Village of Concord
Community Parks & Recreation Plan
2016-2020 Table of Contents
Chapter
1. Community Description ...... 1-1
Location ...... 1-2
Jackson County Political Jurisdiction Map (MAP 1-1) ...... …...1-3
Regional Location of Village of Concord Map (MAP 1-2)……………………………………...... 1-4
Village of Concord Village Limits Map (MAP 1-3) …………………………………………………………………………………………………………1-5
A Brief History ...... 1-6
A Brief Socioeconomic Summary ...... 1-6
General Population and Projections ...... 1-6
Age and Gender of the Population …………………………………………………………………………...... 1-6
Household and Family Compostion...... 1-7
Racial and Ethnicity Compostion...... 1-7
Disabilities of Residents ...... 1-7
Estimate Household Income ...... 1-7
The Health of Concord Residents ...... 1-8
Physical Activity……………...... 1-8
Chapter One—Blank Page.……...……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………1-9
2. Administrative Structure ...... 2-1
Authorization …………………………………...... 2-2
Organizational Structure ...... 2-2
Organizational Structure Diagram (DIAGRAM 2-1)…………………………...……………………………………………………………………………2-3
Sources of Funding ...... 2-3
Parks and Recreation Budgeting ...... 2-4
Relationships with Other Public Agencies ...... 2-4
Schools ...... 2-4
Local, County, State Government and Private Providers …...... 2-4
Public-Private Cooperation...... 2-5
Concord Area School Districts Map (MAP 2-1)………..……………………………………………….……………………………………………………2-6
Chapter Two—Blank Page..…..………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………2-7
3. Recreation and Resource Inventories...... 3-1
Park Classifications and Acreage Standards…….……………………………………………………………………………………………………………3-2
Types of Parks ...... 3-2
Park and Recreation Facilities in the Concord Area ...... 3-3
Public Park and Recreation Facilities (TABLE 3-1)………………………………………………………………………………………………………….3-3
Quasi-Public/Private Parks and Recreation Facilities (TABLE 3-2)…………………………………………………………………………………………3-4
Concord Area Local Parks and Recreation Facilities Map (MAP 3-1)……..………..…………………………………………………….…………………3-5
Concord Regional Local Parks and Recreation Facilities Map (MAP 3-2)………..…..……….………………………………………….…………………3-6
Barrier-Free Access (TABLE 3-3).……………………………………………………...... 3-7
Grant–Assisted Parks and Recreation Facilities (TABLE 3-4)...... 3-7
Regional Parks and Recreational Facilities and Programs…...………………………………………………………………………………………..…..... 3-8
State Parks…………………………………………………………………………….………………………………………………..…………………..... 3-8
State of Michigan Recreation Facilities Table (TABLE 3-5)………………..……………………………………………………………………………….3-8
Colleges and Universities……………………………………………………….……………………………………………………………………….…... 3-8
Other County Parks………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…….…………... 3-9
Jackson County Park and Recreation Facilities Table (TABLE 3-6)…………………..…………………………………………………………………….3-9
Other Local Parks……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……………………. 3-10
Private Parks and Recreation Facilities…………………………..………..………………………………………………..…………………………….…3-10
Camps……………………………….……………………………………………………….………………………………………..……………………..3-10
Other Golf Courses………………………….……………………………………………………………….………………………..……………………..3-10
Bowling Alleys………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……………………..3-10
Sidewalks and Trails………………………………………………………………………………...………………………………..……………………..3-10
Village of Concord Sidewalk and Trail System Map (MAP 3-3)…..………………………………………………...……………..……………………... 3-11
National and State Historical Sites…………………………………………………………………………………………………..……………………... 3-12
National and State Historical Sites Table (TABLE 3-7)...…………………………………………………………………………..……………………... 3-12
Resource Inventory……….…….……………………………………….…………………………………………………………..……………………... 3-12
Recreational Programming...…………………………………………………………………………………….…………………..……………………... 3-12
Natural Resources……………...... …………….……………………………………………………………….…………………..……….……………... 3-13
Water Resources….…………………………………………………………………………….……………….…………………..……….……………... 3-13
Rivers….……………….....…………………………………………………………………………………….…………………..……….……………... 3-13
Lakes and Ponds……….....…….……………………………………………………………………………….…………………..……….……………... 3-13
Wetlands……….……….....…………………………………………………………………………………….…………………..……….……………... 3-13
Topography…….……..….....………………………….……………………………………………………….…………………..……….……………... 3-13
Soils...….……………….....…………………………………………………………………………………….…………………..……….……………... 3-14
Rural Character..……….....…………………………………………………………………………………….…………………..……….……………... 3-14
Greenways..…..…..…….....…………………………………………………………………………………….…………………..……….……………... 3-14
Land Use….…...……….....…………………………………………………………………………………….…………………..……….……………... 3-14
Concord Area Transportation / Hydrology Map (MAP 3-4)…….…..…………………………………………………………………………………...... 3-15
Concord Area Natural Features, Topography and Water Features Map (MAP 3-5)….………..………………………………………………………...... 3-16
Village of Concord Future Land Use Map (MAP 3-6)…..……………………..………………………………………………………………………...... 3-17
Concord Township Future Land Use Map (MAP 3-7)……………….………………………………………...... ………………………………………....3-18
Chapter Three—Blank Page.….……………..………………………………………………………………………………………………………………3-19
4. Descriptions of the Planning and Public Input Processes ...... 4-1
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Opportunities and Interest Survey Planning Process ...... 4-2 Dissemination of Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Opportunities and Interest Survey...... 4-2
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Opportunities and Interest Survey………………...…………………...………………………………………....4-2
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Opportunities and Interest Survey Question #1 (Time of Day)..……...………………………………………....4-2
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Opportunities and Interest Survey Question #2 (Gottschalk Park)…………...………………………………....4-2
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Opportunities and Interest Survey Question #3 (Concord Schools)...... ………………………………………....4-3
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Opportunities and Interest Survey Question #4 (Mill Pond Park)..…...………………………………………....4-3
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Opportunities and Interest Survey Question #5 (Paddock Lake Park)...………………………………………....4-3
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Opportunities and Interest Survey Question #6 (Spring St Park)..…...………………….……………………....4-3
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Opportunities and Interest Survey Question #7 (Swains Lake Park)..……………………...…………………....4-3
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Opportunities and Interest Survey Question #8 (Sidewalk System)..………………….…...…………………....4-4
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Opportunities and Interest Survey Question #9 (Were to Offer) …...………………………………...………....4-4
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Opportunities and Interest Survey Question #10 (Share Own Ideas)….……………………………..………….4-4
Public Meeting…………...…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...4-5
One Month Review Period…………..……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….4-5
Commission Meetings…..……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……….…..4-5
Other Planning Efforts....…….……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..………………...4-5
Jackson Community Comprehensive Plan ……..………………………….………………………………………………………………………………...4-6
Jackson County Regional Trailway Study 2002..…………………………………………..………………………………………………………………...4-6
2015-2019 City of Jackson and Jackson County Joint Recreation Plan………………….………………………………………………………………….4-7
Michigan Great Lake to Lake Trail-Port Huron to South Haven Branch (MAP 4-1)………………………………………….…………………………….4-8
Jackson County Trail Hub-Great Lake to Lake Trail System Map & Literature (MAP 4-2)………………..……………………………………………….4-9
Michigan Iron Belle Trail (MAP 4-3)…………………..…………………………………………………………………………………………………...4-10
Proposed Concord Extension of Falling Waters Trail, Great Lake to Lake Trail, & Iron Belle Trail (MAP 4-4)………...…………..……………………4-11
Chapter Four—Black Page………..…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………4-12
5. Vision, Goals, and Objectives ...... 5-1
Goals and Objectives ...... 5-2
Goal #1: Continuation of Falling Water’s Trail through the Village to Allman Road …….………………………………………………………………...5-2
Goal #2: Improvements to Spring Street Park…...…………………………………………………………………………………………………………...5-2
Goal # 3: Improvements to Paddock Lake Park..……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..5-2
Goal # 4: Improvements to Gottschalk Park…….....…………………………………………………………………………………………………………5-2
Goal # 5: Increase Recreational Programming……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….5-3
Goal # 6: Utilization of Resources……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………5-3
Background Information ...... 5-4
Public Involvement…………...……………………………………………………………….………………………………………………………….… 5-4
Goal #1: Continuation of Falling Water’s Trail through the Village to Allman Road…………..……………………..…………………..………………...5-4
Goal #2: Improvements to Spring Street Park…………...…………………………………………………………………………………………………...5-4
Goal # 3: Improvements to Paddock Lake Park……………………………………………………………………………………………………………....5-5
Goal # 4: Improvements to Gottschalk Park……….…………………………………………………………………………………………………………5-5
Goal # 5: Establish and Coordinate Programming……………...…………………………………………………………………………………………….5-5
Goal # 6: Utilization of Resources……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………5-5
Collaboration with Other Recreation Providers ...... 5-6
Trail Development…………...……………………………………………………………………………………………...... 5-6
Chapter Five—Blank Page…………………………………………………………………………………...... 5-7
6. Action Program ...... 6-1
Action Program ...... 6-2
Background Information…………………………………………………………...... 6-2
Trail Development ...... 6-2
Recreation Access to Water………………………………………………………...... 6-2
Concentrate of Improving Existing Parks ...... 6-2
Village of Concord Proposed Parks and Recreation Projects 2016-2020 Map (MAP 6-1)...... 6-3
Chapter Six—Blank Page…………..………………………………………………………………………...... 6-4
Appendices
A. Population Summary……………………………...…………………………...... A-1
Population History and Projections……………………………………………...... A-2
Population (TABLE A-1)………...……………………………………………...... A-2
Population Projections (TABLE A-2)…………………………………………...... A-3
Age and Sex of Population ………………………………………...... A-4
Population by Generation (TABLE A-3)…………...…………………………...... A-4
Age of Population (TABLE A-4)……...………………………………………...... A-4
Gender of Population (TABLE A-5)……...………………………………………...... A-4
Median Age of Population (TABLE A-6)……...…………………………………...... A-4
Households and Family Composition….....………………………………………...... A-5
Average Household Size (TABLE A-7)….………………………………………...... A-5
Types of Households and Family(TABLE A-8).…………………………………...... A-5
Race and Ethnicity Composition…...……..………………………………………...... A-5
Race of Population 2010 (TABLE A-9)…..………………………………………...... A-5
Ethnicity of Population 2010 (TABLE A-10).……………………………………...... A-5
Disabilities of Residents…………....……..………………………………………...... A-5
Estimated Household Income…...……..………………………………………...... A-6
Estimated Median Household Income 2006-2010 (TABLE A-11)...…………...... A-6
Estimated Household Income 2006-2010 (TABLE A-12) ……………………...... A-6
Appendix A—Blank Page…...……..………………………………………...... A-7
B. Jackson Community Comprehensive Plan, 2000-2025…………………………………………………………………………………………………...B-1
Selected Health Concerns—Overweight and Obesity Risk Factors..………………………………………………………………………………………...B-2
Obesity Trends Michigan 1991-2012 (TABLE B-1)……………....……………………………………………………………………………………...... B-2
Annual Causes of Death in the United States, 2000..………………………………………………………………………………………………………...B-3
Factors Contributing to Unhealthy Weight………...………………………………………………………………………………………………………...B-3
Issues, Goals, Policies and Actions..……………………………………………………………………………………………….………………………...B-4
Create a Walkable Community……………………..………………………………………………………………………………………………………...B-5
Historic Preservation………...……………………..………………………………………………………………………………………………………...B-6
Culture……………..………...……………………..………………………………………………………………………………………………………...B-7
Preservation of Open Spaces...……………………..………………………………………………………………………………………………………...B-7
The Community Plan………...……………………..………………………………………………………………………………………………………...B-8
Greenways Plan……………...……………………..………………………………………………………………………………………………………...B-8
The Land Use Plan…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...B-9
Jackson County Greenways Plan (MAP B-1)………………………………………………………………………………………………………………B-10
2025 Jackson County Land Use (MAP B-2)………………………………………………………………………………………………..………………B-11
Appendix B—Blank Page……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……B-12
C. Recreation Resource Inventory……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…………...…C-1
NRPA Park Standards (TABLE C-1)……….....…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…C-2
Appendix C—Blank Page……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………C-3
D. Non-Motorized Multiuse Trails……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………D-1
Jackson County Regional Trailway Study 2002……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..D-2
Lakeland Trail……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….D-3
Henrietta Loop……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….D-3
Portage Lake Trail……………………..…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….D-3
North Trail……………..…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….D-3
Blackman Township Loop.………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….D-3
Inter-City Trail……………...……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….D-3
Airport Trail……………...………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….D-4
Falling Waters Trail……………...………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….D-4
Hanover Trail……..………...……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….D-4
Summit Township Loop..…...……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….D-4
Ella Sharp Park Trail & Sparks Foundation County Park..………………………………………………………………………………………….D-4
South Trail……..………...……………………………………………………………….………………………………………………………….D-5
Connection to Existing Trail on Page Avenue..………………………………………………………………………………………….………….D-5
Jackson County Proposed Trails (MAP D-1)………………….....……………………………………………………………………………………….….D-6
Provisions for Non-Motorized Transportation in ‘Act 51’………….………………………………………………………….……………………………D-7
Non-Motorized Provisions in ‘Act 51’ (Sec. 10k)………………………………..…………………………………………….……………………………D-7
Work Creditable Against the Sec. 10K Expenditure Requirement (TABLE D-1)………………………………………………………..…………………D-8
Project Eligibility…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….………D-9
Non-Motorized Facility Safety Standards………………………..…………………………………………………………………………………………D-10
Recommended Non-Motorized Standards………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….D-10
Appendix D—Blank Page…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..D-11
E. Village of Concord Parks & Recreation Survey Results………………………………………………………………………………………………….E-1
Survey Question #1: Time of Day Parks Visited..……………………………………………………………………………………………………………E-2
Time of Day-Survey Question #1 (TABLE E-1)...…………………………………………………………………………………………………………...E-2
Time of Day-Survey Question #1 Results (TABLE E-2)…..………………………………………………………………………………………………...E-2
Survey Question #2: Gottschalk Park…………...……………………………………………………………………………………………………………E-3
Gottschalk Park-Survey Question #1 (TABLE E-3)...………………..……………………………………………………………………………………...E-3
Gottschalk Park-Survey Question #1 Results (TABLE E-4)…..………………………………………………...…………………………………………...E-3
Survey Question #3: Concord Schools…………...………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…E-4
Concord Schools-Survey Question #3 (TABLE E-5)...……...………..……………………………………………………………………………………...E-4
Concord Schools-Survey Question #3 Results (TABLE E-6)…..……..………………………………………...…………………………………………...E-4
Survey Question #4: Mill Pond Park…………...……………………………………...…………………………………………………………………..…E-5
Mill Pond Park-Survey Question #4 (TABLE E-7)...……...………..…………………...…………………………………………………………………...E-5
Mill Pond Park-Survey Question #4 Results (TABLE E-8)…..……..……………...…………………………...…………………………………………...E-5
Survey Question #5: Paddock Park…………...……..………………………………...…………………………………………………………………..…E-6
Paddock Park-Survey Question #5 (TABLE E-9)...……...………..………………..…...…………………………………………………………………...E-6
Paddock Park-Survey Question #5 Results (TABLE E-10)………..…………..…...…………………………...…………………………………………...E-6
Survey Question #6: Spring Street Park…………...……..……………….…………...…………………………………………………………………..…E-7
Spring Street Park-Survey Question #6 (TABLE E-11)...……...……….…………..…...…………………………………………………………………...E-7
Spring Street Park-Survey Question #6 Results (TABLE E-12)………..……...…...…………………………...…………………………………………...E-7
Survey Question #7: Swains Lake Park..……...……..………………………………...…………………………………………………………………..…E-8
Swains Lake Park-Survey Question #7 (TABLE E-13)...……...……...……………..…...………………………………………………………..………...E-8
Swains Lake Park-Survey Question #7 Results (TABLE E-14)………..…………..…...….…………………...…………………………………………...E-8
Survey Question #8: Sidewalk System...……...……..………………………………...…………………………………………………………………..…E-9
Sidewalk System-Survey Question #8 (TABLE E-15)...……...……....……………..…...………………………………………………………..………...E-9
Sidewalk System-Survey Question #8 Results (TABLE E-16)………..……..……..…...….…………………...…………………………………………...E-9
Survey Question #9: 3 New Park & Rec. Facilities.....………………………………...………………………………………………………………..…..E-10
3 New Park & Rec. Facilities -Survey Question #9 (TABLE E-17)...……...……....……………..…...…………………………………………..……….E-10
3 New Park & Rec. Facilities -Survey Question #9 Results (TABLE E-18)………..……..……..…...….………..……………………………………….E-10
Survey Question #10: Comment Section...……..………………………………...... …………………………………………………………………..…E-11
Comment Section-Survey Question #10 (TABLE E-19)...……...……....…...………..…...………………………………………………………..……...E-11
Comment Section-Survey Question #10 Results (TABLE E-20)………..……..……..…...….………………...………………………………………….E-11
Appendix E—Blank Page……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...……………E-12
F. Notices, Resolutions, Letters, and Etc………………………………...……………………………………………………………………………………F-1
Open House Public Notice Posted in Area Businesses and Institutions………..……….……………………………………………………………………F-2
Open House Public Notice January 2016 Concord Village Voice Sent Out in Salesman 1/10/16..………………………………………………...….….…F-3
Open House Public Notice Ran in Jackson County Press 1/20/16.…….………………………………………………………………………………….…F-4
One Month Review Public Notice February 2016 Concord Village Voice Sent Out in Salesman 2/7/16…..……………………………………...….….…F-5
One Month Review Public Notice March 2016 Concord Village Voice Sent Out in Salesman 3/6/16..…………………………………………...….….…F-6
Concord Community Schools Resolution Recommending Adoption of Plan………………………………………………………………………….…….F-7
Concord Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting 2/2/16 Minutes………………..………………………………………………………………….……F-8
Concord Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting 3/3/16 Minutes……….…………………………………………………………………………..……F-9
Concord Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting 4/5/16 Minutes……….………………………………………………………………………………F-10
Parks and Recreation Committee Resolution Recommending Adoption of the Plan …………….………………….………………………...………...…F-11
Village of Concord Council Meeting 4/12/16 Minutes—Page 1………...……….………………………………………….……..………………….……F-12
Village of Concord Council Meeting 4/12/16 Minutes—Page 2………...……….………………………………………….……..………………….……F-13
Village of Concord Council Meeting 4/12/16 Minutes—Page 3………...……….………………………………………….……..………………….……F-14
Village of Concord Council Meeting 4/12/16 Minutes—Page 4………...……….………………………………………….……..………………….……F-15
Village of Concord Council Meeting 4/12/16 Minutes—Page 5………...……….………………………………………….……..………………….……F-16
Village of Concord Council Resolution Recommending Adoption of the Plan.……………………………………………………………...……….……F-17
Letter Sent to Jackson County Commissioners……………………………………………………………………………………………………………...F-18
Letter Sent to Region 2 Planning……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………F-19
Letter Sent To Jackson County Parks Dept.………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...F-20
Letter Sent to Concord Township…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...F-21
Hard Copy of Village of Concord Parks and Rec. Interest Survey…………………………………………………………………………………...…… F-22
MDNR Checklist……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……F-24
Maps
Jackson County Political Jurisdiction Map (MAP 1-1) ...... …...1-3
Regional Location of Village of Concord Map (MAP 1-2)……………………………………...... 1-4
Village of Concord Village Limits Map (MAP 1-3) …………………………………………………………………………………………………………1-5
Concord Area School Districts Map (MAP 2-1)………..……………………………………………….……………………………………………………2-6
Concord Area Local Parks and Recreation Facilities Map (MAP 3-1)……..………..…………………………………………………….…………………3-5
Concord Regional Local Parks and Recreation Facilities Map (MAP 3-2)………..…..……….………………………………………….…………………3-6
Village of Concord Sidewalk and Trail System Map (MAP 3-3)…..………………………………………………...……………..……………………... 3-11
Concord Area Transportation / Hydrology Map (MAP 3-4)…….…..…………………………………………………………………………………...... 3-15
