza and The Crossings in Sections 4 and 5, the Crystal Springs residential development in Sections 8 and 9, and the industrial development that has occurred in the extreme northeast of the Township are indicative of the extensive private investment that has occurred in the recent past. The older community centers of Cutlerville and Dutton are in close proximity to, and still provide a focal point for, these high-growth areas.
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The rapid population growth of the northern part of the Township has implications for recreational planning, since people are most likely to use recreational facilities that are nearby, especially those within walking distance. This is particularly true for facilities like neighborhood parks and playgrounds. Therefore, it is logical to locate most of such active recreational facilities in the more densely populated areas of the Township. The fact that land is developing quickly means that land acquisition for additional facilities in the northern portion of the Township may be a priority. Developers have been encouraged by the township to incorporate open space, pocket parks, and trails in their new developments to provide recreational opportunities to nearby residents, particularly in the residential areas. However, the Township may need to be more proactive in this part of the Township. Table 10 ‐ Existing Land Use
The southern portion of the Township Land-Use Land-Use Percent of has not experienced growth to the Land Use Description Area (SqFt) Area (Acres) Total extent as the northern portion. Cropland/Hardwood Savanna 495,919,598 11,384 50.0% Although it remains mostly rural in Single Family 229,284,374 5,263 23.1% character with many agricultural uses, Upland Grass 36,970,920 849 3.7% low-density single-family housing is Farmstead 30,055,616 690 3.0% becoming more common in this area. Upland Shrub 24,946,645 573 2.5% Other uses include mining operations Lowland Hardwood 20,704,838 475 2.1% and isolated stands of forest. Given Open Pit: Sand and Gravel 20,208,896 464 2.0% the low density of development in the Duplex 14,505,564 333 1.5% southern part of the Township, there Day-Use Recreation 13,869,271 318 1.4% are likely many opportunities to Clearcut 13,303,940 305 1.2% preserve significant natural areas for Road Transportation 11,638,874 267 1.2% passive recreational use, as well as Industrial Park 11,259,455 258 1.1% additional trail development to that Office 10,749,953 247 1.1% would create linkages to the northern Mobile Home Park 9,474,867 218 1.0% Other Industrial 7,696,912 177 0.8% portion of the Township. Institutional 6,060,803 139 0.6%
Mixed 5,311,785 122 0.5% Cropland and Hardwood Savanna Other Retail, Services 4,929,564 113 0.5% remain the predominant type of land Lakes, Pond 3,776,298 87 0.4% use, accounting for approximately Emergent Wetland 3,521,630 81 0.4% 50% of land use in the Township, Pine 2,928,718 67 0.3% while single-family housing makes up Mixed Forested Wetland 2,903,965 67 0.3% 23.06%. This shows that although the Permanent Pasture 2,408,546 55 0.2% Township continues to be one of the Reserviors 2,317,704 53 0.2% fastest growing communitities in the Public Assembly 1,977,295 45 0.2% region, it has been able to limit the Orchard, Vineyard 1,912,029 44 0.2% extent of its residential growth. Other Non-Forested Wetland 1,635,909 38 0.2% Other Utility 1,173,312 27 0.1% Table 10 to the right provides more Other Agricultural 988,937 23 0.1% detailed information on this land use Christmas Tree Plantation 825,250 19 0.1% breakdown. The categories are based Shrub / Scrub Wetland 548,365 13 0.1% on the 2000 MIRS Classification Other 411,007 9 0.0% System and the 2003 REGIS GIS Layer Total 22823.3 100.0% for Existing Land Use.
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FUTURE LAND USE Gaines Charter Township has experienced tremendous growth over the last 25 years, and is consistently one of the fastest growing communities in Kent County. Although this growth pressure has subsided in recent years due to state and national economic trends, the long-term projection is that the Township will continue to be a desirable place to live, and must therefore plan for land uses that will both account for increased development and protect and preserve recreational opportunities.
Map 14 ‐ Future Land Use
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CURRENT ZONING The Township’s zoning reflects the suburban/rural split of the Township and to a large degree mirrors the existing land uses, with the northern part of the Township zoned primarily for suburban residential uses, as well as commercial and office uses. Property is zoned for industrial use in the northeast corner of the Township, while the southern portion of the Township is zoned mainly for agricultural and large-lot single-family residential uses.
Map 15 – Zoning Map
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CLIMATE Lake Michigan, thirty-five miles west of the Township, plays a large role in defining this area’s climate. It significantly modifies the predominant weather systems in the area, which travel from the west and southwest. It moderates the extremes in temperatures during the summer and winter and prolongs the cooler temperatures of spring and the warmer temperatures of fall. Another important effect of the lake is the frequent cloudy weather caused by the temperature differences between the lake and incoming air masses. For this reason, cloudy weather is prevalent during the fall, early and late winter, and spring.
The Township receives an average of about 30 to 40 inches of rain annually. April through September brings the most rainfall with over 3 inches per month. Snow accumulation during the year averages between 70 and 90 inches. During January, the snowiest month of the year, 20 inches or more of snow historically will fall. One can expect snow to fall between the months of October and April, with snow cover often continuing from the months of December to February.
Extreme cold or hot temperatures are infrequent during the year. The annual average temperature has ranged in the mid 40’s throughout the years. The warmest months, June, July and August average in the high 60’s to low 70’s, with a few days above 90 degrees. The coldest months, December, January and February, average in the mid-to-low 20’s, with average lows in the mid-to- high teens. Temperatures reach below freezing around 145 days of the year.
The climate in this region is amenable to a variety of outdoor recreational activities. Summer conditions encourage a broad range of activities that may occasionally be suspended during the infrequent and brief period of rain or cooler temperatures. Similarly, winter temperatures and snowfall attract numerous participants in outdoor activities, such as sledding, skiing, skating and snowmobiling.
SOILS The soils in the Township are characteristic of a glaciated landscape, with areas of sand, clay, loam, and muck located throughout the Township. They are often associated with a glaciated landform, such as outwash plains, drainage networks and moraines. The soils in the Township can be grouped into seven soil associations. Each association presents various limitations. The limitations depend on slopes, drainage, texture, expansiveness and other characteristics. The capability of soils to accommodate recreational activities should be determined on a site-specific basis. Generally, soils that can accommodate intensive activities should be level, well-drained, free of stones and boulders, and capable of handling intensive foot traffic. Less intensive or passive recreational activities place fewer demands on soils. However, one must still carefully evaluate the capability of soils to handle these uses. According to the Kent County Soil Survey, the Kalamazoo-Oshtemo-Spinks Soil Association represents some of the best-suited soils in Kent County for recreational development. This soil association is found primarily in the southern part of the Township. The topographic surface features of the Township are predominantly the result of glacial action and, to a lesser and localized extent, more recent erosion and deposition actions.
WATER RESOURCES The Township has four drainage basins. The Plaster Creek basin drains most of the northeastern and central portion of the Township. The Buck Creek basin drains the northwestern portion of the
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Township. Both of these drainage basins are part of the Lower Grand River watershed. The Rabbit River and Duncan Creek basins drain the southeastern portion of the Township.
There are very few surface water resources in the Township. Besides the tributaries to Buck Creek and Plaster Creek, the only other water features are Hanna Lake in Section 26 and Martin Lake in Section 28. Neither presents significant recreational opportunities. The few wetland areas in the Township are widely scattered and often associated with one of the streams or drains. Consequently, opportunities for water-based recreation are very limited in the Township.
PLANTS AND WILDLIFE Today, it is difficult to imagine that thick forests of pine, oak, maple, and beech once covered the Township. The intense logging of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries cleared much of these forests. Farming and other agricultural uses then became the dominant land use in the Township. Remnant second-growth woodlots planted during this time represent an important resource for their recreational opportunities and their aesthetic qualities in a rural landscape.
The scattered woodlots, open fields, streams and wetlands are habitats that support wildlife populations within the Township. Common animals include rabbits, squirrels, raccoons, opossum, deer, turkeys, pheasants, ducks, and geese. These particular species are important game animals. However, they also possess certain intrinsic values within the ecosystem and for the enjoyment of observing them in the natural environment as a recreational activity.
TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM Automobiles are the dominant transportation mode in the Township. M-6 provides access east- west along the entire northern section of the Township, to neighboring municipalities and US-131 and I-96. Traffic from I-96, I-196, and US-131 is able to easily bypass the City of Grand Rapids by taking this southern route. Along with US-131 in neighboring Byron Township, Division Avenue and Kalamazoo Avenue provide the main north-south routes within the Township. The primary access for the north-central portion of the Township is Kalamazoo Avenue, while M-37 serves the eastern portions. A wide variety of two-lane county roads serves the interior and southern portions of the Township. Bus service, provided by The Rapid, also is present at the extreme northern edge of the Township. Overall, the transportation system has allowed easy access to, and within, the Township – a factor in its residential growth.
POPULATION Understanding the social characteristics of the Township is an essential component in creating a viable Plan. Trends of the past, current assessments, and predictions about the future can be used to determine current recreation needs in the Township. Furthermore, comparing the Township to neighboring communities will create a well-rounded analysis. All data used in this section is from the U.S. Census Bureau 2005-2007 American Community Survey 3-Year Estimate or the 2000 Census and 1990 Census, unless otherwise noted.
The Township has experienced tremendous growth over the last 20 years. In the 1980’s, its population increased by 40%. In the 1990’s, its population increased by 38% to reach 20,112 in the 2000 U.S. census count. This is a much greater increase than the 18% growth experienced between the years 1970 and 1980. The U.S. Census Bureau 2007 Population Estimates projected the Township’s population at 24,288, for an increase of 17% over the 2000 census number.
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The Township is also growing rapidly when compared to Kent County. According to the U.S. Census, the population of Kent County increased by 13% between 1980 through 1990. Between 1990 and 2000, the population increased by 73,704 residents, or 14.7%. The 2008 population estimate only projects a 30,878 increase, for a 6% population increase.
Table 11 – Overall Population
Gaines Charter Township Kent County Year Population % Increase Population % Increase 1990 14,533 40% 500,631 13% 2000 20,112 38% 574,335 15% 2007/2008 Estimate 24,288 17% 605,213 6%
The Township is a part of a rapidly growing region of the County. As seen in Table 12 below, its neighboring municipalities have all experienced a strong growth rate over the last 30 years, although the cities are growing at a slower pace. The growth of these local jurisdictions surrounding the Township indicates population growth pressures throughout southern Kent County, even though the growth in percentages is decreasing overall.
Table 12 – Population Comparisons
Population Growth 1990 2000 2007 Estimate Municipality Population Population % Increase Population % Increase Gaines Charter Township 14,533 20,112 38% 24,288 17%
Byron Township (East) 13,235 17,553 25% 20,906 16% Caledonia Charter Township 6,254 8,964 30% 12,082 26% (West) Cascade Charter Township 12,869 15,107 15% 16,902 11% (Northeast) City of Kentwood (North) 37,826 45,255 16% 47,329 4%
City of Wyoming (Northwest) 63,891 69,368 8% 70,440 2%
There are different methods and models for projecting a particular population. The West Michigan Regional Planning Commission averaged the results of the constant proportion, growth rate, and arithmetic projection techniques to calculate the population projections presented in Table 13.
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Table 13 – Population Projections
Population Projections Municipality 2010 2015 2020 Kent County 662,496 714,099 772,201 Gaines Charter Township 27,247 31,610 36,658 Byron Township 23,118 26,450 30,246 Caledonia Charter Township 10,901 12,798 15,021 Cascade Charter Township 19,386 22066 25,244 City of Kentwood 56,019 62,238 69,143 City of Wyoming 74,671 77,411 80,213 Source of original information: West Michigan Regional Planning Commission, U.S. Census, Michigan Information Center, State of Michigan Budget Office.
While the West Michigan Regional Planning Commission projects that the population of the Township and the surrounding communities will grow, it may not occur as fast or slow as the projections indicate. These projections give a general indication of what may happen to the population based on trends of the past. These population projections are very similar to the findings from a report prepared by the Planning Department in 2007 titled “Population Figures and Projections: 2000 – 2030”. Clearly, the Township should continue to prepare for significant population expansion despite the national recession that has been in existence since late 2007. This growth has implications for recreational planning because as the population increases, demand for the amount and variety of recreational opportunities will also increase.
Map 16 on Page 41 shows the population density by census block group for the Township. Population density is highest in the northwest portion of the Township – the Cutlerville area. There is another higher density cluster around the Dutton area. The population density map illustrates that the population growth is coming from the expanding urbanized area of Grand Rapids to the north.
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Map 16 – Population Density
HOUSEHOLDS Table 14 contains the most recent household information for the Township from Census Bureau data. Table 14 ‐ Households
Gaines Charter Township Households Characteristic Number Percentage Total Households 8,700 100 Vacant Households 416 4.8 Family Households 5,942 71.7 Households With Own Children under 18 Years 3,374 40.7 Householder Living Alone 1,939 2.4 Households with a Child 8,375 36.4
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The distribution of households follows the same pattern exhibited in the population density map (Map 16). The greatest number of households is concentrated in the northwest part of the Township. The higher density areas will have a greater demand for recreational facilities and planning for these facilities should account for this higher demand.
For the 2007 Census Bureau estimate, the average household size was 2.78 persons in Gaines Charter Township, and the national average was 2.60 persons per household, indicating that the Township is generally similar in nature to the averages in other areas. This is also an increase from the average household size of 2.64 from the 2000 Census. The increase in household size is not dramatic, but perhaps reflects that the Township is a place that families desire to live.
AGE DISTRIBUTION Different age groups require different recreational facilities, and changes in age distribution affect recreational needs. Table 15 shows the age distribution for Gaines Charter Township and Kent County. Table 15 – Age Distribution
Age Distribution Gaines Charter Township Kent County
1990 % 2000 % 2007 % 1990 % 2000 % 2007 % Under 5 years 1252 8.6 1588 7.9 2115 9.2 43952 8.7 44533 7.8 46553 7.8 5-19 3161 21.7 4751 23.6 6100 26.5 112389 22.4 135357 23.6 134490 22.3 20-24 1127 7.7 1383 6.9 1041 4.5 39294 7.8 42522 7.4 41780 7.0 25-54 6424 44.2 8879 44.1 9808 42.6 214300 42.8 251723 43.8 260854 43.5 55-64 1145 7.9 1621 8.1 1855 8.0 37199 7.5 40575 7.1 55125 9.2 65 and older 1424 9.9 1890 9.4 2095 9.2 53857 10.8 59625 10.4 61857 10.3 Totals 13,235 100 20,112 100 23,014 100 500,631 100 574,335 100 600,659 100.1
Source: The U.S. Bureau of the Census
The basic generations spanned in the Township are the Baby Boomer generation and their children and grandchildren, generations X, Y and Z. These generations do not include the 9.5% of the Township population born before 1947. A trend that has appeared is a decrease in the percentage of the population in the Township from the Baby Boomer generation. As seen in Table 15 below, the Baby Boomer generation spans twenty-seven years – almost twice the span of the succeeding generations, but comprises a similar percentage of the Township’s population. Please note that there is no official government statement regarding the range of years for Generations X, Y, and Z. The year ranges in Table 16 come from staff’s review of various non-official sources.