Concord Area Natural Features, Topography and Water Features Map (MAP 3-5)….………..………………………………………………………...... 3-16
Village of Concord Future Land Use Map (MAP 3-6)…..……………………..………………………………………………………………………...... 3-17
Concord Township Future Land Use Map (MAP 3-7)……………….………………………………………...... ………………………………………....3-18
Michigan Great Lake to Lake Trail-Port Huron to South Haven Branch (MAP 4-1)………………………………………….…………………………….4-8
Jackson County Trail Hub-Great Lake to Lake Trail System Map & Literature (MAP 4-2)………………..……………………………………………….4-9
Michigan Iron Belle Trail (MAP 4-3)…………………..…………………………………………………………………………………………………...4-10
Proposed Concord Extension of Falling Waters Trail, Great Lake to Lake Trail, & Iron Belle Trail (MAP 4-4)………...…………..……………………4-11
Village of Concord Proposed Parks and Recreation Projects 2016-2020 Map (MAP 6-1)...... 6-3
Jackson County Greenways Plan (MAP B-1)………………………………………………………………………………………………………………B-10
2025 Jackson County Land Use (MAP B-2)………………………………………………………………………………………………..………………B-11
Jackson County Proposed Trails (MAP D-1)………………….....……………………………………………………………………………………….….D-6
Tables and Diagrams
Organizational Structure Diagram (DIAGRAM 2-1)…………………………...……………………………………………………………………………2-3
Public Park and Recreation Facilities (TABLE 3-1)………………………………………………………………………………………………………….3-3
Quasi-Public/Private Parks and Recreation Facilities (TABLE 3-2)…………………………………………………………………………………………3-4
Barrier-Free Access (TABLE 3-3).……………………………………………………...... 3-7
Grant–Assisted Parks and Recreation Facilities (TABLE 3-4)...... 3-7
State of Michigan Recreation Facilities Table (TABLE 3-5)………………..……………………………………………………………………………….3-8
Jackson County Park and Recreation Facilities Table (TABLE 3-6)…………………..…………………………………………………………………….3-9
National and State Historical Sites Table (TABLE 3-7)...…………………………………………………………………………..……………………... 3-12
Population (TABLE A-1)………...……………………………………………...... A-2
Population Projections (TABLE A-2)…………………………………………...... A-3
Population by Generation (TABLE A-3)…………...…………………………...... A-4
Age of Population (TABLE A-4)……...………………………………………...... A-4
Gender of Population (TABLE A-5)……...………………………………………...... A-4
Median Age of Population (TABLE A-6)……...…………………………………...... A-4
Average Household Size (TABLE A-7)….………………………………………...... A-5
Types of Households and Family(TABLE A-8).…………………………………...... A-5
Race of Population 2010 (TABLE A-9)…..………………………………………...... A-5
Ethnicity of Population 2010 (TABLE A-10).……………………………………...... A-5
Estimated Median Household Income 2006-2010 (TABLE A-11)...…………...... A-6
Estimated Household Income 2006-2010 (TABLE A-12) ……………………...... A-6
Obesity Trends Michigan 1991-2012 (TABLE B-1)……………....……………………………………………………………………………………...... B-2
NRPA Park Standards (TABLE C-1)……….....…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…C-2
Work Creditable Against the Sec. 10K Expenditure Requirement (TABLE D-1)………………………………………………………..…………………D-8
Time of Day-Survey Question #1 (TABLE E-1)...…………………………………………………………………………………………………………...E-2
Time of Day-Survey Question #1 Results (TABLE E-2)…..………………………………………………………………………………………………...E-2
Gottschalk Park-Survey Question #1 (TABLE E-3)...………………..……………………………………………………………………………………...E-3
Gottschalk Park-Survey Question #1 Results (TABLE E-4)…..………………………………………………...…………………………………………...E-3
Concord Schools-Survey Question #3 (TABLE E-5)...……...………..……………………………………………………………………………………...E-4
Concord Schools-Survey Question #3 Results (TABLE E-6)…..……..………………………………………...…………………………………………...E-4
Mill Pond Park-Survey Question #4 (TABLE E-7)...……...………..…………………...…………………………………………………………………...E-5
Mill Pond Park-Survey Question #4 Results (TABLE E-8)…..……..……………...…………………………...…………………………………………...E-5
Paddock Park-Survey Question #5 (TABLE E-9)...……...………..………………..…...…………………………………………………………………...E-6
Paddock Park-Survey Question #5 Results (TABLE E-10)………..…………..…...…………………………...…………………………………………...E-6
Spring Street Park-Survey Question #6 (TABLE E-11)...……...……….…………..…...…………………………………………………………………...E-7
Spring Street Park-Survey Question #6 Results (TABLE E-12)………..……...…...…………………………...…………………………………………...E-7
Swains Lake Park-Survey Question #7 (TABLE E-13)...……...……...……………..…...………………………………………………………..………...E-8
Swains Lake Park-Survey Question #7 Results (TABLE E-14)………..…………..…...….…………………...…………………………………………...E-8
Sidewalk System-Survey Question #8 (TABLE E-15)...……...……....……………..…...………………………………………………………..………...E-9
Sidewalk System-Survey Question #8 Results (TABLE E-16)………..……..……..…...….…………………...…………………………………………...E-9
3 New Park & Rec. Facilities -Survey Question #9 (TABLE E-17)...……...……....……………..…...…………………………………………..……….E-10
3 New Park & Rec. Facilities -Survey Question #9 Results (TABLE E-18)………..……..……..…...….………..……………………………………….E-10
Comment Section-Survey Question #10 (TABLE E-19)...……...……....…...………..…...………………………………………………………..……...E-11
Comment Section-Survey Question #10 Results (TABLE E-20)………..……..……..…...….………………...………………………………………….E-11
Chapter 1
Community Description
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan
Chapter 1 Community Description
The Village of Concord has an area of approximately 1.6 square miles (see MAP 1-3). A 6-mile buffer around the Village extends the study area to include a portion of the Jackson Urban Area (Spring Arbor) and at least portions of the following local units of government:
OTHER LOCAL GOVERNMENTS WITHIN THE STUDY AREA JACKSON COUNTY CALHOUN COUNTY VILLAGE OF HANOVER PARMA TOWNSHIP CITY OF ALBION VILLAGE OF PARMA PULASKI TOWNSHIP ALBION TOWNSHIP CONCORD TOWNSHIP SANDSTONE TOWNSHIP HOMER TOWNSHIP HANOVER TOWNSHIP SPRING ARBOR TOWNSHIP SHERIDAN TOWNSHIP
The first priority of the Village is to develop a parks and recreation plan which responds to the recreational desires of its citizenry and to plan for enhancement to the parks and recreational programs of its members. The recreation plan will also provide a clear picture of the recreational opportunities available to residents regardless of who provides them. That review will catalogue nontraditional recreational opportunities such as historic districts/structures and shopping opportunities as well as traditional parks and recreational facilities.
In addition to its rich network of aquatic features, the Concord area is home to a variety of communities, neighborhoods, and districts. Further, the presence of potential trail corridor through the Village requires an intensive review of how that asset can be successfully integrated into Concord. With all those issues in mind, a sincere effort was spent in developing this recreation plan which represents the projected needs for recreational facilities and services in the Village during the early years of the 21st Century.
Location
The Village of Concord is located in Concord Township, in the southwestern corner of Jackson County, approximately nine miles southwest of the City of Jackson (please see the map below). The City of Albion is also situated nearby to the west. Concord Township is bordered on the north by Parma Township, on the east by Spring Arbor Township, on the south by Pulaski Township, and on the west by Albion Township. The Village of Concord is located along Michigan Highway 60 (M-60) providing access to the Jackson Urban Area. Interstate 94 (I-94) runs along the northern border to the study area, providing access to the dense urban areas of Detroit and Chicago. Ann Arbor, Lansing, Battle Creek and Kalamazoo are all located approximately within an hour’s drive of the Village.
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan 1-2
Chapter 1 Community Description Jackson County Political Jurisdiction Map—(MAP 1-1)
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Chapter 1 Community Description Regional Location of Village of Concord Map (MAP 1-2)
Concord
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[______]=10 Miles Key: Village of Concord
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Chapter 1 Community Description Village of Concord Village Limits Map (MAP 1-3)
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N [_ 1000 ft.___] SCALE
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Chapter 1 Community Description
Brief History Up to 1836, Concord Township was a part of Spring Arbor. Concord first received a post office in 1836. In 1837 the present limits of the Township of Concord were established with the Village of Concord serving as central seat. The first Township meeting was held at the store of Ira Jacobs in April 1836. Thomas McGee was elected as Supervisor and Isaac Van Fossen, Township Clerk. The first school was opened in 1835, and taught by Miss Mary McGee. The first tavern was opened by Jerry Reynolds and was located about one mile east of the present Village of Concord. In 1828 Andrew Brown erected a flouring mill on the Kalamazoo River, one mile east of the town.
A Brief Socioeconomic Summary1 The demographic composition of the population of the Village of Concord has an effect upon its recreational needs. Pertinent demographic components are listed below along with a brief paragraph describing the local situation. (See Appendix A for more detailed population information). However, the data contained in that appendix is summarized below:
General Population and Projections The population of Concord Township was 2,723 in 2010, according to the U.S. Census, double (101.3%) that of its 1940 population. However, population growth was rather flat (1.2%) in the first decade of the 21st Century, following a slightly more robust growth rate (11.8%) during the 1990s. It is estimated that the continuation of this recent modest growth rate will result in a population of 2,904 by 2020 and 3,098 by 2030. The population of the Village of Concord was 1,050 in 2010, according to the U.S. Census, slightly more than a third (38.6%) of the Township’s population. In comparison, Villagers accounted for half (49.9%) of the Township’s population in 1960. It is estimated that Villagers will still account for slightly more than a third of the Township’s population in 2020 and 2030 despite a slight, although constant, decrease.
Age and Gender of Population. As is true of the nation in general, the population of Concord Township continues to increase in age. For example, the median age of township residents increased from 36.0 years in 2000, to 40.8 years in 2010. This can be attributed, in part, to the aging of the “baby boom” generation (i.e., those aged 45-64 in 2010). The median age of Villagers in 2010 was slightly older (40.9) while the median age of the population residing outside of the Village was slightly younger (40.6). Approximately half of the populations of the Township (50.2%) and Village (51.1%), as well as Township residents living outside of the Village (49.7%), were female in 2010.
1 2010 Census, US Census Bureau, Retrieved http://www.census.gov/2010census/data/
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan 1-6
Chapter 1 Community Description
Households and Family Composition The majority of the population of Concord Township lived in households in 2010 with all but six (0.2%) of the 2,723 Township residents living in group quarters. Of the 1,035 households located in the Township, approximately three-quarters (75.1%) were comprised of families (with or without children). In comparison slightly less than three quarters (71.1%) of Villagers and slightly more than three quarters (77.7%) of Township residents living outside of the Village were comprised of families. The average household size in 2010 was 2.63 people in the entire Township, 2.55 people in the Village, and 2.68 people outside of the Village. The average family size was 3.02 people in the Village and 3.01 people in the entire Township and those living outside of the Village.
Race and Ethnicity Composition The racial and ethnic makeup of Concord Township is very homogeneous. The majority of the populations of the Township (98.2%) and Village (99.0%) − as well as Township residents living outside of the Village (97.6%) − were white (Caucasian) in 2010. In contrast, only a small minority of the populations of the Township (1.6%) and Village (1.8%) − as well as Township residents living outside of the Village (1.4%) − considered themselves to be Hispanic (Latino/Latina).
Disabilities of Residents It is estimated that significant segments of the population of Jackson County had some type of disability in-2010. More than one-seventh (15.4%) Jackson County residents were disabled in some way in 2010. In 2000, there were 175 people in Concord, MI listed as disabled. Villagers with at least one disability compromised 17% of the population in 2000. Older residents were more apt to have a disability than their younger neighbors. People with ambulatory (mobility) difficulties also made up a greater percentage of those disabled as age increased.
Estimated Household Income. The estimated median income (2006 through 2010) for all households was $56,567 throughout the Township while it was $46,107 within the Village. The estimated median income for all family households was $55,096 within the Village and $62,727 throughout the Township. The estimated median income for married couple family households was $77,396 throughout the Township while it was $63,409 within the Village. The estimated median income (2006 through 2010) for all family households was $62,727 throughout the Township while it was $63,409 within the Village. The estimated median income for all non-family households was $30,833 within the Village and $29,514 throughout the Township.
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan 1-7 Chapter 1 Community Description
The Health of Concord Residents Almost one-third (31.1%)2 of Michigan residents were considered obese in 2010, earning Michigan the unflattering ranking of being 10th most obese state in the United States in 2010. County health rankings indicate that (34.0%)3 of adults in Jackson County reporting being obese, superseding the state average. The 2012 Jackson County Community Health Assessment indicates that nearly one-third (31.6%)4 of survey respondents reported being overweight and well over one-third (37.0%) reported being obese, which means that less than one-third (29.9%) of respondents reported a healthy weight. From 2008 to 2011, the percentage of those overweight decreased 5.8% and the percentage of those obese increased 4.7%, representing an undesirable trend.
Physical Activity
The 2011 Jackson County Community Health Assessment indicates that slightly less than one-half (46.6%)5 of residents meet the guidelines for moderate physical activity (at least 5 times a week for at least 30 minutes) and slightly more than one-quarter (28.6%) meet the guidelines for vigorous physical activity (at least 3 times a week for at least 20 minutes). Overall, only slightly more than one-half (53.8%) of residents meet at least one of these guidelines (either moderate or vigorous physical activity). Therefore, almost one-half of the residents in Jackson County are not getting the recommended amount of physical activity.
Increased physical activity and decreased sedentary behavior are associated with lower rates of obesity, and it reduces the risk for many of the diseases associated with obesity, such as diabetes and heart disease, according to the United States Surgeon General. These statistics point to a need for more active recreational opportunities in all communities. Those opportunities may include providing more walkable neighborhoods as well as the provision of recreational opportunities such as athletic fields (e.g., soccer, baseball, etc.) and courts (e.g., basketball, tennis, etc,).
2 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2014). Obesity and Overweight for Professionals: Data and Statistics -– DNPAO - CDC. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html 3 County Health Rankings. (2014). Adult obesity in Michigan | County Health Rankings & Roadmaps. Retrieved from http://www.countyhealthrankings.org/app/michigan/2014/measure/factors/11/data 4 Allegiance Health, (2012). 2012 Jackson County Community Health Assessment. Retrieved from http://www.allegiancehealth.org/sites/default/files/2012%20Community%20Health%20Assessment.pdf 5 Allegiance Health, (2012). 2012 Jackson County Community Health Assessment. Retrieved from http://www.allegiancehealth.org/sites/default/files/2012%20Community%20Health%20Assessment.pdf
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Chapter 1 Community Description
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Chapter 2
Administrative Structure
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan
Chapter 2 Administrative Structure
Authorization
In response to identified recreation needs, the Concord Village Council formed its Parks and Recreation Commission under the authority of Public Act 156 of 1917 (Recreation and Playgrounds). The Act: “Authorizes cities, villages, townships, and school districts to operate systems of public recreation and playgrounds.” It also allows those entities to: “operate a system of public recreation and playgrounds; acquire, equip and maintain land, buildings or other recreational facilities; employ a superintendent of recreation and assistants; vote and expend funds for the operation of such systems. “operate such a system independently of they may cooperate in its conduct in any manner which they may mutually agree; or they may delegate the operation of the system to a recreation board created by any or all of them, and appropriate money, voted for this purpose, to such board.” The act also allows park systems to operate on “(1) property under its custody and management; (2) other public property;” and “(3) private property, with consent of the owners.”
A copy of PA 156 of 1917 is available at: https://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(2uzewt3nupa51p45cjj05w55))/mileg.aspx?page=getObject&objectName=mcl-Act-156-of-1917
Organizational Structure
The Parks and Recreation Commission is responsible for the planning, constructing, maintaining, and administering all Village parks and recreation areas; it is also charged with studying various recreation needs, advising the Village Council on recreation issues, and making appropriate budget requests. The Commission consists of 2 trustees, one serving as Planning Commissioner and three Village residents. Maintenance concerns brought before the Parks and Recreation Commission are directed to the Village Council, which administers the maintenance department. Recreational programs are initiated by the Recreation Commission and coordinated through the Village Clerk. The Concord Village Council maintains final authority concerning recreation; the Council consists of the Village President and six Trustees.
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan 2-2
Chapter 2 Administrative Structure
Organizational Structure Diagram (DIAGRAM 2-1)
Concord Village Council ← ↑ → ↓ ↑ ↓ ↓
↓ Concord Village Parks and Recreation↓ Commission ↓
↓ ↑ ↓
Concord Village Clerk ←↑→ Department Public Works Recreation Programming Parks Maintenance
Sources of Funding The Village of Concord identifies several potential sources of revenue for its recreation facilities and programs:
General tax fund dollars; Grants awarded for specific projects; and Donations from the general citizenry and philanthropic organizations
General tax fund dollars are used for the maintenance and programming of Village parks and recreation facilities, as well as their administration, including the cost of producing this Plan. Grants are generally awarded for the acquisition of parkland and the development or a park or recreational facility (e.g., trails, playgrounds, picnic shelters, sports facilities, etc.) Donations to be used at the discretion of the Village or for a specific facility or program are also accepted. A portion of the local match required for most grants may also come from the general fund or donations. Grants for parks and recreational facilities are likely to come from several sources:
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan 2-3 Chapter 2 Administrative Structure
Michigan Department of Natural Resources The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund The Land and Water Conservation Fund
The Michigan Department of Transportation The Transportation Enhancement Program
The Jackson Road Commission The 1% annual allocation of state transportation (Act 51) fund for non-motorized facilities
Parks and Recreation Budgeting The parks and recreation budget for the Village of Concord is used almost entirely for the maintenance and programming of its parks and recreation facilities. Capital outlays are also made for projects including the development of this Plan, the preparation of grant applications, and planning and construction of new recreation facilities. Recent major capital improvements to parks and recreation facilities within the Village of Concord include the construction of Concord’s Mill Pond Park a Falling Water’s Trailhead; Construction of two enclosed beach volleyball courts within Gottschalk Park; Remodel of bathroom facilities at Gottschalk Park; Construction of a tee-ball diamond at Gottschalk Park; Conversion of one tennis court into an enclosed basketball court; Replacement of baseball diamond backstops within Gottschalk Park; Placement of electronic scoreboard for baseball diamond.