Table 16 – Generation Distribution
Generation Distribution Generation Birth Years Current Ages *Township Population *% of Population Baby Boomer 1947 to 1964 45 to 62 4,967 21.5 X 1965 to 1979 30 to 44 5,206 22.6 Y 1980 to 1994 15 to 29 4,647 20.2 Z 1995 to 2009 0 to 14 6,101 26.5 Totals 1947 to Present 0 to 62 20,921 90.8
Parks and Recreation Plan Page 43 Goals and Objectives 2010 ‐ 2014
The 2007 Census Bureau data shows the Baby Boomer generation as 21.5% of the Township population born since 1947. In 2000 when they were ages 36 to 53, they comprised approximately 28% of the Township’s population. The population dominance of Baby Boomer generation has decreased as they have aged. This may be attributed to individuals of that generation moving to warmer climates, moving to retirement communities outside of the Township, or death. Although this generation no longer dominates, appropriate planning must be made as many individuals will remain in, and move to, the Township and will require recreational opportunities.
Generation Y’s low number may be contributed to college-age students leaving home, the availability of more affordable housing in different communities, or those who wish to live in a more urban environment. Generation X and Z’s high numbers are more than likely due to families within the Township that have settled into one of the many residential developments that appeal to families with young children.
Although there have been some interesting generational changes within the Township, the overall even distribution of generations and ages within the Township call for the planning of all types of passive, active, and age-appropriate recreational opportunities.
MEDIAN AGE As seen below in Figure 4, the Township is following a similar trend over time regarding median age when compared to the county, state and country.
Figure 4 – Median Age Trends
Median Age Comparisons 38 37 36 35 34 Age 33 32 31 Median 30 29 28 27 1980 1990 2000 2007 Gaines 27.5 31.1 32.5 32.7 Kent County 28 30.7 32.5 34.2 Michigan 28.8 32.6 35.5 37.6 United States 30 33 35.3 36.4
Parks and Recreation Plan Page 44 Goals and Objectives 2010 ‐ 2014
INCOME AND EMPLOYMENT The Township’s per capita income has decreased from $23,459 in 2000 to $21,783 in 2007. In comparison, the Michigan per capita income increased $2,798 to $24,966 and the Kent County per capita income increased $2,924 to $24,553. As seen in Figure 5 below, even though the Township is not following the county and state trend of increasing, it is still at a comparable level between $20,000 and $25,000, and may reflect a population that has a larger % of non-income earners, such as families with small children.
Figure 5 – Per Capita Income Per Capita Income Comparisons
2007
Michigan Kent County 2000 Gaines
1990
$10,000 $15,000 $20,000 $25,000
Despite the decreasing per capita income compared to the county and state, the 2007 unemployment rate within the Township is less than the state and the same as the county.
Figure 6 ‐ Unemployment Unemployment Rates
2007
Michigan 2000 Kent County Gaines 1990
0.0% 2.0% 4.0% 6.0% 8.0% 10.0%
Parks and Recreation Plan Page 45 Goals and Objectives 2010 ‐ 2014
Figure 7 presents the 2007 Census Bureau income distribution estimate for households in the Township. Households that earn $50,000 - $74,999 make up the largest segment, with 1,994 households.
Figure 7 – Household Income
Household Income Distribution
$200,000 or more 118 $150,000 to $199,999 214 $100,000 to $149,999 869 $75,000 to $99,999 785 $50,000 to $74,999 1,994 $35,000 to $49,999 1,786 $25,000 to $34,999 1,262 $15,000 to $24,999 643 $10,000 to $14,999 242 Less than $10,000 371
0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600 1800 2000
PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES The U.S. Census Bureau uses this definition for disability:
“A long-lasting physical, mental, or emotional condition. This condition can make it difficult for a person to do activities such as walking, climbing stairs, dressing, bathing, learning, or remembering. This condition can also impede a person from being able to go outside the home alone or to work at a job or business.”
Over 2,600 residents, 12.9% of the population over five years old, reported some type of disability. Although no specific data is available that differentiates the types of disabilities, this verifies the importance that recreational facilities are available and accessible for this segment of the population.
GENDER Table 17 presents a breakdown of the Township’s population by gender.
Table 17 ‐ Gender 2007 Gender Distribution Male 47.8% Female 52.2% Total 100%
Parks and Recreation Plan Page 46 Goals and Objectives 2010 ‐ 2014
RACE Table 18 presents the racial distribution of the Township.
Table 18‐ Race
Race Distribution 2000 2007 Number Percentage Number Percentage White 17,960 89.3% 19,583 85.1% Black or African American 1,058 5.3% 2,411 10.5% American Indian and Alaska Native 101 5.0% 650 2.8% Asian 418 2.1% 858 3.7% Some Other Race 204 1.0% 671 2.9% One Race 19,746 98.2% 22,134 96.2% Two or More Races 366 1.8% 880 3.8%
The continuing development of the Township has also brought an opportunity to diversify the population. The family-friendly appeal of the Township provides a desirable location for all types of races and ethnicities to reside.
EDUCATION As seen in Table 18 below, both the percentage of Township residents with a high school diploma and the percentage of residents with at least a bachelor’s degree has increased since the 2000 Census.
Table 19 - Education Education Comparisons (of population 25 years and older) Township Township Kent County Michigan 2000 2007 2007 2007 % with a high school diploma or higher 85.6% 89.8% 87.2% 87.0% % with a bachelors degree or higher 21.0% 24.0% 29.1% 24.5%
Parks and Recreation Plan Page 47 Goals and Objectives 2010 ‐ 2014
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES Based on the information provided in this section, the findings of the recreation inventory, and the results of the Community Attitude Survey and Community Open House, the following goals and objective have been established for the years 2010 - 2014 to guide the way to fulfilling the Township’s parks and recreation vision.
Goal 1: Public Relations Increase public outreach efforts and name recognition for the parks, trails and recreational opportunities within the Township.
Objective 1: Provide quarterly local newspaper inserts and/or press releases and postings to the Township website of all local recreational and educational opportunities.
Objective 2: Participate with booths at Cutlerville Community Days and Dutton Days.
Objective 3: Create a “Gaines Charter Township – Parks and Recreation” brochure by 2010.
Objective 4: Develop an in-house contact database of 1,000 local residents, schools and other stakeholders for targeted communications by 2013.
Goal 2: Operation and Management Develop an efficient and effective operation and management system comprised of Township staff, citizen volunteers and other community stakeholders.
Objective 1: Establish a part-time “Parks and Recreation Director” position by 2011 to provide budgeting, management, and public relations services, and to serve as a liaison to Township management and the Township Board.
Objective 2: Develop a 10-year strategic plan by 2011 for funding and budgeting, as well as for park and trail maintenance and development.
Objective 3: Establish a standing Education and Recreational Programming Subcommittee in 2011.
Objective 4: Establish a standing Funding and Volunteer Subcommittee in 2010.
Objective 5: Prepare a Nonmotorized Transportation Plan in 2010.
Goal 3: Land Acquisition Develop a proactive strategy for the acquisition of land for new park and trail development.
Objective 1: Acquire and develop a common lawn/neighborhood park at Hanna Lake Avenue and 68th Street SE for local music and performances per the 2008 Master Plan Update by 2013.
Objective 2: Explore the acquisition of property at 100 76th Street, 180 76th Street SE, 375 76th Street SE, 410 76th Street SE, or elsewhere in the Cutlerville area by 2014 for an active park.
Parks and Recreation Plan Page 48 Goals and Objectives 2010 ‐ 2014
Objective 3: Work with the County on the expansion of Dutton Shadyside Park per the 2008 Master Plan Update by 2014.
Objective 4: Approach the county in 2010 about the long-term goals for Creekside Park and a possible expansion to the east.
Objective 5: Work with MDOT on the transfer of its wetland mitigation area in Section 19 into Township ownership by 2014.
Goal 4: Infrastructure Improvements Continually work towards the improvement of both Township-owned and County-owned facilities through the provision of high-quality, diverse recreational opportunities and capital improvements that expand citizen accessibility.
Objective 1: Complete the paving of the Prairie Wolf Park internal trail system by 2012.
Objective 2: Complete the “Children’s Play Area” designated in the future plan for Prairie Wolf Park by 2011.
Objective 3: Explore establishing a link between Creekside Park and Kalamazoo Avenue, including possible sidewalk installation along the north side of 68th Street.
Objective 4: Assist with the completion of the portion of the Paul Henry-Thornapple Trail within the Township, including the establishment of a spur into the immediate Dutton area and a trailhead at 76th Street by 2011.
Objective 5: In 2010, along with all stakeholders, determine the prime location for the connection of the Cook’s Crossing trail system to Cody’s Mill Park and Prairie Wolf Park.
Objective 6: Connect the Cook’s Crossing trail system to Cody’s Mill Park and Prairie Wolf Park by 2012.
Objective 7: Work with the Kent County Parks and Recreation Department on the following improvements at Brewer Park by 2014: Installation of a splash pad. Renovation of the single sand volleyball court into two courts – one with a pole set for each gender. Creation of an access point at 79th Street. Completion/renovation of the internal trail system.
Objective 8: Explore establishing a sledding hill at Cody’s Mill Park by 2014.
Objective 9: Establish a dog park in the Township by 2014.
Goal 5: Recreational Programming
Parks and Recreation Plan Page 49 Goals and Objectives 2010 ‐ 2014
Provide residents with recreational programming that meets the needs of the Township’s demographics, and that improves public health and community interaction.
Objective 1: By 2010, establish a consistent date/time for the annual trail walk event at Prairie Wolf Park, and explore partnering with a nonprofit organization related to the trail/walking activities.
Objective 2: By 2010, establish a Prairie Wolf Park walkers club to participate in weekly walks.
Objective 3: Encourage resident participation in neighboring municipalities’ recreational opportunities.
Objective 4: Work with Township management and the Township Board on a long-term financial commitment to the Byron Township Summer Recreation Program.
Objective 5: Explore the possibility of long-term partnering with local school districts and/or neighboring municipalities for increased recreational opportunities for Township residents.
Goal 6: Funding Develop a funding strategy that allows for the effective and efficient development of the parks and recreation facilities and programs within the Township.
Objective 1: Secure a minimum of $50,000 per year through 2014 in funding for park and trail acquisition and capital improvements.
Objective 2: Complete a feasibility study on a potential park and recreation millage by 2013.
Objective 3: Pursue a minimum of two DNR-MNRTF land acquisition grants through 2014.
Objective 4: Pursue a minimum of two DNR-MNRTF project development grants through 2014.
Objective 5: In 2010, explore establishing a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization related to parks and recreation in order to increase access to grant opportunities.
Parks and Recreation Plan Page 50 Action Program 2010 ‐ 2014
ACTION PROGRAM Based upon the recreation needs and priorities that have been identified through the Community Attitude Survey, the Recreation Inventory, the Community Open House, and past planning efforts, the following Action Program has been prepared.
ON-GOING ACTIONS The following list contains those Objectives that are not time-sensitive, but are those that should be conducted on an on-going basis throughout the lifespan of the Plan.
• Provide quarterly local newspaper inserts and/or press releases and postings to the Township website of all local recreational and educational opportunities. • Participate with booths at Cutlerville Community Days and Dutton Days. • Explore establishing a link between Creekside Park and Kalamazoo Avenue, including possible sidewalk installation along the north side of 68th Street. • Encourage resident participation in neighboring municipalities’ recreational opportunities. • Work with Township management and the Township Board on a long-term financial commitment to the Byron Township Summer Recreation Program. • Explore the possibility of long-term partnering with local school districts and/or neighboring municipalities for increased recreational opportunities for Township residents. • Secure a minimum of $50,000 per year through 2014 in capital improvement funding for parkland and trail acquisition. • Pursue a minimum of two DNR-MNRTF land acquisition grants through 2014. • Pursue a minimum of two DNR-MNRTF project development grants through 2014.
TIME-SENSITIVE ACTIONS The following list contains those objectives that are associated with a specific time or year. They are grouped first by year, then by Goal.
2010 • Prepare a Nonmotorized Transportation Plan. • Create a “Gaines Charter Township – Parks and Recreation” brochure. • Establish a standing Education and Recreational Programming Subcommittee. • Establish a standing Funding and Volunteer Subcommittee. • Approach the county about the long-term goals for Creekside Park and a possible expansion to the east. • Along with all stakeholders, determine the prime location of the connection of the Cook’s Crossing trail system to Cody’s Mill Park and Prairie Wolf Park.
Parks and Recreation Plan Page 51 Action Program 2010 ‐ 2014
• Establish a consistent date/time for the annual trail walk event at Prairie Wolf Park, and explore partnering with a nonprofit organization related to the trail/walking activities. • Establish a Prairie Wolf Park walkers club to participate in weekly walks. • Explore establishing a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization related to parks and recreation in order to increase access to grant opportunities.
2011 • Establish a part-time “Parks and Recreation Director” to provide budgeting, management, and public relations services, and to serve as a liaison to Township management and the Township Board. • Develop a 10-year strategic plan for funding and budgeting, as well as for park and trail maintenance and development. • Complete the “Children’s Play Area” designated in the future plan for Prairie Wolf Park. • Assist with the completion of the portion of the Paul Henry-Thornapple trail within the Township, including the establishment of a spur into the immediate Dutton area and a trailhead at 76th Street.
2012 • Complete the paving of the Prairie Wolf Park internal trail system. • Connect the Cook’s Crossing trail system to Cody’s Mill Park and Prairie Wolf Park. • Work with the Kent County Parks and Recreation Department on the creation of an access point at 79th Street and the completion/renovation of the internal trail system at Brewer Park.
2013 • Complete an in-house contact database of 1,000 local residents, schools and other stakeholders for targeted communications. • Acquire and develop a common lawn/neighborhood park at Hanna Lake Avenue and 68th Street SE for local music and performances per the 2008 Master Plan Update. • Work with the Kent County Parks and Recreation Department on the renovation of the single sand volleyball court into two courts – one with a pole set for each gender. • Complete a feasibility study on a potential park and recreation millage.
2014 • Explore the acquisition of property at 100 76th Street SE, 180 76th Street SE, 375 76th Street SE, 410 76th Street SE or elsewhere in the Cutlerville area for an active park. • Work with the County on the expansion of Dutton Shadyside Park per the 2008 Master Plan Update.
Parks and Recreation Plan Page 52 Action Program 2010 ‐ 2014
• Work with MDOT on the transfer of its wetland mitigation area in Section 19 into Township ownership. • Work with the Kent County Parks and Recreation Department on the Installation of a splash pad at Brewer Park. • Establish a sledding hill at Cody’s Mill Park. • Establish a dog park in the Township.