Relationships with Other Public Agencies The Village of Concord is not the only supplier of parks and recreational opportunities to its residents.
Schools The Concord Community Schools serves the Village and much of the study area. However, other local school districts also serve portions of the study area. The Jackson County Intermediate School District (which includes Concord Community Schools) provides educational services to residents and local school districts. Please refer to Chapter 3 for a more detailed description of the recreational facilities and programs provided by schools.
Local, County, State, and Private Parks and Recreation Facilities Jackson County is a major recreation provider in and around the Village of Concord with Swains Lake Park in nearby Pulaski Township and the Falling Waters Trail in the Village. Some of the nearby townships and villages also maintain parks. The State of Michigan provides a variety of recreational facilities as well in the form of nearby state game, wildlife, and recreation areas; state historic parks; and state parks throughout the State with the state historic park site the Mann House located within the Village. A variety of private entrepreneurs and quasi-public agencies also provide recreation facilities and programs in and around the Village of Concord. Recreational programs take place in many of the facilities listed above. Those programs are sponsored by a variety of public, quasi-public, and private boosters.
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan 2-4 Chapter 2 Administrative Structure
Public-Private Cooperation
Cooperation between the public and private sectors is also active. For example, the Concord Baseball Club, Concord Soccer Club, The Concord Chapter of the Lions Club, and The Jeremy Rothenberger Memorial Foundation have volunteered their services to the Village’s parks system. The Friends of the Falling Waters Trail was instrumental in the development and maintenance of the Falling Waters Trail and Concord’s Mill Pond Park- A Falling Water’s Trailhead.
Please refer to Chapter 3 for a more detailed description of recreation facilities in the Village of Concord Area.
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan 2-5
Chapter 2 Administrative Structure
Concord Area School Districts Map (MAP 2-1)
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan 2-6
Chapter 2 Administrative Structure
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan 2-7
Chapter 3
Recreation and Resource Inventories
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan
Chapter 3 Recreation and Resource Inventories
Park Classifications and Acreage Standards
It is also important to be able classify parks and recreation facilities in order to identify the need for additional parkland and recreation facilities in the Village of Concord. Park systems are comprised of several types of parks with standards provided by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources:6 A park and recreation plan should also recognize and use appropriate park standards. The National Parks and Recreation Association (NPRA) recommends a minimum of 10 acres per 1,000 persons. This means the Village of Concord should have approximately 12 acres to meet the needs of the population in 2016. The combined parkland and recreational facilities offered by the Village and the other providers in the Concord Area exceed that standard.7 According to NRPA, school facilities generally function as a community park for Concord.
Types of Parks
Park systems are comprised of several types of parks:8
Mini-Parks — Small parks (less than an acre) which address limited, isolated, or unique recreational needs. Less than ¼ mile service area and less than an acre in size Neighborhood Parks — Informal active and/or passive recreation parks which serve as the focus of the neighborhood; this park type also serves as a mini- park for the area immediately adjacent to the facility. ¼-½ mile service area and a minimum size of 5 acres. Community Parks — Parks which serve a broader focus than a neighborhood and may also preserve a unique landscape or open space; this park type also serves as a neighborhood park for the area immediately adjacent to the facility. ½-3 mile service area and a size of 30-50 acres. Regional Parks — Parks which serve the entire county as well as preserving unique landscapes and open spaces; this park type also serves as a community park for the area surrounding the facility. Community-wide service area and a minimum size of 50-75 acres.9 Connector Trails — Linear parks which serve as non-motorized connectors among neighborhoods, business areas, parks, schools, and other destinations.
6 Grants Management Division, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Guidelines for the Development of Community Park, Recreation, Open Space, and Greenway Plans IC1924 (Rev.01/27/2006) 7 National Recreation and Park Association, Open Space Guidelines & Standards, C. Castleman, compiler 8 Springate, Lee, “Defining Parks and Park Systems,” From Recreation to Re-creation: New Directions in Parks and Open Space System Planning, Megan Lewis, editor (PAS Report Number 551) 9 The standard the MDNR uses for large urban parks is also used for regional parks in this report
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Chapter 3 Recreation and Resource Inventories
Parks and Recreation Facilities in the Concord Area
The recreation inventory for Concord is comprised of all of the parks and recreation facilities and programs provided in the Concord Area, not just those owned and managed by the Village. The Village of Concord provides Concord’s Mill Pond Park a Falling Water’s Trailhead and Mill Pond water access, 21-acre Norman Gottschalk Park, a community center, and public access to water. The Concord Community Schools and the County of Jackson (e.g. parks commission and road commission) also provide 80 acres of parks and recreational facilities as well as 11.5 miles of trail including a mile trail of paved shoulder along Pulaski Road and Main Street running to Swains Lake County Park and 10.5 mile Falling Waters Trail which runs from the Village of Concord to the City of Jackson.
PUBLIC PARKS AND RECREATION FACILITIES TABLE (TABLE 3-1) KEY FACILITY SIZE DESCRIPTION BFA A CONCORD BRANCH 1 AC LIBRARY, CONCERT HALL, & MEETING ROOMS JACKSON DISTRICT LIBRARY B CONCORD COMMUNITY CENTER 1 AC MEETING ROOM AND BAQUET FACILITY C CONCORD COMMUNITY SCHOOLS 40 AC ELEMENTARY, MIDDLE, & HIGH SCHOOLS; PLAYGROUND, ATHLETIC FIELDS, GYMNASIUM D CONCORD MILL POND PARK 10 AC TRAILHEAD ACCESS TO 10.5 MILE FALLING WATERS TRAIL; A FALLING WATERS TRAILHEAD BOAT LAUNCH, BENCHES, PORTA-JOHN E CONCORD VILLAGE HALL 1 AC VILLAGE HALL, OFFICES, & MEETING ROOMS F FALLING WATERS TRAIL 10.5 MI NON-MOTORIZED TRAIL FROM VILLAGE TO CITY OF JACKSON G NORMAN GOTTCHALK PARK 21 AC PICNIC SHELTERS, TABLES & GRILLS, SOCCER & BASEBALL/ SOFTBALL FIELDS, SAND VOLLEYBALL COURTS, RESTROOMS, TENNIS COURTS, HORSEHSOE PITS, PLAYGROUND H PADDOCK LAKE PARK & 10 AC RUSTIC BOAT LAUNCH PUBLIC ACCESS I NON-MOTORIZED TRAIL 1 MI PAVED SHOULDER TRAIL ALONG PULASKI ROAD FROM THE SOUTH VILLAGE LIMITS TO SWAINS LAKE COUNTY PARK J MAPLE GROVE CEMETERY N/A PUBLIC CEMETERY LOCATED IN VILLAGE K SPRING STREET .2 AC CANOE / KAYAK LAUNCH CANOE/KAYAK LAUNCH NORTH BRANCH OF KALAMAZOO RIVER L SWAINS LAKE COUNTY PARK 40 AC PLEASE SEE TABLE 3-4
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Chapter 3 Recreation and Resource Inventories
Private clubs, public golf courses, local churches (e.g. meeting rooms) and museums provide an additional 388 acres of recreation facilities to Concord residents.
QUASI-PUBLIC/PRIVATE RECREATION FACILITIES TABLE (TABLE 3-2)
KEY FACILITY SIZE DESCRIPTION BFA M BIG 9 SPORTSMAN CLUB 9 AC MEETING ROOMS, WATER ACCESS, PICNIC TABLES, HORSHOE PITS, GUN SHOOTING, BOAT LAUNCH N CONCORD BAPTIST CHURCH 2 AC MEETING ROOMS AND PARKING O CONCORD HILLS GOLF COURSE 200 AC 18-HOLE GOLF COURSE, BANQUET ROOMS, DRIVING RANGE, CROSS COUNTRY SKIING, & TENNIS COURTS P CONCORD UNITED METHODIST 3 AC MEETING ROOM, PARKING, BANQUET ROOM, CHURCH Q HERITAGE HOUSE 1 AC HISTORICAL MUSEUM R HILLTOP CHAPEL 10 AC MEETING ROOM AND PARKING S HILLTOP CHAPEL’S 10 AC MEETING ROOM, BANQUET FACILITY, AND PARKING FAMILY LIFE CENTER T MANN HOUSE STATE MUSEUM 1 AC VICTORIAN HISTORICAL MUSEUM U PADDOCK/HUBBARD MUSEUM 1 AC HISTORICAL MUSEUM V PREBYTERIAN CHURCH 1 AC MEETING ROOM, BANQUET FACILITY, PARKING, PLAYGROUND W SAINT CATHERINE LABOURNE 20 AC MEETING ROOM. BANQUET FACILITY, AND PARKING CHURCH X WHIFFLETREE HILL GOLF COURSE 130 AC 18-HOLE GOLF COURSE, BANQUET ROOMS, CROSS COUNTRY SKIING AND DRIVING RANGE
Various other facilities in the surrounding area (provided publicly and privately) also have recreational benefits:
Cemeteries — Maple Grove Cemetery provides important green space. It can also be used as a safe place to walk/exercise and contemplate nature. Sidewalks — The Village of Concord has nearly four miles of sidewalk. Existing sidewalks are used for exercise as well as transportation and connect with non-motorized trails. Shopping and Eating — Many people enjoy shopping and going out to eat. Consequently, the Village of Concord’s downtown commercial district provides recreation because of the restaurants and/or shops which can be accessed using the Village’s sidewalk system.
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan 3-4
Chapter 3 Recreation and Resource Inventories
Concord Area Local Parks & Recreation Facilities Location Map (MAP 3-1) Concord Area Local Parks & Recreation Facilities Location Legend
A: Concord Branch Library D F B: Concord Community Center C: Concord Community Schools K E D: Concord Mill Pond Park: Falling Waters Trailhead E: Concord Village Hall B V T U F: Falling Waters Trail A Q G P G: Norman Gottschalk Park ] N H: Paddock Lake Park & Public Access F I: Non-Motorized Trail C J: Maple Grove Cemetery J K: Spring Street Canoe & Kayak Launch L: Swains Lake County Park H W M: Big 9 Sportsman Club (See Regional Map) N: Concord Baptist Church I O: Concord Hills Golf Course P: Concord United Methodist Church Q: Heritage House R: Hilltop Chapel (See Regional Map) S: Hilltop Chapel Family Life Center (See Regional) T: Mann House Museum U: Paddock/Hubbard House Museum ↑ V: Presbyterian Church W: Saint Catherine Labourne Church O N L X: Whiffletree Hill Golf Course (See Regional Map)
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Concord Area Regional Parks & Recreation Facilities Location Map (MAP 3-2) R S Concord Area Regional Parks & Recreation Facilities Location Legend
L: Swains Lake County Park
M: Big 9 Sportsman Club
O: Concord Hills Golf Course
R: Hilltop Chapel
S: Hilltop Chapel Family Life Center
X: Whiffletree Hill Golf Course X
O L
↑
N M
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Chapter 3 Recreation and Resource Inventories
Barrier-Free Access
It is important that the Village of Concord parks be accessible to people with disabilities. After all, in 2000 there were 175 people in Concord, MI listed as disabled. Villagers with at least one disability compromised 17% of the population in 2000. Older residents were more apt to have a disability than their younger neighbors. People with ambulatory (mobility) difficulties also made up a greater percentage of those disabled as age increased. , It is estimated that significant segments of the population of Jackson County had some type of disability in-2010. More than one-seventh (15.4%) Jackson County residents were disabled in some way in 2010.10
BARRIER FREE ANALYSIS TABLE (TABLE 3-3) KEY DESCRIPTION 1= None of the facilities/park areas meet accessibility guidelines 2= Some of the facilities/park areas meet accessibility guidelines 3= Most of the facilities/park areas meet accessibility guidelines 4= The entire facilities/park areas meet accessibility guidelines 5= The entire facilities/park areas was developed/renovated using the principal of universal design
Grant-Assisted Parks and Recreation Facilities
Past grants through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources were awarded to the Village of Concord for the acquisition and expansion of Gottschalk Park and construction of Concord’s Mill Pond Park a Falling Water’s Trailhead.
RECREATION GRANT HISTORY TABLE (TABLE 3-4) PARK NAME PROJ. NO. YEAR USAGE Concord’s Mill Pond Park a TF09-050 2012 FACILITIES (LISTED IN TABLE 3-1) ARE IN GOOD CONDITION Falling Water’s Trailhead Gottschalk Park Expansion TF86-148 1986 FACILITIES (LISTED IN TABLE 3-1) ARE IN GOOD CONDITION Norman Gottschalk Park 26-00822 1976 FACILITIES (LISTED IN TABLE 3-1) ARE IN GOOD CONDITION
10 The analysis of barrier free access was provided by the Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Committee, based upon its knowledge of the facilities/parks and understanding of barrier free access. A professional analysis may produce different results.
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Chapter 3 Recreation and Resource Inventories
Regional Parks and Recreation Facilities and Programs
State Parks The State of Michigan maintains a number of recreational facilities within the region. For example, the Department of Natural Resources maintains a couple of state parks and several state recreation, wildlife, and game areas in geographical proximity to the Village of Concord.
STATE OF MICHIGAN RECREATIONAL FACILITIES TABLE (TABLE 3-5) STATE PARKS STATE GAME AREAS WALTER J. HAYES STATE PARK SHARONVILLE STATE GAME AREA CAMBRIDGE STATE HISTORICAL PARK ONSTED STATE GAME AREA FORT CUSTER STATE PARK SOMERSET STATE GAME AREA WATERLOO STATE GAME AREA LOST NATIONS STATE GAME AREA
College and Universities Institutions of higher learning provide access to collegiate sports and athletic facilities. Villagers can also avail themselves of the recreational facilities and programs hosted by nearby colleges and universities, including:
Albion College – Albion College hosts concerts, lectures, and seminars opened to the public. Albion College also provides collegiate sports and athletic facilities.
Hillsdale College – Hillsdale College hosts concerts, lectures, and seminars opened to the public. Hillsdale College also provides collegiate sports and athletic facilities.
Jackson College – Jackson College hosts concerts, lectures and seminars opened to the public Jackson College hosts the George E. Potter Center, which “is compromised of the most versatile and complete performing arts complex in the area.”11 Jackson College also provides collegiate sports and athletic facilities.
Spring Arbor University – Spring Arbor University hosts the Ganton Art Gallery, “The gallery is one of the largest, single-room galleries in Michigan.”12 Spring Arbor University hosts concerts, lectures and seminars opened to the public. Spring Arbor University also provides collegiate sports and athletic facilities.
11 Jackson College. Retrieved from http://www.jccmi.edu/events/theatres.htm 12 Spring Arbor University. Retrieved from http://www.arbor.edu/venue/ganton-art-gallery/
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Other County Parks The County provides a wide variety of regional recreational facilities such as winter sports areas, swimming beaches, and modern campgrounds including nearby Swains Lake County Park and Lime Lake County Park.
Jackson County Park and Recreation Facilities (TABLE 3-6)
Fishing Boat Launch Swimming Beach Monuments/Markers Grills Picnic AreaPicnic Picnic Shelter Picnic Pavillion Trails/Paths/Sidewalks Recreation Center/Gym Restrooms Restaurant/Meetings Winter Sports** Playground/Equipment Basketball Court Tennis CourtTennis Volleyball Court Ball Diamonds Modern Campground * Driving Range 9 Hole Golf Course 18 Hole Golf Course Benches Water Features Park Greenspace 1 Clark Lake • • • • • • • • • • • 2 Clear Lake • • • • • • • 3 Falling Water Trail • • • • • • • 4 Gillets Lake • • • • • • • • • • 5 Grass Lake • • • • • • • • • • • • 6 Lime Lake • • • • • • • 7 Little Wolf Lake • • • • • • • • 8 Minard Mills • • • • • • • • 9 Pleasant Lake • • • • • • • • • • • • • 10 Portage Lake • • • • • • • • 11 Round Lake • • • • • • • • 12 Alfred A. Snyder • • • • • • • • 13 Sparks Foundation • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 14 Swains Lake • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 15 Vandercook Lake • • • • • • • • • • • • 16 Vineyard Lake • • • • • • • • • *Sixty modern campsites with water and electricity; hot showers, restrooms, a sanitary dump station and water. **Sledding and toboggan hill, skating pond &warming house, cross country skiing.
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Other Local Parks Nearby cities and villages, as well as some townships, also provide parks and recreational facilities for their residents. Larger communities often host extensive park systems with regional facilities such as Jackson’s Ella Sharp Park. Smaller cities and villages often provide a few recreational facilities. Townships may only provide one or two parks.
Private Parks and Recreation Facilities A wide variety of private entities also provide recreational facilities.
Camps—The YMCA’s Storer Camp, the Girl Scout’s Camp O’ the Hills, and the Boy Scouts Teetoncal is located in Jackson County, making them easily accessible to young Villagers.
Other Golf Courses—There are another seventeen golf courses within twenty miles of Concord, in addition to Concord Hills and Whiffletree Hill according to golflink.com.13
Bowling Alleys—There are at least seven bowling alleys within fifteen miles of the Village.14 Most of the bowling facilities are located in the Greater Jackson area although Albion and Homer also host a bowling alley.
Sidewalks and Trails Many of the Village’s streets include public sidewalks, which provide non-motorized access to a majority its recreation facilities. A road shoulder trail along Main Street/Pulaski Road also provides non-motorized access to Swains Lake County Park. The Falling Waters Trail provides non-motorized access to Lime Lake County Park as well as Jackson’s non-motorized trail network.
13 golflink.com Online Directory. Retrieved from: http://www.golflink.com/golf- courses/searchresults.aspx?coursekeyword=&coursecity=&coursestate=&coursename=&coursezip=49237&within=20&p=1 14 Yellow Pages. Retrieved from http://www.yellowpages.com/concord- mi/bowling?sem=tas%3Dbingsearch%26headingcode%3D8008855%26utm_type%3DSearch%26utm_medium%3Dc%26utm_account%3DSearch%3A%20N%26S_National%26 utm_campaign%3DNational- Sports%20%26%20Recreation%26utm_adgroup%3DBowling%20Alleys%26utm_kw%3Dbowling%26utm_matchtype%3Dbroad%20match%26ad_level%3Dhigh&jadid=333931 634&jk=bowling%20alleys%20near%20me&jkId=mc%3Aa8a8ae4cc2b7d90cc012b8889370837c1%3Ai11762096999%3Atb_bb&js=3&jsid=21581&jt=1
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan 3-10
Chapter 3 Recreation and Resource Inventories Village of Concord Sidewalk and Trail System Map (MAP 3-3) MAP 3-3 Legend
_____Sidewalks
____ Proposed Trail System Falling Waters Trail [______] .25 Miles
↑ N
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan 3-11 Chapter 3 Recreation and Resource Inventories
National and State Historical Sites
The Village of Concord contains a historic district and three historic sites that have state and/or national significance.
NATIONAL AND STATE HISTORICAL SITES TABLE (TABLE 3-7) STRUCTURE ADDRESS/LOCATION REGISTERS* CONCORD VILLAGE HISTORIC DISTRICT MAIN, HOMER, & HANOVER STREETS. NR MANN HOUSE 205 HANOVER STREET NR SR PADDOCK-HUBBARD HOUSE 317 HANOVER STREET NR SR HM STONE HOME MAIN STREET MAIN STREET UNIVERSALIST CHURCH 200 HANOVER STREET SR HM *NR=NATIONAL REGISTER; SR=STATE REGISTER; HM=HISTORICAL MARKER
RESOURCE INVENTORY In addition to recreation facilities, the Concord Area is also home to a wide variety of cultural and natural resources.
Recreational Programming Concord Community Schools are the primary providers of recreational programming for children. The High School and Middle School is a member of the Big “8” Conference and the “Yellow Jackets” regularly compete against Athens, Homer, Jonesville, Quincy, Reading, Springport, and Union City. The Concord Community also hosts youth football, basketball, tee-ball, baseball, softball, and soccer leagues. Concord Parks and Recreation Committee partners with a group which offers an adult beach volleyball league using the Village’s beach volleyball facilities. Area golf courses and bowling alleys host various leagues and local service, volunteer, and social clubs are located in surrounding communities. A variety of dining and shopping options, which are recreational activities for many people (e.g., dates, groups of friends, and other outings), are located in Concord and other nearby villages, cities, and urban areas.
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan 3-12 Chapter 3 Recreation and Resource Inventories
Natural Resources The Concord Area has a wealth of natural resources, one of the reasons it is a pleasant place to live, work, and play.
Water Resources A dominant feature of Concord Township and the Village of Concord are their hydrological resources (see: MAP 3-4 and MAP 3-5): Rivers. The Township, including the Village, is located within the Kalamazoo River Watershed, which flows into Lake Michigan. The North Branch of the Kalamazoo River flows into the Township from the southeast, through the Village, and then north and west into Calhoun County. The Upper Grand River Watershed borders the eastern edge of the study area in the vicinity of Spring Arbor.
Lakes and Ponds. The North Branch of the Kalamazoo River is impounded near the Village, creating the Concord Mill Pond. Paddock Lake is also located within the Village. Smaller ponds are scattered throughout the Township. Swains Lake is located south of the Village of Concord in neighboring Pulaski Township. Lime Lake is located to the east of Concord in neighboring Spring Arbor Township. Both Swains Lake and Lime Lake are home to county parks which can be easily accessed by Village residents using the Village’s non-motorized trail system. Wilbur and Cross Lakes are also located within the 4-mile boundary of the study area.
Wetlands. The Wetlands are located along the banks of the North Branch of the Kalamazoo River. The county drains flowing though the Township and many of the ponds in the Concord Area are also bordered by wetlands.
County Drains. The Spring Arbor Concord Drain and its branches are located in the northeastern portion of the Township. The Brodock Hungerford Drain is located southeast of the Village. The Loder Drain is located near the Township’s western border.
Wellhead Protection Areas. A wellhead protection area extends into the southcentral portion of Concord Township, including much of the Village. Another wellhead protection area extends into the northwestern corner of the Township. Care must be taken to exclude land uses from those areas which may pollute ground water.
Topography Topography is also a dominant feature of the Concord Area, fluctuating a total of 188 feet (see: MAP 3-5). The landscape gets as low as 944 feet above sea level along the North Branch of the Kalamazoo River, the various county drains, and the wetlands which surround them. Various hills extend up to 1,320 feet above sea level, predominantly in the southern half of Concord Township. Topography within the Village of Concord fluctuates between 972 feet and 1,036 feet above sea level, a total of 64 feet. The low areas are also located along the various waterways. Highpoints are located predominantly to the south of the Concord Mill Pond and the North Branch of the Kalamazoo River.
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan 3-13 Chapter 3 Recreation and Resource Inventories
Soils The primary soil types within Concord are the Boyer-Oshemo, Hillsdale-Riddle, Leoni Gravely, Eleva and Oshemo-Loam complex sandy loams. The urban land consists of Oshemo and Riddles complexes. These soils are generally well drained with slopes ranging from 0% to 15%.15
Rural Character The character of the Concord Area outside of the boundaries of the Village continues to be rural in nature. Farm fields and woodlots dominate the landscape. The Jackson Community Comprehensive Plan recommends agricultural preservation for almost all of the Concord Area due to the quality of its soils (see: MAP B-2).
Greenways The Jackson Community Comprehensive Plan “identifies a network of greenways proposed throughout Jackson County. The network generally follows wetland areas, drainage ways, and forested lands. The network recognizes these areas as a part of Jackson County’s natural system which should be preserved. The preservation of this system helps to assure high quality surface water, wildlife habitat and movement, diversity, and can be used to help define urban growth.” The following map shows the greenways recommended for the Concord Area with many following waterways located within the study area (see: MAP B-1).
Land Use The Jackson Community Comprehensive Plan includes a generalized plan for future development in Jackson County (see: MAP B-2). The Concord Area Master Plan of 2013 completed in conjunction by the Village and Township of Concord also includes a generalized plan for future development of both the Village and Township. The plan calls for the preservation of the rural character of the Village of Concord and the Township by preserving agricultural lands and protecting and preserving natural features in the Area. Further preservation of the rural character of the Community is promoted by encouraging commercial and industrial development to occur in areas where commercial and industrial activities are exist, in particular the M-60 corridor and the Village and Township’s business districts and industrial zones (see: MAP 3-6 and MAP 3-7).
15 All information is adapted from the Soil Survey of Jackson County, Michigan.
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan 3-14
Chapter 3 Recreation and Resource Inventories
Concord Area Transportation / Hydrology Map (MAP 3-4)
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan 3-15 Chapter 3 Recreation and Resource Inventories
Concord Area Natural Features, Topography, & Water Resources Map (MAP 3-5)
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan 3-16 Chapter 3 Recreation and Resource Inventories
Village of Concord Future Land Use Map (MAP 3-6)
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan 3-17 Chapter 3 Recreation and Resource Inventories
Concord Township Future Land Use Map (MAP 3-7)
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan 3-18 Chapter 3 Recreation and Resource Inventories
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan 3-19
Chapter 4
Description of the Public Input Process
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan
Chapter 4 Description of Public Input Process
A variety of methods were employed to illicit public input into the development of the recreation plan:
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Opportunities and Interest Survey Planning Process The Village of Concord Recreation Commission developed a ten question survey titled “Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Opportunities and Interest Survey” to gauge individual Village residents interest in parks and recreation activities/opportunities currently offered by the Village as well as which parks and recreation activities/opportunities could be offered in the future by the Village of Concord. The Village resident’s answers on the survey were intended to help influence which parks and recreation activities the Village will continue to offer and which activities the Village would possibly pursue in the future as well as the amount of funding for said activities.
Dissemination of Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Opportunities and Interest Survey
Information on where the public could find a copy of the survey and fill it out was promoted through several avenues. The survey was crafted and published on the survey web-site Survey Monkey (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VJ5CN6V). The survey’s website address was shared with Concord Community Schools who shared the address with students, parents, and staff. Hard copies (see Appendix F / F-4) of the one-page, front and back survey as well as a copy of the website link were placed in the local restaurant The Cadet Tavern and in the Village of Concord Office for residents lacking technology to pick-up. Information that hard- copies of the surveys could be picked up in the Village of Concord Offices and a copy of the survey’s website address was placed in the September, November, and December issues of the Concord Village Voice, the municipality’s monthly newsletter which is delivered through The Salesman a free weekly newspaper publication which is delivered to most of the Village of Concord residents.
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Opportunities and Interest Survey
The first question concerned the time of day Area residents most often used the recreational facilities offered and opportunities available. 1.) What time of day are you most likely to visit/use one of Concord’s parks and recreation facilities/opportunities?
Morning Afternoon Evening The second question asked Area residents to identify the recreational facilities and opportunities specifically used by Area residents within Norman Gottschalk Park. 2.) Which park and recreation facility/opportunity do you use most often and/or find most enjoyable at Norman Gottschalk Park? If you don't use/don't find enjoyable the parks and recreation facility/opportunities at Norman Gottschalk Park please choose the answer "Don't Use":
Playground Equipment Baseball/Softball Diamonds Soccer Field Multi-Use Trail
Recreation Sports Leagues Basketball/Tennis/Volleyball Court Don’t Use
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan 4-2 Chapter 4 Description of Public Input Process The third question asked Area residents to identify the recreational facilities and opportunities specifically used by Area residents at Concord Community Schools. 3.) Which park and recreation facility/opportunity do you use most often and/or find most enjoyable at Concord Community Schools? If you don't use/don't find enjoyable the parks and recreation facility/opportunities at Concord Community Schools please choose the answer "Don't Use":
Playground Equipment Baseball/Softball Diamonds Track
Football/Soccer Field Basketball Court Don’t Use The fourth question asked Area residents to identify the recreational facilities and opportunities specifically used by Area residents at Concord’s Mill Pond Park a Falling Waters Trailhead. 4.) Which park and recreation facility/opportunity do you use most often and/or find most enjoyable at Concord's Mill Pond Park a Falling Water's Trailhead? If you don't use/don't find enjoyable the parks and recreation facility/opportunities at Concord's Mill Pond Park a Falling Water's Trailhead please choose the answer "Don't Use":
Fishing Opportunities Multi-Use Trail Boat Launch Swimming Don’t Use The fifth question asked Area residents to identify the recreational facilities and opportunities specifically used by Area residents at Paddock Park. 5.) Which park and recreation facility/opportunity do you use most often and/or find most enjoyable at Paddock Park? If you don't use/don't find enjoyable the parks and recreation facility/opportunities at Paddock Park please choose the answer "Don't Use":
Fishing Opportunities Boat Launch Swimming Don’t Use
The sixth question asked Area residents to identify the recreational facilities and opportunities specifically used by Area residents at Spring Street Park. 6.) Which park and recreation facility/opportunity do you use most often and/or find most enjoyable at Spring Street Park? If you don't use/don't find enjoyable the parks and recreation facility/opportunities at Spring Street Park please choose the answer "Don't Use":
Fishing Opportunities Canoe/Kayak Launch Swimming Don’t Use The seventh question asked Area residents to identify the recreational facilities and opportunities specifically used by Area residents at Swains Lake County Park. 7.) Which park and recreation facility/opportunity do you use most often and/or find most enjoyable at Swains Lake County Park? If you don't use/don't find enjoyable the parks and recreation facility/opportunities at Swains Lake County Park please choose the answer "Don't Use":
Playground Equipment Baseball/Softball Diamonds Swimming Multi-Use Trail
Basketball Court Fishing Opportunities Boat Launch Don’t Use
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan 4-3 Chapter 4 Description of Public Input Process
The eighth question asked Area residents to identify the recreational facilities and opportunities specifically used by Area residents within the Village of Concord’s Sidewalk and Street System.
8.) Which park and recreation facility/opportunity do you use most often and/or find most enjoyable at the Village of Concord's Sidewalk and Street System? If you don't use/don't find enjoyable the parks and recreation facility/opportunities at the Village of Concord's Sidewalk and Street System please choose the answer "Don't Use":
Walking, Running, Jogging, Biking, In-Line Skating, Skateboarding, Etc. Don’t Use
The ninth question concerned recreational facilities and opportunities Area residents would be most interested in seeing the Village of Concord offer, 9.) Which three of the new parks and recreation facilities/opportunities would you find most enjoyable/use most often if the Village of Concord was to offer them? Playground Equipment Multi-Use Trail Cross-Country Skiing Trail Sandbox
Sledding Hill Frisbee Golf Course Foot Golf Course Basketball Courts
Tennis Court Boat Launch Skateboard/Trick Bike Park Obstacle Course
Dog Park Rock Climbing Wall Volleyball Courts Sidewalks
Ice Skating/Hockey Rink Kayak/Canoe Launch Boat Launch Fishing
Other:______
The tenth question allowed Area residents the opportunity to identify recreational facilities and opportunities we may have left out as well as ideas in relation to recreational facilities and opportunities we were unaware of. 10.) Have a comment you want to share or is there additional parks and recreation activity/facility or idea we failed to mention? Please share your ideas with us.
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan 4-4 Chapter 4 Description of Public Input Process
Public Meeting An open house for Concord residents and business owners was held on February 2, 2015 at the Village of Concord Meeting Facility from 6:30pm to 9:00pm. The event was promoted in the January issue of the Concord Village Voice, the municipality’s monthly newsletter which is delivered through The Salesman a free weekly newspaper publication which is delivered to most of the Village of Concord residents (see: F-3). A Public Notice on the date of the open house was also placed in the January edition of the County Press a newspaper publication serving the Concord area (see: F-4). Flyers promoting the event were also placed in several local businesses and institutions to inform residents of the meeting (see: F-2). One Month Review Period The recreation plan was submitted for public comment for a one month review period beginning on February 2, 2016 and ending on March 3, 2016. The copies of the Plan were available for review in the Village Offices as well as the Concord Branch of the Jackson District Library. Residents who were interested in receiving an electronic formatted version of the plan could contact the Concord Village Office and have the document sent to them as an attachment to an email. Residents could also find a copy on the Village of Concord’s website www.villageofconcord.com. Commission Meetings All meetings of the Concord Recreation Commission are open to the public. Public Hearings A public hearing on the recreational plan was held on March 3. 2016 at 7:00pm in the Village Commons Meeting Space, during a meeting of the Concord Recreation Commission. The meeting took place prior to the vote of the resolution recommending adoption of the recreation plan by the Village Council, thus giving the public one more opportunity for input. The Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan was officially adopted by the Village of Concord Council at a public meeting held on March 8. 2016 at 7:00pm in the Village Commons Meeting Space. The Concord Community School’s School Board officially recognized and passed a resolution recommending adoption of the Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan on March 21, 2016 at 6:30pm during their normally scheduled public meeting. Other Planning Efforts Comprehensive and other recent planning efforts in the Concord area often included a recreation component. Each of these planning efforts included a public involvement component.
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan 4-5 Chapter 4 Description of Public Input Process
Jackson Community Comprehensive Plan “The purpose of [the Jackson Community Comprehensive Plan] is to establish policies to guide the future growth and development of the Jackson Community. These policies, established the community-wide level, are intended to assist local units of government, including the County’s villages, townships, and the City of Jackson as they develop, amend, and implement their community plans, and zoning ordinances.” A total of 16 goals and their associated policies and actions were developed. Several of these goals had a recreation component (see: Appendix B for a full listing of the policies and actions associated the goals): X Create a Walkable Community X Historic Preservation X Culture X Preservation of Open Spaces
Jackson County Regional Trailway Study 2002
The Jackson County Trailway Committee (JCRTC) was initiated by residents of Jackson County active in the development of Trailways. The process of developing the Trailway Vision Plan began with two public meetings. Both meetings provided information to the public and were intended to gain input to guide the vision plan. The Trailway Vision Plan is a map of Jackson County showing potential trail routes. The following excerpt and map highlight the portion of the plan pertinent to Concord (see: Appendix D for a detailed summary of the entire Study):
Falling Waters Trail – 11.5 Miles “The Falling Waters Trail is the gateway to the west….[connecting] to the southwest end of the Intercity Trail and [traveling] west through Summit and Spring Arbor Townships to the Village of Concord….An arm of the trail could connect the [settlement of] Spring Arbor to the north. Another arm of the trail could make the connection to Swains Lake County Park in Concord by using the existing trail along Pulaski Road….It is our understanding that future trails are envisioned in Calhoun County to the west. It would be possible to connect these trails to provide a route to Albion and the City of Battle Creek.”16
16The JTRC foretold the Falling Waters Trails becoming a part of the current State of Michigan’s Great Lake to Lake Trail running from Port Huron to South Haven. As well as the State of Michigan’s Iron Belle Trail running from Belle Isle to Ironwood.
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan 4-6
Chapter 4 Description of Public Input Process
2015-2019 City of Jackson and Jackson County Joint Recreation Plan
The County of Jackson developed its recreation plan in 2015. The following objectives from that report are pertinent to Concord:
X Goal #1: Develop lines of communication, collaboration, and cooperation with other local communities and recreation providers. Investigate various ways of communicating, collaborating, and cooperating with the other local providers of recreation in order to provide adequate facilities and programs throughout Jackson County as well as avoiding the duplication of facilities and services in any given sub-area of the county (i.e., the Dahlem Center, MacCready Reserve, etc.)
X Goal #2: Develop a non-motorized trail network Continue the efforts of both Jackson County and the City of Jackson to develop a non-motorized trail network:
Continue to implement the Jackson County Regional Trailway Study Encourage local governments to plan for and develop additional non-motorized trails which will supplement the framework proposed in the Regional Trailway Study Cooperate with and support the efforts of partners to increase access to water trails (i.e., blueways) throughout the City and County
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan 4-7 Chapter 4 Description of Public Input Process
Michigan Great Lake to Lake Trail-Port Huron to South Haven Branch (MAP 4-1)
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan 4-8 Chapter 4 Description of Public Input Process
Jackson County Trail Hub-Great Lake to Lake Trail System Map & Literature (MAP 4-2)
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan 4-9
Chapter 4 Description of Public Input Process
Michigan Iron Belle Trail Map (MAP 4-3)
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan 4-10 Chapter 4 Description of Public Input Process
Proposed Concord Extension of Falling Waters Trail, Great Lake to Lake Trail & Iron Belle Trail (MAP 4-4)
↑ N
Mill Pond Park /Falling Waters Trail
MAP 4-3 Legend
______Proposed Trail Extension Route
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan 4-11 Chapter 4 Description of Public Input Process
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan 4-12
Chapter 5
Goals and Objectives
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan
Chapter 5 Goals and Objectives
Goals and Objectives
The following goals and objectives were developed for the recreation plan:
Goal #1 Complete a no-motorized trail system, including sidewalks, which link all recreational facilities in the Village of Concord with Swains Lake County Park and the Falling Waters Trail System: X Develop a non-motorized trail system which includes bicycling, jogging, walking, and cross country skiing. X Construct a non-motorized path along the Village owned rail bed from North Main Street to Allman Road as part of Port Huron to South Haven Great Lake to Lake Trail and Iron Belle Trail from Belle Isle to Ironwood; thus connecting Norman Gottschalk Park to the Falling Waters Trail and X Supplement the sidewalk network, where needed, to increase the effectiveness of the trail system. Goal #2 Provide access to the Kalamazoo River at Spring Street location: X Develop a canoe/kayak launch on the southwest side of the Kalamazoo River at the Spring Street location. X Develop a better parking lot for increased usage and access to the Kalamazoo River at the Spring Street location. X Develop a picnic facility at Spring Street. Goal #3 Develop thirty-seven acres of Village-owned water-front land on Paddock Lake as a community-wide park: X Develop boat and fishing access to the lake, X Develop a nature interpretive area including the seven acres of wetland, and X Develop group and scattered picnic areas. Goal #4 Continue to develop and expand the existing Norman Gottschalk Park complex: X Improve existing ball fields by adding dugouts, trees for shade, water fountains, scoreboards, and bleachers; and X Construct in-line skate hockey court.