POTENTIAL FUDING SOURCES Following is a summary description of the primary sources of funding available to assist with implementation of planned recreation improvements in the Township. Local sources of funding are described first, followed by a description of potential State and Federal funding sources. The funding sources have not been tied to specific objectives due to the unpredictable nature of some of the revenue sources. In addition, the Township Board will need to consider on a case-by-case basis whether a local match amount in excess of the minimum requirements of a grant program should be provided in order to improve the ranking of the grant application and the likelihood of a grant award.
General Fund Revenues Local governments may use general fund revenues for the development, operation and maintenance of park and recreation facilities. Given the many competing needs for general fund revenues, reliance on this source as the primary funding for parks and recreation can prove unpredictable. However, many Michigan municipalities have obtained voter approval of a dedicated millage for general park and recreation facilities and programs, or for specific facility types.
Township Improvement Revolving Fund (TIRF)/Trail Fund The Township uses the TIRF for its major capital improvement projects, with the Trail Fund being used as a fund specific to trail improvements. Dollar amounts in these funds are established as part of fiscal year budget preparations. Attempts to secure monies in these funds should be made during the budget preparation process.
Dedicated Millage A dedicated property tax millage is an increasingly used means of financing park and recreation improvements. Several communities in West Michigan have voter-approved levies ranging from 0.5 to 1 mill, dedicated to use for park improvements or specific types of recreation facilities. This type of financing measure may merit consideration by the Township.
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) The Community Development Department of Kent County administers the federal CDBG program in all Kent County communities except Grand Rapids and Wyoming. Funds are distributed from the federal government to the County on a formula basis. The formula considers extent of poverty, population, housing overcrowding, age of housing, and population growth lag in relation to other metropolitan areas.
The Community Development Department awards funding to local projects based on the following requirements: 1) meets a need identified in an established action plan; 2) not less than
Parks and Recreation Plan Page 53 Action Program 2010 ‐ 2014
70% of funds must be used for activities that benefit low and moderate income persons; and 3) the activity meets one of the CDBG national objectives (i.e., benefits low and moderate income persons, prevention or elimination of slums or blight, or a particular urgency because existing conditions pose a serious and immediate threat to the health or welfare of the community)
Private Donations Another important source of funds involves community fund-raising campaigns. Major employers, foundations, neighborhood groups and local residents are potential sources of assistance, especially if there is a specific project for which money is being requested.
Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) program receives revenue from oil, gas and other mineral development on State-owned lands. A five-member board, appointed by the Governor, administers the fund. The MDNR Grants Management Section provides staff support to the MNRTF Board.
MNRTF grant applications must be submitted by April 1 for project developments and by August 1 for land acquisitions. Any individual, group, organization or unit of government may submit a land acquisition proposal, but only units of government, including the State, can take title to and manage the land. Units of government can submit development proposals for local grants and must include a local match of at least 25 percent of the total project costs.
Land and Water Conservation Fund The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), created by the U.S. Congress in 1965, provides Federal funds to buy land and develop facilities for outdoor recreation. However, the U.S. Congress has not appropriated funding for this program for several years. The Grants Management Section of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) administers the Michigan LWCF Program, through the same application and selection process used for the CMI- Recreation Bond Program and the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund program.
Michigan Department of Transportation Enhancement Fund The Transportation Enhancement (TE) program is a competitive grant program that funds projects such as non-motorized paths, streetscapes and historic preservation of transportation facilities that enhance Michigan’s intermodal transportation system and improves the quality of life for Michigan citizens. ACT 51 agencies (cities, villages, counties) include MDOT, MDNR, Native American Tribes and other Federal Agencies. Townships are not eligible to apply for TE funds, although they are encouraged to work with their local County Road Commission or MDOT Transportation Service Center for project development.
Parks and Recreation Plan Page 54 APPENDIX I – Prairie Wolf Park Expenses
DATE EXPENSE AMOUNT June 2007 Signs for park $204.61 Survey $450.00 July 2007 Engineering $2,157.50 Signs for park $115.37 Everett's $320.50 August 2007 Everett's $116.00 Prein & Newhof $2,628.75 September 2007 Everett's $156.00 Moving Trees into park $1,800.00 Prein & Newhof $1,574.80 October 2007 Everett's $2,395.80 Prein & Newhof $2,343.00 November 2007 Everett's $36.00 Trees for Park $44.00 Weick Bros‐Trail $69,608.83 Prein & Newhof $2,115.00 December 2007 Parking Lot $28,212.95 Mowing $120.00 Prein & Newhof $2,286.50 January 2008 Prein & Newhof $431.00 April 2008 Park Sign $4,850.00 Prein & Newhof $120.00 Signs for park $298.12 May 2008 T‐Shirts $727.50 Signs for park $5,337.30 July 2008 Misc. Expenses $25.46 Port A Potty $125.00 Park Sign $1,098.50 Everett's $2,411.45 Port A Potty $125.00 Lawn Care $310.00 Port A Potty $125.00 September 2008 Lawn Care $188.00 Port A Potty $125.00 October 2008 Port A Potty $125.00 Sign & Mowing $1,718.30 Port A Potty $125.00 Lawn Care $417.00 December 2008 Pet Stations $226.88 Port A Potty $125.00 January 2009 Mowing $176.00 February 2009 Stone $926.00 Sign Letters $35.00 March 2009 Brush Hog Meadow $340.00 Total to Date $137,197.12
Parks & Recreation
2009 Communit y Attitude Survey Survey Instructions
The Gaines Charter Township Parks and Recreation Committee is currently in the process of preparing a new Parks and Recreation Plan in order to be eligible for certain state grant opportunities. In order to gauge the opinions of residents regarding parks and recreation within the Township, this survey has been created. Please complete this survey and drop it off at one of the locations below, or mail by Monday, June 15th.
Dutton Fire Station Gaines Charter Township Offices Please deposit in box by front door Please deposit in front drop box if after hours 3471‐68th Street SE 8555 Kalamazoo Ave. SE Caledonia, MI 49316 Caledonia, MI 49316
Kent District Library ‐ Gaines Mailing Address: 421 – 68th Street SE Gaines Charter Township Grand Rapids, MI 49548 Planning Department Survey
Monday & Thursday 12pm–8pm 8555 Kalamazoo Ave. SE Tuesday 9:30am-8:00pm Caledonia, MI 49316 Wednesday & Friday Saturday 9:30am-5pm 6
Completed surveys will be entered in a drawing for a $25 Home Depot giftcard that was donated by a Giftcard local resident. Only one survey permitted per household. (See back) $25 Survey
1. Of the people in your household, how many of those people are in each of the following age groups?
0-5 years 13-22 years 46-60 years 6-12 years 23-45 years Over 60 years
2. How many people of each gender are in your household? Male ______Female ______
Gaines Charter Caledonia Byron City of 3. Where are you a resident? Other Township □ Township □ Township □ Kentwood □ □
4. Do you rent or own your home? Rent □ Own □
5. Which type of home do you live in? Condominium □ Apartment □ House □
6. How many parks or recreation opportunities are within walking distance from your home? ______
7. How many people in your household attended Cutlerville Days last June? ______
8. What age group do you think most needs more local parks and recreation opportunities Seniors □ Adults □ Teens □ Children □