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan 5-2
Chapter 5 Goals and Objectives
Goal #5 Establish and coordinate a variety of programs that would be beneficial to residents of all ages in the community: X Develop additional activities, especially for long term, adaptable to leagues, for age levels not presently being serviced. X Further develop a self-improvement year-round programs for all ages in nature study, physical fitness, outdoor individual sports, and enrichment programs. Promote what is available through some type of brochure with maps, signage along trails and in parks, etc.; and X Promote/cooperate in expanding Concord Classic Weekend held annually at the end of June.
Goal #6 Fully utilize available public and private resources, where possible, while minimizing public expenditures and maximizing public convenience: X Improve mechanism for public relations, promotion of recreation services to the community, and involvement of the general public in the planning process; X Continue to improve the use of volunteers in the planning, operation, and maintenance of parks and in recreation programming; X Actively seek public donations for funding of recreation programs and activities; and X Investigate the possibility of providing new local recreation facilities for the general public within existing parks and schoolyards, as well as on private property, in addition to acquiring more local parkland. Possible mutual usage extends to the following facilities: X Village and township parks; X Concord Community Schools; X Jackson County Parks; X Michigan State Parks and State Game Recreation Areas; and X Interested and appropriate private recreation providers. Potential opportunities for shared facilities include: X Sledding (at Swains Lake County Park), cross-country skiing, ice skating, and other winter activities; and X Open-field activities including ball fields, soccer, flag football (at Concord School Fields), cross-country trails, model airplane/drone flying, and kite flying.
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan 5-3 Chapter 5 Goals and Objectives
Background Information
Input into developing the goals and objectives listed above included:
X existing recreation facilities available to Concord residents, regardless of the provider; X the health, age, and disabilities of Village residents; X possible funding and acquisition opportunities for land and facilities; X responses from recreation survey and recreation open house held in winter of 2016; and X the 2008-2012 edition of Concord Community Recreation Plan; Jackson Community Comprehensive Plan; Jackson County Regional Trailway Study; 2010-2015 Jackson County Recreation Plan; 2006 Jackson County Community Report Card; 2015-2019 City of Jackson and Jackson County Joint Recreation Plan, State of Michigan Great Lake to Lake and Iron Belle Trail Plan.
Public Involvement
Goal #1: Continuation of Falling Water’s Trail through the Village to Allman Road: The popularity of the Falling Water’s Trail for Village residents is evident in 59.2% of survey respondents said they enjoy using the Trail. It only makes sense to lengthen the Trail to Allman Road offering easier access points to the Falling Water’s Trail for Village residents as well as increase the length which Village residents could engage in trail activities upon. Lengthening the Falling Water’s Trail makes further sense because it offers other means for residents to access Norman Gottschalk Park (see: Goal #4) and Spring Street Park two of the Village’s recreational assets. The State of Michigan’s intention of including the proposed extension of the Village’s trail as a part of the Iron Belle and Great Lake to Lake Trail also influenced this goal. The popularity of the Village’s sidewalk system with 70.3% of survey respondents saying they use the system also shows the public’s interest in non-motorized trail and sidewalk improvements.
Goal #2: Improvements to the Spring Street Park: Improvements to Spring Street Park in particular the installation of a canoe/kayak launch which gives resident’s water access to the North Branch of the Kalamazoo River is in concert with the 2015-2019 Jackson County Joint Recreation Plan’s goal of increasing waterway (Blueways) trails within Jackson County. Village residents also enjoy using Spring Street for waterway activities with 34.7% of survey respondents saying they use the boat launch, fishing opportunities, and swimming offered there. Waterway activities were also popular at other Village Parks which offered them with 19% of Mill Pond Park, 24% of Paddock Lake Park, and 50% of Swains Lake Park survey respondents saying they enjoyed using these parks for water way activities such as fishing, boat launch, and swimming.
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan 5-4
Chapter 5 Goals and Objectives
Goal #3: Improvements to Paddock Lake Park: Improvements to Paddock Park particularly boat launch improvements which gives resident’s water access to Paddock Lake is in concert with the 2015-2019 Jackson County Joint Recreation Plan’s goal of increasing Jackson County resident’s access to waterways. Village residents also enjoy using Paddock Park for waterway activities with 24% of survey respondents saying they use the boat launch, fishing opportunities, and swimming offered there. Waterway activities were also popular at other Village Parks which offered them with 19% of Mill Pond Park, 34.7% of Spring Street Park, and 50% of Swains Lake Park survey respondents saying they enjoyed using these parks for water way activities such as fishing, boat launch, and swimming.
Goal #4: Improvements to Gottschalk Park: Gottschalk Park serves as the Village’s main park and is home to many of the youth recreation league sport activities for the area’s youth. Gottschalk Park was the Village’s most popular parks and recreation facility with more than 80% of survey respondents responding they enjoyed an activity offered there. Continued improvements are necessary to make the experiences of those residents who use this facility more enjoyable. A portion of the Village’s proposed trail extension of the Falling Water’s Trail which was popular with survey respondents (see Goal #1) will traverse through Gottschalk Park.
Goal #5: Establish and Coordinate Programs: Village residents have shown their interest in continuing and expanding upon Concord Classic Weekend with the number of attendees increasing with each subsequent year. The Village intends to continue the practice of cooperating and trying to expand upon this Village wide festival. With the popularity of youth sports leagues the Village will continue to partner with groups to offer these recreation opportunities as well as explore the establishment of others which may interest residents.
Goal #6: Utilization of Public and Private Resources: It is the goal of the Village to continue to work in conjunction with Concord Schools to offer recreation opportunities. The relationship of cooperation between the Village and Concord Schools is strong as we have partnered to bring our residents Concord Classic Weekend, the Circus in 2016, and made improvements within the community and school in conjunction with one another. The Village will continue to make efforts to supplement funding for park improvements through grant funding which our residents are appreciative of both financially and recreationally. The Village will continue to make efforts to match funding which arises through other donation sources such as electronic scoreboard partnership with the Jeremy Rothenberger Foundation and the local chapter of the Lions Club; backstop replacement construction of tee-ball diamond with the Concord Baseball Club. The Village looking will continue looking to make improvements to our existing parks, acquiring new recreationally relevant lands for future parks and recreation activities, and development of current Village owned lands which are significant recreationally.
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan 5-5 Chapter 5 Goals and Objectives
Collaboration with Other Recreation Providers
People seldom live, work, shop, and recreate solely within the boundaries of a single municipality therefore it makes sense cooperate with overlapping and adjacent authorities who also provide recreational facilities and programs in Greater Concord (e.g. the Village, the Township, and the School District). It may make sense for the Village to concentrate on specific project because a project addressing another identified recreation want/need is planned by a nearby provider. Of course, other facilities, such as a non-motorized trail system, often take an intergovernmental approach to develop.
Trail Development
The Jackson County Regional Trailway Study and the 2005-2009 Jackson County Recreation Plan proposes the Falling Water Trail which traverses the Village of Concord and connects it to Greater Jackson ( see: Appendix D). The Jackson Community Comprehensive Plan promotes walkable communities in general and the establishment of greenways (see: MAP B-1). The State of Michigan Great Lake to Lake Trail and Iron Belle Trail Plans proposes the Falling Waters Trail and the proposed Village of Concord trail extension (Village owned rail bed running west from South Main Street out to the Village limits on Allman Road) will serve as part of both the Port Huron to South Haven Great Lake to Lake Trail and the Iron Belle Trail which will run from Belle Isle to Ironwood (see: MAP 4-1 and MAP 4-3).
Obesity and generally being overweight are highlighted as concerns within the 2006 Jackson County Community Report Card and the Jackson Community Comprehensive Plan. For example, the Comprehensive plan developed the following objectives to address the issue:
X “Sidewalks should be encouraged to be provided in neighborhoods, subdivisions, and site condominium projects; and commercial areas. X “Pedestrian networks are encouraged to be developed which link subdivisions, neighborhoods, business districts, downtown areas, recreational areas, and connected to a system of regional pedestrian and bicycle trails.” X “Within downtown areas of the County pedestrian travel should be given priority over automobile and vehicular travel.” X “Several recreation plans for local government call for the construction of recreational trails. In addition, the Jackson Trailway’s Plan recommends several additional trails and trail extensions. These recommendations should be implemented as funding becomes available. Finally, trailways should be coordinated with the plans for trails in adjacent counties.”
Obesity and generally being overweight are highlighted as concerns within the 2012 Jackson County Community Health Assessment17, to address this issue the report recommends the following improvements:
X Better Sidewalks X Expansion of Bike Trails
17 Allegiance Health, (2012). 2012 Jackson County Community Health Assessment. Retrieved from: http://jacksondata.org/sites/jacksondata.org/files/users/reference/CommAssessR2012.pdf
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan 5-6 Chapter 5 Goals and Objectives
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan 5-7
Chapter 6
Action Program
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan
Chapter 6 Action Program
Action Program
1. Develop a non-motorized trail on the Village owned rail-bed from North Main Street to the west Village limits at Allman Road, connecting with the Falling Waters Trail using East River Street and serving as a section of State of Michigan’s Port Huron to South Haven Great Lake to Lake Trail and Iron Belle Trail from Ironwood to Belle Isle. 2. Develop a non-motorized trail/lane along East River Street from the east Village limits to North Main Street, connecting with the Falling Waters Trail at the east Village limits and serving as a section of State of Michigan Port Huron to South Haven Shore to Shore Trail and Iron Belle Trail from Ironwood to Belle Isle. 3. Develop a link between non-motorized trail at East River Street and North Main Street to the non-motorized lane on Pulaski Road to Swains Lake County Park. 4. Develop Spring Street Canoe/Kayak Launch on North Branch of Kalamazoo River. 5. Develop Paddock Lake Park including making improvements to boat launch area. 6. Continued improvements to Gottschalk Park. 7. Maximize the utilization of private and public resources to fund current and new park and recreation opportunities within the Village. 8. Possible purchase of wetlands and water rights to Mill Pond.
Background Information The Plans goals and objectives are the basis for the action program listed above.
Trail Development The first three goals of the Village Plan espouses the development of a non-motorized trail system which links all recreation facilities in the Village with Swains Lake County Park, the Falling Waters Trail, the Port Huron to South Haven Great Lake to Lake Trail and the Iron Belle Trail from Ironwood to Belle Isle. The final goal espouses the maximum utilization of private and public resources, a necessary component of many trail development efforts.
Recreation Access to Water The fourth, fifth and eighth goals of the Plan promotes access to three of the Village’s water assets, Paddock Lake, the North Branch of the Kalamazoo River and the Concord Mill Pond.
Concentrate on Making Improvements to Existing Parks Goals four through six espouses making improvements to existing parks currently in the Village. With the recent downturn in the economy it is more economically feasible to improve existing parks and recreation facilities then to build/acquire new. This idea is in concert with the seventh goal which calls for the maximum utilization of private and public resources.
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan 6-2
Chapter 6 Action Program
Village of Concord Proposed Parks and Recreation Projects 2016-2020 (MAP 6-1)
MAP 6-1 Legend Proposed Parks & Recreation Projects 2016 thru 2020
Gottschalk Park Improvements
Mill Pond and Wetlands Rights Purchase
Paddock Lake Park Improvements
Spring Street Kayak & Canoe Launch
North Main Trail Link to Non- Motorized Lane to Swains Lake County Park
Proposed North Main Street to Allman Road and River Street to North Main Trails
↑ N
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan 6-3 Chapter 6 Action Program
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan 6-4
Appendix A
Population Summary
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan
Appendix A Population Summary
The demographic composition of Villagers has an effect upon its recreational needs. For example:
X Population History & Projections – establish the need for general recreational facilities (standard for which are based upon the size of the population). X The Age & Sex of the Population – further refine the need for general recreational facilities balanced among various age groups and gender interests. X Household & Family Composition – further refine the need for general recreational facilities balanced between family oriented and individual activities. X Racial & Ethnic Composition – further refine the need for general recreational facilities balanced among the various interests of racial and ethnic groups. X Disabilities of Residents – establish the need for special recreation facilities and disability accommodations to the general recreation facilities. X Income – helps to illustrate the need for publicly-funded recreational facilities. POPULATION (TABLE A-1) Population History & Projections18 The population of the Village of Concord was compromised of 1050 1200 people in the year 2010 according to the US Census. The adjacent chart 1101 shows population increases in the Village between 1930 and 1960 and 1100 1050 990 983 between 1980 and 2000, with a slight decline from 2000 to 2010. 1000 Population projections are estimates, usually based past trends of real 944 900 growth. The period of time used in this study is 2015-2030 or twenty 900 years from the from the official 2010 census data. Various factors play a 800 role in the future population of a given area. Primary factors that affect PEOPLE 730 growth are births, deaths, in-migration and out-migration; a change in one 700 of these factors affects the others. In the following chart has been 603 618 projected at five year intervals. Five year projections can easily be 600 changed as situations occur (nationally as well as locally) that will affect in- and out-migration, such as new industrial or housing development. 500 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 YEAR
18 All data citied in Plan from this point forward retrieved from 2010 Census, US Census Bureau, Retrieved http://www.census.gov/2010census/data/
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan A-2
Appendix A Population Summary
A simple projection model has been used to estimate population growth the might reasonably be expected in the future for the Village. The Linear Method is based upon the following formulas.19
푃표−푃푚 Pn=Po(1+r) 푟 = ( /푌1) 푌2 푃푚
This model describes a pattern of population growth in which the population level will continue to change at a given rate based upon changes in population over the last 2-decades preceding the Year 2010. Based upon this information, it is reasonable to expect that the population of Concord will continue to increase over the next 20 years. It is also reasonable to expect that the 2015 population for the Village is around 1,079 and the 2020 population will be around 1,110.
POPULATION PROJECTIONS (TABLE A-2) 1200 1180 1173 1160 1141 1140 1120 1110 1100
PEOPLE 1079 1080 1060 1040 1020 2015 2020 2025 2030 YEAR
19 “Pn” is the future population level, “Po” is the base population level, “Pm” is the past population, “Y1”is the historic time period (20 years), and “Y2” is the future time period (5 years).
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan A-3
Appendix A Population Summary
Age & Sex of the Population
The median age of Village residents in 2010 was 40.9 years, higher than the 37.2 years for the nation that year. The median age of females and male residents were 40.2 and 42.6 years, respectively. As the figure illustrates, “Baby Boomers” people between 45 and 64 years of age in 2010—accounted for nearly a third (28.5%) of the population, ‘Gen X’—people between 25 and 44 years of age in 2010—accounted for just over a fifth of the (21.4%) of the population, ‘Gen Y’— people between 10 and 24 years of age in 2010—also accounted for just over a fifth of the (21.1%) of residents as well, ‘Silent Generation”—people at between 65 and 84 years of age in 2010—also accounted for 14% (14.2%) of the population, ‘Gen Z’—people between 0 and 9 years of age in 2010—accounted for 13% (13.2%) of residents, ‘Greatest Generation’—people 85 years of age and greater in 2010—accounted for 1% (1.3% )of the population. Over half (51.1%) of the Village’s population was female in 2010. AGE OF THE POPULATION (TABLE A-4) POPULATION BY GENERATION (TABLE A-3) Under 5 years 64 Greatest Gen 5 to 9 years 75 Silent Gen (65- (85+yrs), 14 10 to 14 years 90 Gen Z (0-9yrs), 139 84yrs), 150 15 to 19 years 77 20 to 24 years 55 Gen Y (10-24yrs), 25 to 29 years 39 222 30 to 34 years 48 35 to 39 years 59 Baby Boomer Gen 40 to 44 years 79 (45-64yrs), 300 45 to 49 years 93 50 to 54 years 91 55 to 59 years 68 Gen X (25-44yrs), 60 to 64 years 48 225 Gender Population, 2010 (TABLE A-5) 65 to 69 years 45 TOTAL MALE FEMALE 70 to 74 years 41 1050 513 537 75 to 79 years 26
Median Age of Population, 2010 (TABLE A-6) 80 to 84 years 38 TOTAL MALE FEMALE 85+ years 14 40.9 40.2 42.6
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan A-4
Appendix A Population Summary
Households and Family Composition
The majority of the population in the Village of Concord lived in households in 2010. Of the Types of Households TABLE (A-8) 412 households located in the Village, slightly less than three quarters (71.1%) were comprised of families (with or without children). While the majority of households in the Village Non-Family consisted of family households, non-family households compromised slightly over a quarter Household, Families 119 (28.8%). The average household size in 2010 was 2.55 people in the Village. The average With Kids, family size was 3.02 people in the Village. 164
AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD SIZE (TABLE A-7) Average Size of Household 2010 Average Size of Family Household 2010 2.55 People 3.02 People
Race and Ethnicity Composition
The racial and ethnic makeup of the Village of Concord is very homogeneous. The majority of Families Without the population (98.19%) in the Village identified their ethnicity as white (Caucasian) in 2010. Kids, 129 In contrast, only a small minority of the population in the Village (1.8%) considered themselves to be Hispanic (Latino/Latina). RACE of POPULATION 2010 (TABLE A-9)
Disabilities of Residents TOTAL POPULATION 1,050 WHITE 1,040 It is estimated that significant segments of the population of Jackson County had some type of BLACK OR AFRICAN AMERICAN 3 disability in 2010. More than one-seventh (15.4%) Jackson County residents were disabled in AMERICAN INDIAN AND ALASKA NATIVE 1 some way in 2010. In 2000, there were 175 people in Concord, MI listed as disabled. Villagers ASIAN 1 SOME OTHER RACE 1 with at least one disability compromised 17% of the population in 2000. Older residents were TWO OR MORE RACES 4 more apt to have a disability than their younger neighbors. People with ambulatory (mobility) difficulties also made up a greater percentage of those disabled as age increased. ETHNICITY of POPULATION 2010 (TABLE A-10)
HISPANIC OR LATINO (of any race) 19 NON-HISPANIC (of any race) 1,031
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan A-5
Appendix A Population Summary
Estimated Household Income.
The estimated median income (2006 through 2010) for all households was $46,107 Estimated Household Income within the Village of Concord. The estimated median income for all family 2006-2010 (TABLE A-12) households was $55,096 within the Village. The estimated median income for married couple family households was $63,409 within the Village. The estimated median $150,000 to $199,999 9 income (2006 through 2010) for all family households was $ $63,409 within the Village. The estimated median income for all non-family households was $30,833 $100,000 to $149,999 28 within the Village. $75,000 to $99,999 61 $50,000 to $74,999 82 Estimated Median Household Income, 2006-2010 (TABLE A-11) $35,000 to $44,999 92 All-Households Families Married Couple Families Non-Family $25,000 to $34,999 58 $46,107 $55,096 $63,409 $30,833 $15,000 to $24,999 20 $10,000 to $14,999 23
Less than $10,000 34
0 20 40 60 80 100
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan A-6
Appendix A Population Summary
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan A-7
Appendix B
Jackson Community Comprehensive Plan, 2000-2025
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan
Appendix B Jackson Community Comprehensive Plan 2000 - 2025
Selected Health Concerns—Overweight and Obesity Risk Factors20
“Many argue that ‘urban sprawl’ has contributed to ‘waistline sprawl’ in that it supports an automobile friendly environment rather than an environment where other modes of active transport (walking, cycling, and other non-motorized vehicles) are encouraged.”
“The U.S. Surgeon General has called for action to prevent and decrease overweight and obesity. The Health consequences of overweight and obesity have been labeled as ‘a public health issue that is among the most burdensome faced by the nation.’ This national health problem manifests itself in premature death and disability, high health care cost, loss of productivity, and social stigmatization. According to the Surgeon General’s call to action ‘To Prevent and Decrease Overweight and Obesity, 2001,’ there are many factors which cause overweight and obesity. ‘For each individual, body weight is determined by the combination of genetic, metabolic, behavioral, environmental, cultural, and social economic influences. Behavior and environmental factors are large contributions to overweight and obesity and provide the greatest opportunity for actions and interventions designed for prevention and treatment.”
“The availability of data regarding overweight and obesity specific to the area of Jackson County is lacking. Data regarding obesity for the State of Michigan is available through the Behavioral Rick Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS, 2001). The data reveals that in 1991, 15.2% of the State’s population was obese. At that time, Michigan’s rate of obesity was tied for third highest in the Nation with the state of West Virginia. Only the states of Mississippi and Louisiana exceeded Michigan in the rate obesity. In the year 2001, Michigan’s rate of obesity has climbed to 24.4%, the third highest in the nation, following the states of Mississippi and West Virginia. Sixty-one percent of Michigan’s population is either obese or overweight.”
The trend of Michigan residents becoming more obese and overweight has continued to today. In 2010, 66.8% of Michigan residents were either obese or overweight.21 According to the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey completed in 2012, 31.1% of the state of Michigan’s population was obese. According to the State of Obesity Organization, the state of Michigan currently has an obesity rate of 30.7% and is now the 17th most obese State in the U.S.22 Obesity Trends Michigan 1991-2012 (TABLE B-1) Year % Obese 1991 15.2 2001 24.4 2012 31.1
20 This section was excerpted from the Demographics Chapter of the Jackson Community Comprehensive Plan 2000-2025. 21 Overweight and Obesity in Michigan: Surveillance Update 2013-Michigan Department of Community Health 22 www.stateofobesity.org/states/mi/
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan B-2
Appendix B Jackson Community Comprehensive Plan 2000 - 2025
Actual Causes of Death in the United States, 2000
“The National Center of Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, an agency of the Center for Disease Control provides data on the actual cause of death in the United States for the year 2000. The category ‘Poor Diet/Physical Inactivity’ ranks second, in terms of percentage of all deaths, at 16.6%, closely behind tobacco use 18.1%.”
Factors Contributing to Unhealthy Weight
“The report ‘Health policy Options for Michigan Policy Makers: Promoting Healthy Weight in Michigan Through Physical Activity and Nutrition’ identifies factors which contribute to unhealthy weight. While several factors contribute to this problem, the report identifies factors which are of particular relevance to community growth, development, and planning. The report notes:
‘Physical and Social environmental barriers are present in Michigan that negatively affects physical activity and nutrition. Inadequate community infrastructure limits the ability to be active. These include lack of accessible indoor and outdoor exercise facilities, neighborhood sidewalks, walking paths, and bicycle trails. Additionally, inclement weather, lack of adequate recreational opportunities, and unattractive or unpleasant local environments may prevent people from exercising.’
‘Programs and policies are necessary to promote smart community growth and the establishment of urban and rural environments supportive of physical activity. Active community environments provide access to safe favorable conditions for physical activity and promote the development of social support networks that encourage activity.”23
“The report notes that various state departments, community planners, and community members should work together to promote active environments. The report also lists a series of policy recommendations including the following specific recommendations relative to what the report labels ‘active community environments,’24
1. Develop walkable communities by widening and maintaining or building sidewalks, safe roadways crossings, and aesthetically pleasing areas. 2. Encourage bicycling by developing, maintaining, and promoting the use of bike paths. 3. Require all urban planning and re-design—incorporate the concepts of active community environments and there by promote physical activity.”
23 Kreulen Pg. 10 24 Kreulen Pg. 18
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan B-3
Appendix B Jackson Community Comprehensive Plan 2000 - 2025
Issues, Goals, Policies, & Actions25
“The purpose of [the Jackson Community Comprehensive Plan] is to establish policies to guide the future growth and development of the Jackson Community. These policies, established at the community wide level, are intended to assist local units of government, including the County’s villages, townships, and the City of Jackson as they develop, amend, and implement their community plans, and zoning ordinances.”
“The policies formulated and adopted as a result of the process in preparing the Jackson Comprehensive Community Plan primary address land use and development issues which either transcend the boundary lines of local units of government, or are county-wide in nature. This regional perspective is critical. The strength of our governmental structure which is comprised of 19 townships, 6 villages, and the City of Jackson is the ability to deliver local government that is close to the people. Within the planning process the governmental structure provides each local unit the opportunity to determine how its community should grow and develop, and ultimately, the shape and form of the future community. The weakness in this arrangement of local units of government is the tendency to overlook the implications which have regional significance.”
A total of sixteen land use issues were identified. Issues with a recreation component are reprinted in their entirety:
Create a Walkable Community Urban Development Farmland Preservation Overzoning and Strip Commercial Development Historic Preservation Protection of Ground and Surface Water Quality Planning Coordination Wetlands Maximum Housing Choice Preservation of Open Space Open Ethical Governance and Citizen Participation Economic Diversity Sewer and Water Extension Innovative Planning and Zoning Culture The Movement of People and Goods
25 This section was excerpted from the Issues, Goals, Policies, & Actions Chapter of the Jackson Community Comprehensive Plan 2000-2025.
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan B-4
Appendix B Jackson Community Comprehensive Plan 2000 – 2025 Create a Walkable Community
“The automobile is firmly embedded in our culture. It simultaneously offers a measure of freedom; and yet also limits the freedom of movement both for the younger and older segments of our population, and to our citizens generally, through traffic congestion. In our urban areas, space is consumed for parking which negates the possibility for the creation of compact pedestrian-oriented development patterns. The automobile allows us freedom to work in distant places and live in rural areas, but also requires an expansive network of roads and highways to get us there.”
“Considerable attention has been focused recently on the health of our citizens. Physical inactivity and obesity of our citizens has been defined by health professionals as a serious threat to community health and well-being. While it is acknowledged that every citizen is free to make individual choices regarding means and mode of transportation, there is a need to insure that our communities are walkable. Indeed, within the concept of community, social contact and interaction, the sense of human scale, and community identity, are elemental:
Goal: “Community plans, development decisions and ultimately the shape and form our communities shall offer the opportunity for employment, commerce, recreation, and social interaction within community centers and neighborhoods which are walkable.”
Policies and Actions
1. “Within defined community centers and neighborhood areas as identified in this plan, and the plans of local communities of government in Jackson County, development should be promoted which is compact and which fosters higher densities.” 2. “Sidewalks should be encouraged to be provided in neighborhoods, subdivisions, and site condominium projects; and commercial areas.” 3. “Pedestrian networks are encouraged to be developed which link subdivisions, neighborhoods, business districts, downtown areas, recreational areas; and connected to a system of regional pedestrian and bicycle trails.” 4. “Parking shall be encouraged to be located in areas that do not impede pedestrian travel.” 5. “Within downtown areas of the County pedestrian travel should be given priority over automobile and vehicular travel.” 6. “Local communities should review the commercial zoning districts to promote commercial uses which thrive on pedestrian traffic to be grouped together, and to assure that commercial uses which are oriented toward vehicular traffic are established as permitted uses in separate commercial zoning districts. Small commercial areas which offer goods and services to neighborhood areas should be encouraged.” 7. “Communities should review their patterns of residential distribution and attempt to promote and strengthen neighborhoods which offers parks, elementary schools, and neighborhood commercial areas within walking distance.” 8. Several recreation plans for local government call for the construction of recreational trails. In addition, the Jackson County Trailways Plan recommends several additional trails and trail extensions. These recommendations should be implemented as funding becomes available. Finally, trailways should be coordinated with the plans for trails in adjacent counties.”
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan B-5
Appendix B Jackson Community Comprehensive Plan 2000 - 2025
Historic Preservation
“The community of today grew out of the community of the past. Current development patterns, street networks, neighborhoods, clusters of buildings, and single buildings themselves are reflective of the unique mix of culture and history in which the Jackson Community grew and developed. This unique history gave the community identity and is a reflection of community heritage.”
“Today’s mass culture and the influence of mass media, in conjunction with the consolidation and growth of businesses and industries within the economy have resulted in development which is a replica of development which is occurring communities across the nation. Forces of community today tend to result ubiquity. Sameness results in a loss of identity.” “As our economy has grown nationally, and the implications of this growth have been experienced locally, both the benefits and the liabilities of such growth become manifest. While products have become more varied and accessible, the commercial delivery system which provides these products through “big box” stores, and drive-thru “fast food” restaurant has tended to reduce the diversity and appearance of the urban landscape. As a result, the importance of historic preservation has never been greater, and over time becomes more and more important to maintain community identity and diversity. The preservation of historic buildings and structures provide a vital link to our heritage.”
Goal: “Jackson County communities shall identify historic and cultural resources and develop policies, programs, and regulations to promote their continued use and survival.”
Policies and Actions
1. “Historic and unique community features, structures, and buildings should be identified, mapped and preserved.” 2. “Jackson County communities should educate developers, and the public at large, about the availability of tax credits offered through the State of Michigan for historic preservation, and encourage this application of these credits.” 3. “Local planning commissions should consider the impacts of development decisions on historic and cultural resources.”
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan B-6
Appendix B Jackson Community Comprehensive Plan 2000 - 2025
Culture
“The concept of a community implies more than simply a place to live, work, engage in commerce, and play. Communities are places of social interaction, where people meet face to face. Communities provide the structure necessary for cultural growth and development.”
“Communities are places where governance occurs. They are places where people pray. They are places where information is exchanged. Communities are elementally important in our cultural system, acting as clearinghouses for all that makes people human. They are the bartering places for the exchange of ideas and culture. The Comprehensive Plan should support this important role.”
Goal: “Community Centers facilitate social interaction and assemblage, and provide a space for, and enhance, culture.”
Policies and Actions
1. Buildings and structures which facilitate or enhance our culture: city, township, and village halls; schools; libraries; museums; and churches should be identified, mapped and protected.” 2. “Indoor and outdoor place of public assemblage and opportunity for public gathering should be promoted within our community centers.” 3. “Communities should inventory, promote, and maintain their public spaces, and promote their use and safety.”
Preservation of Open Space
“To many citizens in Jackson County, the rural areas of the County are appealing because of the open space which exists there. Many residents, have in fact, selected home sites in rural areas because of the open rural quality such areas afford. Obviously, with additional development in rural areas comes a loss in open space and the values which attracted rural development in the first place.”
Goal: “Preservation of Open Space shall be encouraged.”
Policies and Actions
1. “Local units of government are encouraged to apply cluster-zoning provisions to preserve open space and maintain rural character.” 2. “Policies contained within this report to encourage development to be located within existing urban and developed areas and to encourage higher densities should be implemented.”
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan B-7
Appendix B Jackson Community Comprehensive Plan 2000 - 2025
The Community Plan26
“The Jackson Community Comprehensive Plan is intended to provide guidance for the future growth and development of the Jackson County area. The Plan was prepared in accordance with generally accepted practices for the development of comprehensive plans.”
1. “The Plan is long-range. The Plan provides a policy guide for growth and development from the date of adoption of the plan in 2000, through the year 2025.” It is intended to provide long-range vision for the Community based upon anticipated economic growth, population and household projection, the existing pattern of development, and preferred growth and development patterns.” 2. “The Plan is intended to be general in nature rather than specific. Because the Plan is a statement of policy, it is expressed as a generalized or conceptual, plan for future land use, rather than indicating specific land uses for specific parcels of land.” 3. “The Plan is intended to be flexible. The Plan can be amended following the adherence to legal requirements as established by state law. Communities, and the events which affect them, are subject to change over time. The Plan is not intended to be static, but can be revised as needed to respond to change in circumstance.’ 4. “The Plan is a statement of policy. It is advisory in nature, setting forth the vision for the future.”
Greenways Plan
The “Greenways Plan’ for the Jackson Community, identifies a network of greenways proposed throughout Jackson County. This network generally follows wetlands areas, drainage ways, and forested lands. The network recognizes these areas as a part of Jackson County’s natural system which should be preserved. The preservation of this system helps assure high quality surface water, wildlife habitat and movement, diversity, and can be used to help define urban growth.” “Much of the Greenways Plan tends to be self-implementing. Development in wetland areas is limited by the practical difficulties associated with the development of these lands. Soils in these areas are wet, compressive strength to support development is lacking, and the cost of development in wetland areas is high. In addition, wetlands are protected by the Michigan Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, Act 451 of 1994.”
“The prohibition of all forms of development within this area is not necessary. Some very low-density development can be incorporated without damage to the integrity of the greenway. Roads and highways transect the network as numerous locations throughout the County. As this Plan is further developed and implemented it may be likely that there are strategic points within the network that require some type of preservation action. In some locations the width of the greenway is very narrow. Conservation easements may be a good means of assuring continuity in these areas.”
“The Greenways Plan sets a foundation for the development of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan within the natural system which exists in Jackson County. In some instances greenways may help to define urban areas and separate these urban areas from rural areas of the County.”
“For all of the foresaid reasons and simply so citizens have the opportunity for contact with nature, the implementation of the Plan would significantly improve the quality of life in Jackson County.”
26 This section was excerpted from the Plan Chapter of the Jackson Community Comprehensive Plan 2000-2025.
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan B-8
Appendix B Jackson Community Comprehensive Plan 2000 - 2025
The Land Use Plan
The “Land Use Plan sets forth a spatial vision for the future growth and development of the Jackson Community. It is intended, generally, to promote future development within areas which are currently developed. These areas tend to contain the infrastructure necessary to support growth and development. They are areas where higher densities and intensities of land use are to be encouraged. The Plan recognizes the importance of making the urban areas which exist within the County better places to live. The Plan focuses cultural amenities within these areas, and encourages beautification and redevelopment programs, and special attention to ties within these areas, and the provision of parks in neighborhood areas, and the provision of a network of pedestrian and bicycle pathways. Generally, as a matter of governmental policy development within rural areas is to be discouraged.”
“The Plan identifies industrial, commercial, residential and agricultural and open space areas. Industrial areas are clustered within the community at locations where existing industrial land uses already exist, and where infrastructure is sufficiently provided, or proposed to be provided to accommodate these intense uses. As such industrial areas are located among major transportation arteries which afford access to jobs for the residents of Jackson County, as well as transportation to other regions of the state and nation for receipt seat of materials for the production process, and the distribution of goods and products produced in the Jackson area.”
“Proposed commercial areas follow existing patterns of commercial development, and allow for commercial expansion within, and adjacent to, these commercial areas. Continued growth and development of small commercial area in rural villages and population settlements is encouraged. Small commercial development which would serve neighborhoods, though not shown on the Plan Map, is encouraged to be developed. The Plan supports the development of commercial areas which are intensive and compact in which many commercial services are offered to customers within a small area. This pattern of commercial development will reduce the need for automobile travel.”
“The principles which have been applied to the location of industrial and commercial uses on the land use plan also apply to residential uses. Generally, areas proposed for higher intensity residential development are located in areas of existing residential development. These areas are associated with the urban area of the City of Jackson, and urbanizing portions of Blackman, Leoni, Spring Arbor, and Summit Townships.”
“Additional urban development is proposed in lake areas where sewer systems exist or are planned, and in the Village areas of Brooklyn, Concord, Grass Lake, Hanover, Parma, and Springport. Further development is proposed in the unincorporated areas of Blackman, Leoni, Spring Arbor, and Summit Townships.”
“Residential development in rural areas will continue, but should not be encouraged. Within rural areas local townships should pursue and encourage clustered housing with secured, permanent open space to be preferred over large lot single family development.”
“Existing agriculture should be encouraged in rural areas of the County, particularly where there are prime soils, or productive farms.”
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan B-9
Appendix B Jackson Community Comprehensive Plan 2000 – 2025
Jackson County Greenways Plan (MAP B-1)
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan B-10
Appendix B Jackson Community Comprehensive Plan 2000 – 2025 2025 Jackson County Land Use Plan (MAP B-2)
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan B-11
Appendix B Jackson Community Comprehensive Plan 2000 - 2025
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan B-12
Appendix C
Recreation and Resource Inventories
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan
Appendix C Recreation and Resource Inventories
NRPA PARK STANDARDS (TABLE C-1)27 ACRES TYPE OF AREA USE SERVICE SIZE /1,000 SITE FEATURES AREA MINI-PARK SPECIALIZED FACILITIES THAT LESS THAN ¼ 1 .25 TO WITHIN NEIGHBORHOODS AND IN SERVE A CONCENTRATED OR MILE RADIUS ACRE .50 PROXIMITY TO APARTMENT COMPLEXES, LIMITED POPULATION OR SPECIFIC OR TOWNHOUSES OR HOUSING FOR THE GROUP SUCH AS TOTS OR SENIOR LESS ELDERLY. CITIZENS NEIGHBORHOOD AREA FOR INTENSE RECREATION ¼ TO ½ MILE 15 1 TO 2 SUITED FOR INTENSE DEVELOMENT. PARK OR ACTIVITIES, SUCH AS FIELD RADIUS TO ACRE EASILY ACCESSIBLE TO NEIGHBORHOOD PLAYGROUND GAMES, COURT GAMES, CRAFTS, SERVE A S POPULATIONS GEOGRAPHICALLY PLAYGROUND APPARATUS AREA, POPULATION CENTERED WITH SAFE WALKING AND BIKE SKATING, PICNICING, WADING UP TO 5,000— ACCESS. MAYBE DEVELOPED AS A SCHOOL POOLS, ETC. A NEIGHBOR- PARK FACILITY. HOOD COMMUNITY AREA OF DIVERSE MORE THAN 15+ 5 TO 8 MAY INCLUDE NATURAL FEATURES, SUCH PARK ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY. MAY ONE ACRE AS WATER BODIES, AND AREAS SUITED FOR INCLUDE AREAS SUITED FOR NEIGHBOR- S INTENSE DEVELOPMENT. EASILY INTENSE RECREATIONAL HOOD 1 TO 2 ACCESSIBLE TO NEIGHBORHOOD SERVED. FACILITIES, SUCH AS ATHLETIC MILE RADIUS COMPLEXES, LARGE SWIMMING POOLS. MAYBE AN AREA OF NATURAL QUALITY FOR OUTDOOR RECREATION, SUCH AS WALKING, VIWEING, SITTING, PICNICING. MAYBE ANY COMBINATION OF THE ABOVE, DEPEDING UPON SITE SUITABILITY AND COMMUNITY NEED.