9. What park(s), playground(s) or trail(s) do you visit most? ______
10. On average, how often do you visit the following Kent County Parks each year?
Creekside Dutton/Shadyside Brewer
11. How many times have you visited the new Township park, Prairie Wolf Park? ______
12. Would you be willing to pay an extra $35-$40 per year to support recreational facilities in the Township? Yes □ No □
13. What category would you want to see the $35-$40- spent on: (choose one)
Land Preservation □ Parks □ Parks & Land Preservation □
Parks & Recreation 2009 Survey 14. In what order would you like these items to be priorities for the Township? (Please use a 1, 2 and 3)
Trails Parks Land Preservation
15. Which type of parks should be expanded or added? (choose one) Township Owned □ County Owned □
16. Where would you most like to see a new park? ______
17. Which park would you most like to see expanded? ______
18. When are you most likely to visit a park?(choose one) 8am-Noon □ Noon-6pm □ After 6pm □
19. Which type of park do you think is more important? Active (play areas/fields) □ Passive (trails/nature) □
20. When you go to a park, how often do you participate in or use:
Often Sometimes Seldom Never Often Sometimes Seldom Never Grills □ □ □ □ Ball Diamonds □ □ □ □ Tennis □ □ □ □ Nature Trails □ □ □ □ Soccer □ □ □ □ Pavilion Rental □ □ □ □ Basketball □ □ □ □ Playground □ □ □ □ Frisbee Golf □ □ □ □ Picnic Areas □ □ □ □
21. Please rank the top 5 items you would like to see added, or more of, in the township:
Ball Diamonds Frisbee Golf Picnic Areas Tennis Basketball Educational Programs Racquetball Outdoor Track Bicycling Football Shuffleboard Trails Concert Arena/Amphitheatre Grills Shelters Volleyball
Cricket Horseshoes Sledding Croquet Ice Skating Soccer
22. Of the above items, which does your household participate in most? ______
23. Of the above items, which are available to your household, but not participated in? ______
24. Of the above items, which is most important to your household? ______25. Additional Comments
The following must be completed for drawing eligibility. Name
Address
Phone Number
E-mail Address (Optional)
GCTO
You can contact the Planning Department at (616)698-6640 or [email protected] with any questions. Thank you for your participation in making Gaines Charter Township a better place to play, exercise, and enjoy nature!
APPENDIX III ‐ Survey Results
Gaines Twp Caledonia Twp Byron Twp Kentwood Other Total Q1‐Age 0‐5 years 27 1 2 1 31 6‐12 years 40 1 41 13‐22 years 50 1 3 54 23‐45 years 68 2 3 2 1 76 46‐60 years 77 77 60+ years 50 5 2 2 1 60 Q2‐Gender Male 170 5 4 2 2 183 Female 156 5 3 3 3 170 Q4‐Rent vs Own Rent 5 5 Own 89 3 3 2 1 98 Q5‐Home Type Condo 8 1 1 1 11 Apartment 3 3 House 85 2 2 1 1 91 Q6‐#Rec Opportunity W/in Walking Distance 04111 43 13521139 225 11128 34 4 41 1 5 Q7‐# attending Cutlerville Days last year 109 2 5 116 Q8‐Age Group in Need Seniors 15 2 1 18 Adults 31 2 3 36 Teens 47 2 1 1 51 Children 56 2 1 1 2 62 Q9‐Parks Visited the most Dutton‐Shadyside Park 35 2 1 1 39 Brewer 6 6 Lakeside 2 1 3 D. Walker 1 1 Grand Haven State Park 1 Paris Park 1 2 Fred Meijer M‐6 Trail 5 1 Paul Henry‐ThornappleTrail 14 1 Paris Park 1 Kent Trails 10 1 1 Bicentennial 1 Douglas Walker 1 Cutler Park 5 Creekside 24 1 1 1 60th & Wing 1 APPENDIX III ‐ Survey Results
Explorer Elementary Playground 1 RR trail b/t 76th& 92nd 2 84th & Kal 1 Prairie Wolf 10 Q10‐Kent County Parks Visits per year Creekside 1092 1 12 4 1109 Dutton‐Shadyside 580 5 15 3 2 605 Brewer 180 6 3 189 Q11‐#Visits to Prairie Wolf per year 164 3 3 170 Q12‐Willing to Pay per year? Yes 51 2 2 2 1 58 No 46 1 1 1 49 Depends on type of facilities 7 7 Q13‐Category most likely to be funded Land Preservation 7 1 8 Parks 38 1 1 40 Parks&Land Preservation 46 1 1 2 2 52 Q14‐Ranked Priorities Trails‐13612140 Trails‐2432146 Trails‐3191222 Parks‐1421144 Parks‐238121244 Parks‐3191121 Land Preservation‐12311126 Land Preservation‐213114 Land Preservation‐36023166 Q15‐Park Expansion Township Owned 58 1 2 61 County Owned 22 1 2 2 27 Q16‐Where should a new park be? Connect M‐6 trail Division to Clyde Park 1 68th and Patterson 4 68th and Kalamazoo 2 Along a main artery 2 Dutton 12 Southern end of township 3 Eastern and 100th 1 Hightree Estates 1 Cutlerville 1 Caledonia 4 1 76th and Eastern 3 76th and Kalamazoo 2 76th and Division 4 76th and Patterson 1 1 Hannah Lake 1 Marketplace DR 1 APPENDIX III ‐ Survey Results
Q17‐Which park should be expanded? Prairie Wolf 15 1 Brewer 2 Douglas Walker 1 Paris Park 1 Dutton 12 Cutler 1 1 Kent Trails 1 Creekside 12 1 Any 1 1 Dutton Shadyside 13 1 Q18‐When do you visit a park? 8am‐Noon 11 1 1 1 14 Noon‐6pm 60 2 3 1 1 67 After 6pm 42 1 43 Q19‐Importance of the type of Park Active 55 2 1 1 1 60 Passive 41 1 2 1 1 46 Q22‐Highest Participation Grills 2 1 3 Disc golf 5 5 Tennis 4 4 Soccer 3 3 Playground 4 1 5 Volleyball 2 2 Sledding 2 2 Basketball 1 1 Diamonds 3 3 Ice skating 3 3 Croquet 1 1 Horseshoes 2 2 Shuffleboard 2 2 Biking 20 1 18 Outdoor Track 2 1 3 Trails 38 1 2 2 1 44 Picnic Areas 19 1 1 1 22 Education Programs 1 1 2 Q23‐Available, but not participated in Most 12 2 14 All 6 Shuffleboard 1 Trails 1 Basketball 3 1 Grills 7 Bicycling 2 1 Diamonds 9 Disc golf 7 1 8 APPENDIX III ‐ Survey Results
Racquetball 2 Horseshoes 1 Football 1 Ice skating 2 Soccer 5 Shelters 1 Picnic Areas 3 1 4 Tennis 7 2 9 Sports 3 Q24 Most Important Trails 37 1 2 2 1 43 Biking 12 1 13 Walking 4 4 Education Programs 1 1 1 3 Picnic Areas 16 2 18 Croquet 1 1 Shelters 1 1 2 Soccer 2 2 Football 1 1 Swimming pool 1 1 Horseshoes 1 1 Basketball 1 1 Outdoor Track 3 3 Playground 8 8 Sledding 2 2 Tennis 2 2 Volleyball 1 1 Ice skating 6 6 Hockey 1 1 Disc golf 3 3 Diamonds 3 3 Appendix IV – Survey Comments
1. Please maintain the trails you do have. Keep the trails cleared of snow in the winter. 2. Find another way to get an important survey done-too many of our neighbors toss out their Advance, unwrapped, in their trash, on their way into the house! They think we are looney that we sometimes read it. 3. Keep the new park as natural as possible. 4. I would like to see an increase in leisure/education/rec programs for youth and adults (youth dance classes, yoga, language classes, mad science programs in schools etc). Have you considered mailing this or making an online survey and making your whole system electronic? Saves time and $$! I would like to so an increase in programming opportunities. We live in Hightree Estates and wish we could walk to our favorite parks. 5. You shouldn’t spend any more money on Parks in this economy. If there is money spent, expanded trails will also preserve land! I would like to see biking/walking trails expanded. 6. This is an unnecessary expend & unfunded. We are in a serious recession! Michigan is in a depression, why spend other people’s money? A new park/expanded park is not needed 7. I’ve never heard of Prairie Wolf Park 8. As a child we grew up in Det. & Rouge Park—it was a great area for children and families—we swam, cooked out, played baseball and had lots of good, safe fun! Water and family is a good time in a pool! A pool is a great park where kids can have lots of fun, and would be the most important type of recreation available to my family. I would pay $20 per year plus pool admission, and I have a grand daughter that would love a pool for lessons and fun! I think side walks are needed across the street (Resident lives on Meadow Green Ct) 9. I would like access to a gym (like for interval training) or a swimming pool. Instead of a new park, I would like to see you develop existing parks and trails, and especially trails. I unfamiliar with Prairie Wolf, Creekside, Dutton, or Brewer parks. 10. I think a new park should be located at 76th (north side of street) and Division AVE (east side of street) which could have a basketball court, children’s play area, some picnic tables and depending on the size, maybe a dog park. 11. We love this area! The parks are so clean and peaceful. I do wish the M-6 sidewalk could get you back to Kalamazoo Ave for Creekside Park. The sidewalk ends at park. 12. We visit Creekside and don’t like that the gate is sometimes closed. Many times there are 6+ cars parked outside the gate and people walk in to use the park. 13. No more taxes please. Solicit for volunteers. Keep parks clean. Most important to our household is nature areas for bird watching. 