27 ROGER A. LANCASTER, ED; 1983. RECREATION, PARK AND OPEN SPACE STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES, ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA: NATIONAL RECREATION AND PARK ASSOCIATION, P. 56-57.
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan C-2
Appendix C Recreation and Resource Inventories
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan C-3
Appendix D
Non-Motorized Multiuse Trails
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan
Appendix D Non-Motorized Multiuse Trails
Jackson County Regional Trailway Study 2002
The Jackson County Trailway Committee (JCRTC) was initiated by residents of Jackson County active in the development of tails. The JCRTC consisted of members from the community who saw the need to assist in the coordination of trail development efforts of the Jackson County Parks Department, the City of Jackson’s Park Department, Summit Township, Blackman Township, Spring Arbor Township, the Falling Water’s Trail Committee and the Lakeland Trail effort. The committee acquired funds through donations from the Weatherwax Foundation, Region 2 Planning Commission, Foundation for a Healthy Community (an umbrella organization of Foote Hospital) and a private donation to hire Lansing based Landscape Architects and Planners Inc. (L.A.P.) to help guide the community in the development of a county wide vision plan for trails.
The Trailway Vision Plan is a map of Jackson County showing the potential trail routes. The process of developing the Plan began with two public meetings. Both meetings provided information to the public and were intended to gain input to guide the vision plan. A preliminary Plan was presented at three public meetings. This allowed the community additional opportunities to comment on the plan and participate in its development. The Plan was presented to the JCRTC for final comments. The final Plan has been included in this report.
The following goals and objective represent the JCRTC’s vision for trails and its past experience in trail development. These goals and objectives will guide the planning approach in development of the Jackson Regional Trailway Study:
X Provide a basis for potential greenways/trails development by researching and furnishing technical data, thus identifying connections to natural, cultural, and scenic features (including ecological habitat, historical landmarks, and aesthetic elements). X Work collaboratively with the JCRTC, local interest groups, planning officials, and the general public in developing greenways/trails plan which provides a rational base for the best trail route(s). X Propose the safest trails, roadways, river routes, and crossings. X Communicate the pros and cons of the potential route(s) for the greenway/trails. X Plan for access points (trailheads), rest rooms, parking lots, and other support facilities. X Recommend operations/maintenance systems for the greenways/trails. X Recommend development standards for the greenways/trails.
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan D-2
Appendix D Non-Motorized Multiuse Trails
Lakeland Trail – 15.4 Miles
“The Lakeland Trail will serve as a connection between the City of Jackson and Jackson County and the counties of Ingham, Livingston, and Washtenaw. This trail will be an extension of the existing Lakeland Trail that runs through Livingston County.
The Lakeland Trail will be developed on an abandoned railroad bed. A trail head is proposed at the beginning of this trail…[at] the Coty of Jackson’s Waste Water Treatment Plant. This trail is envisioned to connect the townships in northeast Jackson County, forming linear parks and walking loops.”
Henrietta Loop – 19.9 Miles
“This trail will improve an existing bike route in Henrietta Township. The proposed route has multiple stops along the way, including Pleasant Lake County Park, [the] Munith Picnic Area, and many restaurants and stores. Pleasant Lake County Park is a potential trail head.”
Portage Lake Trail – 6.5 Miles
“The Portage Lake Trail branches off of the Lakeland Trail. It would improve an existing bicycle route, which offers a pleasant ride through some of the Waterloo State Recreation Area. It also passes the Portage Lake County Park, which may serve as a trail head.”
North Trail – 7.6 Miles
“This trail is proposed to tie into the Lakeland Trail and head north along the Grand River up to Lansing Avenue, just south of Losey Road. From this point, the trail would travel north along Lansing Avenue to Ingham County…[Possible] trail heads could be located at the Maple Grove Bridge Access Site.”
Blackman Township Loop – 8 Miles
“This trail system is designed as a loop within the Township. The loop will connect the residential areas with the natural area north of I-94. The property is part of the flight zones of Reynolds Municipal Airport, which cannot be developed. This trail will also have the potential to connect to the North Trail, Lakeland Trail, Jackson Inter-City Trail, and the Airport Trail.”
Inter-City Trail – 7.5 Miles
“The trail starts at Weatherwax Drive and runs [northeast] along an abandoned railroad right-of-way. The trail continues through the Martin Luther King Center grounds and then heads northwest along Airline Drive toward the Central Business District (CBD). This trail connects the CBD with the City’s parks, schools, and neighborhoods. The trail continues along the Grand River to the Farmer’s Market, the Jackson County Fairgrounds, and the National Guard [Armory (old State Prison)]. After crossing North Street a pedestrian bridge will cross the Grand River to connect to Lions Park and the Lakeland Trail.”
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan D-3
Appendix D Non-Motorized Multiuse Trails
Airport Trail – 5.5 Miles
“The Airport Trail serves as a connection from Blackman Township to the Falling Waters Trail. This trail loops around the airport then heads south towards the Falling Waters Trail. It passes through multiple residential areas, Lumen Christi High School, and the Cascades Golf Course. It also joins Jackson Inter-City Trail, which joins a potential route to Ella Sharp Park.”
Falling Waters Trail – 11.5 Miles
“The Falling Waters Trail is the gateway to the west…[connecting] to the southwest end of the Inter-City Trail and [traveling] west through Summit and Spring Arbor Townships to the Village of Concord…an arm of the trail could connect the [settlement of] Spring Arbor to the north. Another arm of the trail could make the connection to Swains Lake County Park in Concord by using the existing trail along Pulaski Road…It is our understanding that future trails are envisioned in Calhoun County to the west. It would be possible to connect these trails to provide a route to Albion and the Coty of Battle Creek.”
Hanover Trail – 8.9 Miles
“This trail is designed on an abandoned railroad bed much like the Falling Waters and Lakeland Trails. However, this suggested as an alternate trail because land ownership along the rail bed has reverted back to private owners. To gather these properties into a single public ownership would be a challenging task. A possible trail head for this trail could be [Alfred A.] Snyder County Park in Horton.”
Summit Township Loop – 7.2 Miles
“The Summit Township Loop serves as a major connector linking multiple features and neighborhoods within Summit Township. This trail would start and finish in Ella Sharp Park and have connections to the Dahlem Nature Center, the Jackson Community College Campus, the Jackson Intermediate School District Complex,…and Vandercook Lake County Park. There is also potential connection to the South Trail and the Falling Waters Trail. Jackson Community College is a good location for a potential trail head.”
Ella Sharp Park Trail and Sparks Foundation County Park – 4.4 Miles
“This trail loops around many areas within Ella Sharp Park and is needed to separate vehicular traffic from pedestrian traffic. It will also use part of the Inter-City Trail to [Sparks Foundation (Cascades) County Park]. Both of these parks have potential to be used as trail heads.”
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan D-4
Appendix D Non-Motorized Multiuse Trails
South Trail – 19.5 Miles
“The South Trail is proposed to run parallel to U.S. 127 within the right-of-way of the highway. The trail would be designed to use previously built but now abandoned highway bridges and road bed. These areas will accommodate a proposed trail. Austin Blair Roadside Park might be a possible trail head, with approval of the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT)…The main route has an arm that stretches from U.S. 127 through Brooklyn to the W.J. Hayes State Park [via Jefferson Road and M-124 (the existing Mark Harrison Trail)]. This trail has potential of connecting to the River Raisin Greenway, currently under development, in Tecumseh, Michigan.”
Connection to Existing Trail on Page Avenue – 0.3 Miles
“Page Avenue has an existing [8-foot] wide trail. The proposed trail would cross U.S. 127 and connect with the City of Jackson. A route could be developed from the existing trail into the River Raisin Greenway in Tecumseh. Though a route for this connection has not yet been planned, it could potentially tie into the Sharonville State Wildlife Management Area before entering Washtenaw County.”
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan D-5
Appendix D Non-Motorized Multiuse Trails
Jackson County Proposed Trail System (MAP D-1)
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan D-6
Appendix D Non-Motorized Multiuse Trails
Provisions for Non-Motorized Transportation in ‘Act 51’
Act No. 51 of the Public Acts of 1951, commonly referred to as ‘Act 51,’ created the Michigan Transportation Fund (MTF) which is the mechanism for distributing the state gas tax to eligible transportation agencies (e.g., the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT); county road commissions; and city and village departments of public works (townships are served through road commissions). ‘Act 51’ also contains Michigan’s legal system for classifying roads28:
X state trunklines (e.g., Interstate (I), United States (US), and Michigan (M) routes; X county primary roads and city and village major streets; and X county, city, & village local roads and streets).
Non-Motorized Provisions in ‘Act 51’ (Sec. 10k)
‘Act 51’ requires that a reasonable amount—or at least a value not less than 1%—of an agency’s annual MTF allocation shall be expended on the construction or improvement of non-motorized services and facilities. However, funds can be spent over a period not to exceed 10 years. ‘Act 51’ also states the non-motorized facilities may be established in conjunction with or separate from already existing highways, roads, and streets; new road construction; and road reconstruction and that those facilities shall be established when a highway, road or street is being constructed, reconstructed or relocated.
‘Act 51’ provides a potential funding source for the development of non-motorized facilities which the Heart of the Lakes Recreation Commission should explore. However, since ‘Act 51’ was passed into law in order to facilitate mobility (i.e., transportation and economic development), only projects which can fulfill a transportation need as well as a recreation opportunity are eligible for this funding. It should also be pointed out that only the Village of Brooklyn receives ‘Act 51’ funds directly and that funding is modest; townships are served by the Jackson County Road Commission.
28 State trunklines, county primary roads, and village and city streets are MTF-eligible facilities. However, this is not true for all local streets and roads.
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan D-7
Appendix D Non-Motorized Multiuse Trails
WORK CREDITABLE AGAINST THE SEC. 10K EXPENDITURE REQUIREMENT (TABLE D-1)
DESCRIPTION OF WORK CREDITABLE WORK ELIGIBLE COSTS NON-ROAD FACILITIES ENG. CONST. SHARED USE PATHS (AS A PROJECT) ALL ENGINEERING / CONSTRUCTION 100% 100% SHARED USE PATHS (AS PART OF A 1) ALL PATH RELATED CONSTRCUTION PRO-RATED29 100% OF 1) ROAD PROJECT) 2) NON-PATH WORK IN THE ROAD PROJECT, NECESSITATED & 2) BY THE PATH COMPONENT (E.G. EXTRA FILL, CULVERT EXTENSION, ETC.); AND PRORATED ENGINEERING COSTS. 3) PRORATED ENGINEERING COSTS. SHARED USE STRUCTURES ALL ENGINEERING / CONSTRUCTION 100% 100% BICYCLE PARKING ACQUSITION AND INSTALLATION 100% 100% SIDEWALKS, RAMPS, & CURB CUTS ALL ENGINEERING / CONSTRUCTION 100% 100% SIGNS, PAVEMENT MARKINGS, & ALL WORK SPECIFICALLY ASSOCIATED WITH THE NON- 100% 100% SIGNALS MOTORIZED FACILITY AND ITS PEDESTRIAN/NON-MOTORIZED USERS
ROAD FACILITIES ENG. CONST. BIKE LANES AND ASSOCIATED THAT PORTION OF THE ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION THAT PRO-RATED PRO- SIGNAGE/PAVEMENT MARKING CAN BE ATTRIBUTED TO THE BIKE LANE RATED SHOULDER PAVING (AS A PROJECT) ALL ENGINEERING / CONSTRUCTION 100% 100% SHOULDER PAVING (AS A PART OF THAT PORTION OF THE ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION THAT PRO-RATED PRO- OTHER ROAD/BRIDGE CAN BE ATTRIBUTED TO THE RATED30 CONSTRUCTION, RECONSTRUCTION, RESURFACING, OR WIDENING WORK) ROAD & BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION OR THAT PORTION OF THE ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION THAT PRO-RATED PRO- RECONSTRUCTION, RESURFACING, & CAN BE ATTRIBUTED TO THE RATED31 WIDENING
29 PRORATION: E NM= (C NM / C TOT) X E TOT, WHERE E=ENGINEERING $S & C=CONSTRUCTION $S 30 PRORATION: C NM= (W NM / W TOT) X C TOT, WHERE W=WIDTH OF ROADWAY & C=CONSTRUCTION $S 31 PRORATION: C NM= (W NM / W TOT) X C TOT, WHERE W=WIDTH OF ROADWAY & C=CONSTRUCTION $S NOTE: ONLY ROAD/BRIDGE PROJECTS AY ITEMS WHICH INCLUDE THE NON-MOTORIZED WIDTH IN THE WIDTH PRORATION
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan D-8
Appendix D Non-Motorized Multiuse Trails
Project Eligibility
Eligible non-motorized facility improvements include but are not limited to:
X On-road facilities—non-motorized accommodations built in a roadway (e.g., shoulder paving; a share of road/bridge construction, reconstruction, resurfacing, or widening, and striped bicycle lanes); X Off-road facilities—are accommodations which occur off the edge of a road or street although they may still be within its right-of-way (e.g., ramps and curb-cuts where paths or sidewalks cross roadways, bicycle parking facilities; and signs, pavement markings, and signals); and X Sidewalks.
‘Act 51’ states that the 1% set-aside may not be attributed to a non-motorized project when:
X the cost of establishing the non-motorized facilities would be disproportionate to needs; X where the establishment of non-motorized facilities would be contrary to public safety; X where adequate non-motorized facilities already exist; X where local matching funds are not available (e.g. projects using federal funds); or X where previous expenditures and projected expenditures for non-motorized facilities exceed 1% of the agency’s MTF allocation, thus making additional expenditures discretionary.
Since MTF funding can only be spent on eligible roads and streets, the 1% set-aside can only be attributed to eligible roads and streets in the case of on-road facilities. It should also be pointed out that all improvements must meet established design criteria for non-motorized facilities. ‘Act’ 51 also requires agencies to consult with their MDOT development region in the preparation & submittal of a 5-year program of non-motorized projects. However, this requirement has yet to be clarified by MDOT.
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan D-9
Appendix D Non-Motorized Multiuse Trails
Non-Motorized Facility Safety Standards
Safety is a concern when designing non-motorized facilities. What should be the minimum standard for the type of non-motorized facility to build given the type of roads or streets they augment? The National Functional Classification (NFC) System classifies roads according to their importance (i.e., how busy they are):
X Principal Arterials—interstates and other freeways, state (e.g., US and M) routes between large cities, and important surface streets in large cities. X Minor Arterials—state routes between smaller cities; medium-important surface streets in large cities; and important surface streets in smaller cities. X Collectors—county farm-to-market roads (major and minor) and various connecting streets in large and smaller cities (urban) X Local Roads/Streets—residential streets and lightly traveled county roads; and X Private Roads/Streets—local roads streets that are owned and maintained privately.
The Village of Concord hosts principal arterials, minor arterials, collectors (urban/major, and minor), local roads/streets, and private streets. The following non- motorized standards are encouraged based upon those types of roadways:
Recommended Non-Motorized Standards (TABLE D-2) Road/Street Type Facility Type(s) Principal Arterials Multiuse Paths Minor Arterials Sidewalks/Multiuse Paths Urban/Major Collectors Sidewalks and Bike Lanes/Multiuse Paths Minor Collectors Sidewalks and Bike Lanes Local Roads/Streets Sidewalks Private Roads/Streets Sidewalks
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan D-10
Appendix D Non-Motorized Multiuse Trails
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan D-11
Appendix E
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Survey Results
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan
Appendix E Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Survey Results
The first question concerned the time of day Area residents most often used the recreational facilities offered and opportunities available.
1.) What time of day are you most likely to visit/use one of Concord’s parks and recreation facilities/opportunities?
Morning Afternoon Evening
Time of Day-Survey Question #1 (TABLE E-1) Time of Day- Survey Question #1 Results (TABLE E-2) What time of day are you most likely to visit/use one of Concord's parks and recreation facilities/opportunities? Village of Concord Michigan Parks and Recreation Plan Survey
70.0% What time of day are you most likely to visit/use one of 62.1% Concord's parks and recreation facilities/opportunities? 60.0% Response Answer Options Response Count 51.5% Percent 50.0% Morning 12.6% 13 40.0% Afternoon 51.5% 53 Evening 62.1% 64 30.0% answered question 103 skipped question 0 20.0% 12.6% 10.0%
0.0% Morning Afternoon Evening
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan E-2
Appendix E Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Survey Results
The second question asked Area residents to identify the recreational facilities and opportunities specifically used by Area residents within Norman Gottschalk Park.
2.) Which park and recreation facility/opportunity do you use most often and/or find most enjoyable at Norman Gottschalk Park? If you don't use/don't find enjoyable the parks and recreation facility/opportunities at Norman Gottschalk Park please choose the answer "Don't Use":
Playground Equipment Baseball/Softball Diamonds Soccer Field Multi-Use Trail
Recreation Sports Leagues Basketball/Tennis/Volleyball Court Don’t Use
Gottschalk Park-Survey Question #2 (TABLE E-3)
Gottschalk Park-Survey Question #2 Results (TABLE E-4) Norman Gottschalk Park Use/Enjoyability Village of Concord Michigan Parks and Recreation Plan Survey Playground Equipment Which park and recreation facility/opportunity do you use most often and/or find most enjoyable at Norman Gottschalk Park? If you don't use/don't find 19.6% Baseball/Softball enjoyable the parks and recreation Diamonds facility/opportunities at Norman Gottschalk Park please choose the answer "Don't Use": 33.3% Soccer Field Response Response Answer Options 2.9% Percent Count Basketball/Tennis/Volley Playground Equipment 33.3% 34 ball Courts Baseball/Softball Diamonds 15.7% 16 Soccer Field 5.9% 6 13.7% Basketball/Tennis/Volleyball Multi-Use Trail 8.8% 9 Courts Multi-Use Trail 13.7% 14 Recreation Sports Recreation Sports Leagues 2.9% 3 8.8% 15.7% Leagues Don't Use 19.6% 20 5.9% answered question 102 Don't Use skipped question 1
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan E-3
Appendix E Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Survey Results
The third question asked Area residents to identify the recreational facilities and opportunities specifically used by Area residents at Concord Community Schools.
3.) Which park and recreation facility/opportunity do you use most often and/or find most enjoyable at Concord Community Schools? If you don't use/don't find enjoyable the parks and recreation facility/opportunities at Concord Community Schools please choose the answer "Don't Use":
Playground Equipment Baseball/Softball Diamonds Track
Football/Soccer Field Basketball Court Don’t Use
Concord Schools-Survey Question #3 (TABLE E-5) Concord Schools-Survey Question #3 Results (TABLE E-6)
Concord Schools Use/Enjoyability Village of Concord Michigan Parks and Recreation Plan Survey Which park and recreation facility/opportunity do you use most often and/or find most enjoyable at Concord Community Schools? If you don't use/don't find enjoyable the parks and recreation facility/opportunities at Concord Community Schools please choose the 24.3% Playground answer "Don't Use": 31.1% Equipment Response Response Baseball/Softball Answer Options Percent Count Diamonds Football/Soccer Playground Equipment 31.1% 32 Fields Basketball Court Baseball/Softball Diamonds 10.7% 11 10.7% Football/Soccer Fields 12.6% 13 Track Basketball Court 10.7% 11 10.7% Track 10.7% 11 10.7% 12.6% Don't Use 24.3% 25 answered question 103 skipped question 0
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan E-4
Appendix E Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Survey Results
The fourth question asked Area residents to identify the recreational facilities and opportunities specifically used by Area residents at Concord’s Mill Pond Park a Falling Waters Trailhead.
4.) Which park and recreation facility/opportunity do you use most often and/or find most enjoyable at Concord's Mill Pond Park a Falling Water's Trailhead? If you don't use/don't find enjoyable the parks and recreation facility/opportunities at Concord's Mill Pond Park a Falling Water's Trailhead please choose the answer "Don't Use":
Fishing Opportunities Multi-Use Trail Boat Launch Swimming Don’t Use
Mill Pond Park-Survey Question #4 (TABLE E-7) Mill Pond Park-Survey Question #4 Results (TABLE E-8)
Concord Mill Pond Park Falling water Trailhead Village of Concord Michigan Parks and Use/Enjoyability Recreation Plan Survey Which park and recreation facility/opportunity do you use most often and/or find most enjoyable at Concord's Mill Pond Park a Falling Water's Trailhead? If you don't 21.4% use/don't find enjoyable the parks and recreation facility/opportunities at Concord's Mill Pond Park a Falling Multi-Use Trail Water's Trailhead please choose the answer "Don't Use": Response Response Answer Options 5.8% Boat Launch Percent Count Multi-Use Trail 59.2% 61 59.2% Fishing Boat Launch 0.0% 0 Opportunities 13.6% Fishing Opportunities 13.6% 14 Swimming 5.8% 6 Don't Use 21.4% 22 answered question 103 skipped question 0
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan E-5
Appendix E Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Survey Results
The fifth question asked Area residents to identify the recreational facilities and opportunities specifically used by Area residents at Paddock Park.
5.) Which park and recreation facility/opportunity do you use most often and/or find most enjoyable at Paddock Park? If you don't use/don't find enjoyable the parks and recreation facility/opportunities at Paddock Park please choose the answer "Don't Use":
Fishing Opportunities Boat Launch Swimming Don’t Use
Paddock Park-Survey Question #5 (TABLE E-9) Paddock Park-Survey Question #5 Results (TABLE E-10) Paddock Park Use/Enjoyability Village of Concord Michigan Parks and
Recreation Plan Survey Which park and recreation facility/opportunity do you use most often and/or find most enjoyable at Paddock Park? If you don't use/don't find enjoyable the parks and recreation 1.0% facility/opportunities at Paddock Park please choose the 18.6% answer "Don't Use": Response Response Answer Options Boat Launch Percent Count 3.9% Boat Launch 1.0% 1 Fishing Fishing Opportunities 18.6% 19 Opportunities Swimming 3.9% 4 Don't Use 76.5% 78 76.5% answered question 102 skipped question 1
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan E-6
Appendix E Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Survey Results
The sixth question asked Area residents to identify the recreational facilities and opportunities specifically used by Area residents at Spring Street Park.
6.) Which park and recreation facility/opportunity do you use most often and/or find most enjoyable at Spring Street Park? If you don't use/don't find enjoyable the parks and recreation facility/opportunities at Spring Street Park please choose the answer "Don't Use":
Fishing Opportunities Canoe/Kayak Launch Swimming Don’t Use
Spring Street Park-Survey Question #6 (TABLE E-11) Spring Street Park-Survey Question #6 Results (TABLE E-12)
Spring Street Park Use/Enjoyability Village of Concord Michigan Parks and Recreation Plan Survey
Which park and recreation facility/opportunity do you use most often and/or find most enjoyable at Spring Street Park? If you 17.8% don't use/don't find enjoyable the parks and recreation facility/opportunities at Spring Street Park please choose the answer "Don't Use": Canoe/Kayak Response Response Answer Options Launch Percent Count 12.9% Fishing Opportunities Canoe/Kayak Launch 17.8% 18 Swimming Fishing Opportunities 12.9% 13 65.3% 4.0% Swimming 4.0% 4 Don't Use 65.3% 66 answered question 101 skipped question 2
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan E-7
Appendix E Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Survey Results
The seventh question asked Area residents to identify the recreational facilities and opportunities specifically used by Area residents at Swains Lake County Park.
7.) Which park and recreation facility/opportunity do you use most often and/or find most enjoyable at Swains Lake County Park? If you don't use/don't find enjoyable the parks and recreation facility/opportunities at Swains Lake County Park please choose the answer "Don't Use":
Playground Equipment Baseball/Softball Diamonds Swimming Multi-Use Trail
Basketball Court Fishing Opportunities Boat Launch Don’t Use
Spring Street Park-Survey Question #7 (TABLE E-13) Spring Street Park-Survey Question #7 Results (TABLE E-14)
Swains Lake County Park Use / Enjoyability Village of Concord Michigan Parks and Recreation Plan Survey Which park and recreation facility/opportunity do you use 5.8% most often and/or find most enjoyable at Swains Lake County Park? If you don't use/don't find enjoyable the Boat Launch parks and recreation facility/opportunities at Swains Lake County Park please choose the answer "Don't Use": 9.7% Fishing Response Response Opportunities Answer Options 34.0% Swimming Percent Count Playground Boat Launch 5.8% 6 34.0% Equipment Fishing Opportunities 9.7% 10 Basketball Court Swimming 34.0% 35 4.9% Playground Equipment 8.7% 9 8.7% Baseball/Softball 1.0% Diamond Basketball Court 1.9% 2 Baseball/Softball Diamond 1.0% 1 1.9% Multi-Use Trail 4.9% 5 Don't Use 34.0% 35 answered question 103 skipped question 0
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan E-8
Appendix E Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Survey Results
The eighth question asked Area residents to identify the recreational facilities and opportunities specifically used by Area residents within the Village of Concord’s Sidewalk and Street System.
8.) Which park and recreation facility/opportunity do you use most often and/or find most enjoyable at the Village of Concord's Sidewalk and Street System? If you don't use/don't find enjoyable the parks and recreation facility/opportunities at the Village of Concord's Sidewalk and Street System please choose the answer "Don't Use":
Walking, Running, Jogging, Biking, In-Line Skating, Skateboarding, Etc. Don’t Use
Sidewalk System-Survey Question #8 (TABLE E-15) Sidewalk System-Survey Question #7 Results (TABLE E-16)
Village of Concord Sidewalk System Use / Enjoyability Village of Concord Michigan Parks and Recreation Plan Survey Which park and recreation facility/opportunity do you use most often and/or find most enjoyable at the Village of Concord's Sidewalk and Street System? If you don't use/don't find enjoyable the parks and recreation facility/opportunities at the Village of Concord's Sidewalk and Street System please choose the answer "Don't Use": 29.7% Walking, Running, Response Response Jogging, Biking, In- Answer Options Line Skating, Percent Count Skateboarding.. Walking, Running, Jogging, Biking, In- Don't Use 70.3% 71 Line Skating, Skateboarding.. Don't Use 29.7% 30 70.3% answered question 101 skipped question 2
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan E-9
Appendix E Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Survey Results
The ninth question concerned recreational facilities and opportunities Area residents would be most interested in seeing the Village of Concord offer in the future:
9.) Which three of the new parks and recreation facilities/opportunities would you find most enjoyable/use most often if the Village of Concord was to offer them?
Playground Equipment Multi-Use Trail Cross-Country Skiing Trail Sandbox 3 New Parks & Rec Fac.-Survey Question #9 (TABLE E-17) Sledding Hill Frisbee Golf Course Foot Golf Course Basketball Courts Tennis Court Boat Launch Skateboard/Trick Bike Park Obstacle Which three of the new parks and recreation Course Dog Park Rock Climbing Wall Volleyball Courts Sidewalks Ice facilities/opportunities would you find most enjoyable/use most often if the Village of Concord was to offer them? Skating/Hockey Rink Kayak/Canoe Launch Fishing Other:______Response Response Answer Options Percent Count Multi-Use Trails 30.4% 31 Cross Country Skiing Trails 8.8% 9 3 New Parks & Rec Fac.-Survey Question #9 (TABLE E-17) Sledding Hill 30.4% 31 Frisbee Golf Course 16.7% 17 Foot Golf Course 6.9% 7 Obstacle Course 16.7% 17 Dog Park 24.5% 25 Ice Skating/Hockey Rink 21.6% 22 Rock Climbing Wall 16.7% 17 Sandbox 4.9% 5 Playground Equipment 9.8% 10 Skateboard/Trick Bike Park 11.8% 12 Basketball Courts 18.6% 19 Tennis Courts 7.8% 8 Volleyball Courts 9.8% 10 Sidewalks 13.7% 14 Fishing 16.7% 17 Boat Launch 5.9% 6 Kayak/Canoe Launch 22.5% 23 Other (please specify) 7.8% 8 answered question 102
skipped question 1
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan E-10 Appendix E Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Survey Results
The tenth question allowed Area residents the opportunity to identify recreational facilities and opportunities we may have left out as well as ideas in relation to recreational facilities and opportunities we were unaware of.
10.) Have a comment you want to share or is there additional parks and recreation activity/facility or idea we failed to mention? Please share
your ideas with us.
Comment Section-Survey Question #10 (TABLE E-19)
Village of Concord Michigan Parks and Recreation Plan Survey Have a comment you want to share or is there additional parks and recreation activity/facility or idea we failed to mention? Please share your ideas with us. Response Answer Options Count 13 answered question 13 skipped question 90
Comment Section-Survey Question #10 Results (TABLE E-20)
12/22/15 11:14 AM Please extend the Falling Waters trail through the city. 11/7/15 8:35 PM Sidewalks must be a priority! They are used by all ages. Would be nice to have a canoe/kayak launch and take out spot. Launch down stream from Mill Pond 11/4/15 12:15 AM and take out at Cornell Rd. 10/15/15 9:13 PM Using the pavalion's 10/7/15 5:41 PM More sidewalks need repair 10/7/15 3:59 PM You did not mention the mill pond with its fishing and boating I really feel you need a baseball field for us taxpayers in the summer. I pay taxes for the upkeep of the park and feel I should not be told I can't use them! I also think you should have a sign up sheet for all 10/7/15 1:34 AM the fields in the Village office so you know what is going on. I love the Falling Waters Trail, where I ride my bike. I wish it could extend to Wheeler Rd., or even 10/6/15 10:40 PM Homer. I love the sports fields for kids and of course the playground equipment. another bathroom facility on the east end at gottaschalk park. More park benches. Better bleachers. 10/6/15 9:10 PM Dugouts for softball and baseball fields. Score boards. It would be wonderful to have a better communication of the events that are going on in the 10/6/15 7:49 PM community. 10/6/15 6:52 PM Bleachers! 10/6/15 6:27 PM We were just talking with our boys how great it would be to have a skate boarding park! 10/6/15 1:35 PM Filling out this survey shows me that I'm not taking enough advantage of these recreation spots.
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan E-11 Appendix E Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Survey Results
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan E-12
Appendix F
Notices, Resolutions, Letters, and Etc.
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan
Appendix F Notices, Resolutions, Letters, and Etc.
Sign Posted in Area Businesses and Institutions: The Concord Parks and Recreation Committee
Would Like to Invite You to Assist in Making Final Decisions On The Future of Our Parks
As part of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Parks and Recreation Plan Process the Village of Concord is hosting
an open house where residents will have the opportunity to comment on the future parks and recreation opportunities being
offered by the Village of Concord. Resident comments will influence what parks and recreation opportunities the Village of
Concord will continue to offer and will possibly offer in the future. Tuesday, February 2, 2016 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan F-2
Appendix F Notices, Resolutions, Letters, and Etc.
Concord Village Voice Sent Out in The Salesman 1/10/16
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan F-3 Appendix F Notices, Resolutions, Letters, and Etc.
Public Notice of Open House in Jackson County Press on 01/20/16
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan F-4
Appendix F Notices, Resolutions, Letters, and Etc.
Concord Village Voice Sent Out in The Salesman 2/7/16
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan F-5
Appendix F Notices, Resolutions, Letters, and Etc.
Concord Village Voice Sent Out in The Salesman 3/6/16
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan F-6
Appendix F Notices, Resolutions, Letters, and Etc.
Concord Community Schools Resolution Recommending Adoption of Village of Concord Community Parks & Recreation Plan 2016-2020
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan F-7
Appendix F Notices, Resolutions, Letters, and Etc.
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes 2/2/16
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan F-8
Appendix F Notices, Resolutions, Letters, and Etc.
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes 3/3/16
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan F-9
Appendix F Notices, Resolutions, Letters, and Etc.
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes 4/5/16
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan F-10
Appendix F Notices, Resolutions, Letters, and Etc.
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Committee Resolution Recommending Adoption of Village of Concord Community Parks & Recreation Plan 2016-2020
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan F-11
Appendix F Notices, Resolutions, Letters, and Etc.
Village of Concord Council Meeting Minutes 4/12/16
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Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan F-12
Appendix F Notices, Resolutions, Letters, and Etc.
Village of Concord Council Meeting Minutes 4/12/16
Page 2 of 5
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan F-13
Appendix F Notices, Resolutions, Letters, and Etc.
Village of Concord Council Meeting Minutes 4/12/16
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Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan F-14
Appendix F Notices, Resolutions, Letters, and Etc.
Village of Concord Council Meeting Minutes 4/12/16
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Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan F-15
Appendix F Notices, Resolutions, Letters, and Etc.
Village of Concord Council Meeting Minutes 4/12/16
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Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan F-16
Appendix F Notices, Resolutions, Letters, and Etc.
Village of Concord Council Resolution Adopting Village of Concord Community Parks & Recreation Plan 2016-2020
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan F-17
Appendix F Notices, Resolutions, Letters, and Etc.
Village of Concord Letters to Shareholders on Adoption of Village of Concord Community Parks & Recreation Plan 2016-2020
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan F-18
Appendix F Notices, Resolutions, Letters, and Etc.
Village of Concord Letters to Shareholders on Adoption of Village of Concord Community Parks & Recreation Plan 2016-2020
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan F-19
Appendix F Notices, Resolutions, Letters, and Etc.
Village of Concord Letters to Shareholders on Adoption of Village of Concord Community Parks & Recreation Plan 2016-2020
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan F-20
Appendix F Notices, Resolutions, Letters, and Etc.
Village of Concord Letters to Shareholders on Adoption of Village of Concord Community Parks & Recreation Plan 2016-2020
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan F-21
Appendix F Notices, Resolutions, Letters, and Etc.
Village of Concord’s Parks and Recreation Opportunities and Interest Survey
The Village of Concord’s Parks and Recreation Opportunities and Interest Survey’s purpose is to gauge your individual interest in parks and recreation activities/opportunities currently offered and which activities/opportunities may be offered in the future by the Village of Concord. Your answers on this survey will help influence which parks and recreation activities the Village will continue to offer and which activities we may pursue in the future as well as the amount of funding for said activities. Your time spent completing this survey and honest opinion is greatly appreciated. Can be completed online at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/VJ5CN6V
1.) What time of day are you most likely to visit/use one of Concord’s parks and recreation facilities/opportunities?
Morning Afternoon Evening
2.) Which park and recreation facility/opportunity do you use most often and/or find most enjoyable at Norman Gottschalk Park? If you don't use/don't find enjoyable the parks and recreation facility/opportunities at Norman Gottschalk Park please choose the answer "Don't Use":
Playground Equipment Baseball/Softball Diamonds Soccer Field Multi-Use Trail
Recreation Sports Leagues Basketball/Tennis/Volleyball Court Don’t Use
3.) Which park and recreation facility/opportunity do you use most often and/or find most enjoyable at Concord Community Schools? If you don't use/don't find enjoyable the parks and recreation facility/opportunities at Concord Community Schools please choose the answer "Don't Use":
Playground Equipment Baseball/Softball Diamonds Track
Football/Soccer Field Basketball Court Don’t Use
4.) Which park and recreation facility/opportunity do you use most often and/or find most enjoyable at Concord's Mill Pond Park a Falling Water's Trailhead? If you don't use/don't find enjoyable the parks and recreation facility/opportunities at Concord's Mill Pond Park a Falling Water's Trailhead please choose the answer "Don't Use":
Fishing Opportunities Multi-Use Trail Boat Launch Swimming Don’t Use
5.) Which park and recreation facility/opportunity do you use most often and/or find most enjoyable at Paddock Park? If you don't use/don't find enjoyable the parks and recreation facility/opportunities at Paddock Park please choose the answer "Don't Use":
Fishing Opportunities Boat Launch Swimming Don’t Use
6.) Which park and recreation facility/opportunity do you use most often and/or find most enjoyable at Spring Street Park? If you don't use/don't find enjoyable the parks and recreation facility/opportunities at Spring Street Park please choose the answer "Don't Use":
Fishing Opportunities Canoe/Kayak Launch Swimming Don’t Use
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan F-22
Appendix F Notices, Resolutions, Letters, and Etc.
7.) Which park and recreation facility/opportunity do you use most often and/or find most enjoyable at Swains Lake County Park? If you don't use/don't find enjoyable the parks and recreation facility/opportunities at Swains Lake County Park please choose the answer "Don't Use":
Playground Equipment Baseball/Softball Diamonds Swimming Multi-Use Trail
Basketball Court Fishing Opportunities Boat Launch Don’t Use
8.) Which park and recreation facility/opportunity do you use most often and/or find most enjoyable at the Village of Concord's Sidewalk and Street System? If you don't use/don't find enjoyable the parks and recreation facility/opportunities at the Village of Concord's Sidewalk and Street System please choose the answer "Don't Use":
Walking, Running, Jogging, Biking, In-Line Skating, Skateboarding, Etc. Don’t Use
9.) Which three of the new parks and recreation facilities/opportunities would you find most enjoyable/use most often if the Village of Concord was to offer them?
Playground Equipment Multi-Use Trail Cross-Country Skiing Trail Sandbox
Sledding Hill Frisbee Golf Course Foot Golf Course Basketball Courts
Tennis Court Boat Launch Skateboard/Trick Bike Park Obstacle Course
Dog Park Rock Climbing Wall Volleyball Courts Sidewalks
Ice Skating/Hockey Rink Kayak/Canoe Launch Boat Launch Fishing
Other:______
10.) Have a comment you want to share or is there additional parks and recreation activity/facility or idea we failed to
mention? Please share your ideas with us.
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Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan F-23
Appendix F Notices, Resolutions, Letters, and Etc.
MDNR Recreation Plan Checklist
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan F-24
Appendix F Notices, Resolutions, Letters, and Etc.
Village of Concord Parks and Recreation Plan F-24