14. Often on a nice spring or fall day the park is closed for the season. 15. Complete continuity of all the bike trails. 16. Picnic tables are usually beat up and ready for the fire. Repair, paint and the replace the old. Adding electric outlets to the picnic areas would be great. CLEAN restrooms and supplies should be available along with more accommodations for the handicapped. We cannot walk without assistance, and you should build parks with the handicapped in mind. 17. How do other townships get senior meals and other senior programs? Byron Center has so much (senior programs). I would like to see a Senior Center similar to Byron Center’s. 18. Outdoor summer concerts would be a lovely addition in Gaines Township, with possibly a popcorn machine or kettle corn for concert goers to munch on (e.g. fresh popped corn). 19. I would like to see an Eastern Avenue path extension to 68th St from 79th 20. One nice amphitheatre would be great! 21. Continue to add and improve trails for hiking and biking. 22. Frisbee golf, shuffleboard and horseshoes could bring some interesting sport opportunities into our area. 23. I would like to see increased security in the parks. 24. We are new to the area and would utilize the facilities from spring to/through autumn. We are (fitness) walkers. Some of the questions do not appear to apply to us. 25. A dog park would be good also. 26. Just became aware of the dog run area at Prairie Wolf Park, great idea. Would like cross country ski trails/trails for walking. 27. A new park should be located along a main artery in the community, or an existing park should be expanded with sidewalks or trails that connect to inhabited areas. 28. County parks should be open later. 29. Benches should be placed along the trails. 30. We would like a sidewalk to connect 68th street between Eastern and Kalamazoo. 31. We need another township park because county parks open May 1 (too late) and close too early! Appendix IV – Survey Comments
32. Please add a dog park! 33. We really enjoy taking our dogs and meeting other dog owners 34. Parks are well kept. 35. Trails or sidewalks going to Prairie Wolf Park would make it more usable from Cutlerville or 68th and Kalamazoo area 36. Since when is land preservation “recreational”? 37. How about a real library? 38. It is “disc” golf, not “Frisbee” golf. 39. I do not think we need new parks in this area. All current parks could use some improvement. Creekside could use a Frisbee golf course-has plenty of room. 40. It would be nice to have educational classes about nature so close instead of having to drive to John Ball Zoo for summer classes on animals/nature 41. If land preservation means humans can’t go on land, I’d rank it #3. If it means stopping urban sprawl and slowing down the amount of land used by business, I’d rank it #1. 42. Many things are offered for enjoyment during warm weather. It would be great to have sledding and ice skating available outdoors as my family goes outside the township to each of these winter activities. 43. We have enough parks in our area 44. Prairie Wolf Park needs to expand the trails and pave them. 45. More benches and/or picnic tables by play areas are needed. 46. The township/county does a wonderful job. Thank you. 47. I would like to see sledding at Dutton/Shadyside. 48. I don’t know anything about Prairie Wolf Park. 49. All of the parks are well maintained and clean, especially the bathroom facilities. Keep up the good work! 50. The most important item to my household is not spending money we don’t have on parks. 51. We like natural setting parks with smaller activities such as trails and children’s play areas. 52. Really need a sledding hill. 53. Not a big fan of large ball fields. 54. I would most like to see a new park that has sledding opportunities, or anywhere with natural beauty. 55. Make/transform the barn at Prairie Wolf Park into an educational play area for kids and teens (such as supervised sessions similar to what the libraries have). 56. We would love to see a volleyball court. 57. We love nature, wildlife, passive parks, and places to walk with the dog (lack of other people is a benefit!). 58. I would like to see Prairie Wolf Park or other passive parks expanded. 59. Most important to our household are trails, passive/natural areas, and land, land, land! 60. I think the parks are very nice in the township. I have been to each in the past 5 years. 61. I would like to see Prairie Wolf expanded with more trails for walking/bicycling. 62. We live in such a beautiful township! Please keep it that way! 63. I would most like to see a park in Preservation Lakes (when the development is built). Keep the area rustic and beautiful. 64. Make enhancements (such as playgrounds and lengthened/paved trails) to Prairie Wolf Park before you add a new park. 65. Require pocket parks/playgrounds in new subdivisions. 66. Why not purchase the old school house on 68th, next to the car wash in Dutton? Post Farm property could also be purchased-Kent County only want a small part, but the entire farm should be preserved. It could be future soccer or ball fields. 67. I would love to see the rail to trail completed through Dutton. 68. Prairie Wolf Park is too far away for the Dutton residents. 69. There is no sidewalk to Dutton/Shadyside Park. 70. Buy the Post Farm on 68th if you want a park to expand in the future. 71. I would like to see a new park at the old schoolhouse on 68th in Dutton. 72. The 68th Street Post Farm would provide room for all. 73. We need a large dog park in Dutton. 74. The Post Farm could be a dog park, ice skating rink, or soccer/baseball fields. 75. How soon is the Dutton section (68th to 76th) of the rail trail going to be completed? Should have been done already. 76. I would like to see an off-leash dog park. Additional biking areas would be very desirable, especially connected to existing trails. Appendix IV – Survey Comments
77. Dog park. 78. The entire Post Farm on 68th should be a Gaines Township Park addition-save the barn, house, and outbuildings. What a great area to add park expansions. 79. Monkey bars are awesome! The sandbox at Brewer Park is a big hit with my children. 80. It would be nice if a local park had a water park. 81. Dog parks are great! 82. Ice needed in Dutton. 83. There should be a water park in Dutton. 84. There should be a dog park in Dutton. 85. Why not buy a large parcel like the old school house on 68th in Dutton? 86. With our economy in such bad shape we need to be concerned about areas that promote travel and businesses above play time expenditures. 87. We have enough parks already. 88. I would like to see more road repair in the township. 89. Need to be ready to buy adjoining property when it becomes available (next to parks). 90. You should expand Creekside Park-buy property adjoining on the eastside-soon! 91. Do not plant non-natives in your parks, please. (Colorado blue spruce). 92. We don’t need a new park-add splash pads to the ones we have. 93. We need splash pads for the kids! Much safer than pools. The kids love them. 94. Please add more playground toys, they are rather old and rusty, especially the swings. 95. I would be willing to pay a little less per year [to support recreational facilities], maybe like $10-$20 per year. 96. Thanks for doing this. 97. I would spend $35-$40 per year to support recreational facilities if that meant bike trails. 98. We want more sidewalks and useful bike trails so we can bike places. 99. We need a park in downtown Dutton. Shadyside is too far to walk to. 100. Thanks☺ 101. I would like to see a new water park by the new Kentwood Library. 102. I would like to see restrooms at Paris Park. 103. The 5 items I checked I believe would draw a lot of people to the park all year round, not just in the summer, making the park more worthwhile. (concert arena, Frisbee golf, ice skating, shelters, sledding) 104. Good luck and God Bless. Remember, parks are very fun, sunny, shady, and relaxing. We need and have nice parks.
MINUTES OF GAINES CHARTER TOWNSHIP BOARD FOR THE Regular MEETING December 14, 2009
Present: Hilton, Osterink, VanLaan, Lemke, Fouch, Fryling, Haagsma Also present were Superintendent Tilma, Township Engineer Gritter, Planner Tingley Osterink offered opening prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
1. The meeting was called to order by Supervisor Hilton at 7:00 p.m. 2. Motion by VanLaan and supported by Haagsma to approve the agenda as presented. Ayes: all 3. Persons in the audience were given opportunity to address the Board. No one wished to speak. 4. Motion by Haagsma and supported by Fryling to approve the consent agenda including payment of the bills for November 12 through December 14, 2009 in the amount of $271,503.36 and the budget amendment from the TIRF fund to the Cemetery fund as presented. Ayes: Fryling, Fouch, Osterink, Hilton, Lemke, VanLaan, Haagsma
5. Engineer’s Department
A. Request for sidewalk deferral- Dutton Christian School
Brett Folkert from Dan Vos Construction and John DeBlaay from the Dutton Christian School Board explained their position on the request for deferral. Engineer Gritter discussed his recommendation for denial of the request.
Motion by Haagsma to deny the request for deferral sidewalks for Dutton Christian School expansion based on the Township Ordinance and recommended by the Township Engineer. Ayes: Fouch, Osterink, Hilton, Lemke, Haagsma, Fryling Abstain: VanLaan Trustee Haagsma mentioned that he would not object to having the sidewalk moved to the east onto the property in order to alleviate some of the costs of planning it considering the “ditch”.
B. Request for sidewalk deferral- Kentwood Community Church
Mr. Jerry DeRuiter, representative from KCC explained their request was two-part. The first part was concerning 60th Street and the second request was for the Eastport sidewalk. Motion by Haagsma and supported by Lemke to allow deferral of the 60th Street portion of the sidewalk until October 1, 2012 and a deferral of the Eastport sidewalk until October 1, 2014 or until development begins on the east side of the road. Motion by VanLaan to amend the motion to say that the sidewalk along 60th Street must be completed by occupancy of Phase 1. Vote on amendment to motion: 1 Gaines Township Board Meeting December 14, 2009
Ayes: Lemke, VanLaan, Fryling, Fouch, Osterink Nays: Haagsma Abstain: Hilton
Vote on amended motion: Ayes: Lemke, VanLaan, Haagsma, Fryling, Fouch, Osterink Abstain: Hilton
6. Park and Recreation Plan for 2010-2014 Public Hearing
The Public Hearing was opened at 7:16 and began with an introduction by Brian Tingley, Gaines Township Planner. People in the audience were given opportunity to speak to the plan. Mr. Dennis Cooper 1190 84th Street SE stated that he wished more of Prairie Wolf Park would remain with natural trails. No one else wished to address the Board.
Motion by Haagsma and supported by Lemke to close the public hearing at 7:22 p.m. Ayes: all Motion by Haagsma and supported by Lemke to adopt Resolution No. 09-02-PR containing the findings for a decision by the Board regarding the adoption of a new Parks and Recreation Plan. Ayes: Osterink, Hilton, Lemke, VanLaan, Haagsma, Fryling
Tingley gave an update on the DNR Community Forestry Grant
7. Stonewater Country Club Request for Liquor License permits
Motion by Fouch and supported by Haagsma to give local approval to the permits for banquet facility and dance and entertainment in conjunction with the earlier Class C liquor license approved for Stonewater Country Club. Ayes: VanLaan, Haagsma, Fouch, Osterink, Hilton, Lemke Nays: Fryling
8. Superintendent’s Department
A. General Fund Budget for 2010 Motion by Haagsma and supported by Hilton to approve the 2010 general fund budget as presented at the December 14, 2009 meeting on a functional level. Ayes: Haagsma, Fouch, Osterink, Hilton, Lemke Nays: Fryling, VanLaan
B. Parks and Trails Budget for 2010 Motion by Haagsma and supported by Lemke to approve the 2010 Parks and Trails budget as presented at the December 14, 2009 meeting. Ayes: Fouch, Osterink, Hilton, Lemke, VanLaan, Haagsma Nays: Fryling
C. Request from Personnel Committee as to Personal Time Off for employees Motion by Haagsma and supported by Osterink to approve the recommendation of the Personnel Committee to grant one week’s additional Personal Time Off to all non-union employees working 15 hours or more per week, prorated to hours worked per week, and to be 2 Gaines Township Board Meeting December 14, 2009
used in 2010. Ayes: Fouch, Osterink, Hilton, Lemke, Haagsma Nays: VanLaan, Fryling
9. Motion by VanLaan and supported by Fryling at 8:02 p.m. to adjourn to closed session pursuant to Section8(c) of the Open Meetings Act, being MCL 15.261 et seq. to consult with Township Attorneys regarding pending trial or settlement in a legal case involving CBS Outdoors. Ayes: Osterink, Hilton, Lemke, VanLaan, Haagsma, Fryling, Fouch
10. Motion by VanLaan and supported by Haagsma to return to open session at 9:07. p.m. Ayes: Hilton, Lemke, VanLaan, Haagsma, Fryling, Fouch, Osterink
11. Committee Appointments for 2010
Motion by Lemke and supported by Fouch to approve the committee appointments as submitted in the document at the meeting. Ayes: Hilton, Lemke, VanLaan, Haagsma, Fryling, Fouch, Osterink
12. Meeting Dates for Township Board of Trustees for 2010.
Motion by Haagsma and supported by Fryling to approve the meeting schedule as presented. Ayes: All 13. Persons in the audience were given opportunity to address the Board. No one wished to speak. 14. Motion by Haagsma and supported by Fryling to adjourn the meeting at 9:29 p.m. Ayes: All
The next regular meeting of the Gaines Charter Township Board will be held on January 11, 2010 in the Community room of the Township Offices. All interested persons are invited to attend and participate. Persons with disabilities needing accommodation for effective participation in the meeting should contact the Township Office at 698-6640 one week in advance to request mobility, visual, hearing or other assistance.
______Crystal Osterink, Clerk Don R. Hilton Sr., Supervisor
3 Gaines Township Board Meeting December 14, 2009