2021- 2025 Recreation Plan Resort Township Emmet County

Adopted: December 8, 2020

Prepared by: Resort Township Recreation Committee With the assistance of: Richard L. Deuell, Planning Consultant RESORT TOWNSHIP RECREATION PLAN 2021-2025

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page ...... i

Table of Contents ...... ii

Section

1. Introduction and History ...... 1-1

2. Community Description ...... 2-1

3. Administrative Structure ...... 3-1

4. Recreation and Resource Inventories ...... 4-1

5. Description of the Planning and Public Input Process ...... 5-1

6. Goal and Objectives ...... 6-1

7. Action Program ...... 7-1

8. Plan Adoption ...... 8-1

Appendix A: Survey Findings ...... A-1

Appendix B: Supporting meeting minutes ...... B-1

Appendix C: DNR required documentation ...... C-1

Chapter 1

Introduction and History

Purpose of Recreation Plan

This Recreation Plan provides citizens of Resort Township a resource to define opportunities for enhancing recreational activities, and to ensure the existing infrastructure provides access and opportunities available to residents and visitors of the Township today. Since many of the recreational opportunities are directly related to the Township’s natural resources, the importance of ensuring public access to these assets is central to the plan’s purpose.

The primary intent of the Recreation Plan is to create a comprehensive, formalized strategic planning document in order to guide the work of its boards and committees for the next five years. A secondary, but equally vital intent is to increase the two-way communication between township officials and township residents in order to create a recreation plan that addresses residents’ pressing concerns. A third intent is to create a plan that conforms to the guidelines established by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The approval of this plan by the DNR maintains Resort Township’s qualification for recreation grants administered by the DNR’s Recreation Grants Section. The grant eligibility period is set for five years from the acceptance date by the Department.

Location and Regional Context

Resort Township is located in the southwest corner of Emmet County, which is situated in the northwest region of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. Resort Township comprised 21 square miles of the County’s 468 square miles. The Township’s irregular size and shape is due to the shorelines of Lake Michigan and Walloon Lake. The distance from the north boundary to the south boundary is approximately six and one half miles, with the east to west distance at approximately six miles, see figure 1-1.

Resort Township is bounded on the north by Little Traverse Bay, on the east by Bear Creek Township and the north arm of Walloon Lake, on the south and west by Walloon Lake and Charlevoix County. The City of Petoskey borders the northeast corner of Resort Township. The City of Charlevoix and Traverse City are approximately 10 miles west and 62 miles southwest of the Township, respectively. US-31 traverses the north section of the Township and is classified as an arterial, state highway connecting Petoskey and Charlevoix. The remainder of the Township is accessible via the county road network which connects several times with US-31.

Resort Township Recreation Plan 2021-25 1-1 Review Draft Introduction and History Resort Township Recreation Plan 2021-25 1-2 Review Draft Introduction and History History

The area now known as Resort Township was originally inhabited by Native Americans of the Ottawa Tribe (today known as Odawa). Most of these Native Americans spent the winter months farther south, but returned year after year to their settlements along the Bay and Walloon Lake. Access to Walloon Lake was not easy; it required a one mile land portage from Little Traverse Bay to the head of the Lake. The Native Americans, however, liked to camp near Walloon Lake because of the good fishing and hunting opportunities. After the arrival of the white settlers, the Native Americans stayed throughout the winter months and helped in the lumber camps. For many years white settlers and Native Americans were friendly neighbors.

The boundaries of the area now known as Resort Township changed several times between 1853 and 1897. In 1853 this area was included in the newly organized Emmet County. In 1869 this area became part of Charlevoix County. The Charlevoix County Board of Supervisors organized Resort Township in 1880. In 1896, however, Resort Township was attached again to Emmet County by an act of the legislature. In 1897 the Emmet County Board of Supervisors altered the boundaries once again which created Resort Township as it is known today.

The major activities carried out by the first Township officials and settlers included building new roads and maintaining the schools. Included among the list of Township founders are the names: Bacon, Botsford, Couch, Conn, Cole, Davis, Depew, Ernot, Eppler, Genshaw, Grimes, Henderson, Light, March, Miller, McConnell, Nadolsky, Nickles, Piehl, Ranall, Ramsby, Rehkopf, Reise, Rebery, Kalbfleisch, Shepard, Stark, Storck, Tubbs, Williams, Wright, Woode and Zirk. Several descendants of these early settlers live in Resort Township today.

The early Township settlers were primarily involved in lumbering, farming and the lime and cement production industries. Much of the lumbering was done during the winter by farmers with their teams of horses. In the early days, Resort was primarily forested, and the early settlers cleared the land in order to farm and produce the food needed to support their families. Agriculture expanded early to play a significant role in the history of Resort Township. Early farmers in the Township raised a variety of crops, including corn, beans, potatoes, sugar beets, radishes, strawberries and certified seed potatoes. Dairy cows were also raised in the Township. Much of the Township still remains in agricultural use today, with a few centennial farms located in Resort Township.

Lime and cement also played an important role in the industrial history of Resort Township. The first lime was shipped from the kilns on Resort in 1885. The lime industry employed many residents directly or indirectly, as coopers, blacksmiths or in the sawmills. In 1920 the lime kilns were abandoned due to a lack of demand. The Petoskey Portland Cement Company began production of cement in 1921. The operation grew to employ 375 people in 1952 and was sold to Penn Dixie Corporation in 1955. The corporation filed for bankruptcy in 1979 and closed the 1,200 acre operation in 1980. The closing of the cement company had a severe impact on the lives of many Township residents, leaving many people unemployed. The conversion of the Penn Dixie (former Dundee) property to luxury residential and recreational use is a contributing factor to the community growth and the changing character of the Lake Michigan shoreline in the Township.

For an additional in-depth reference concerning the history of Resort Township, including discussions about its formation, early settlers, industries, cottage and hotel development, see Resort Township Remembers, published in 1992 by a committee headed by Mildred Eppler Rehkopf.

Resort Township Recreation Plan 2021-25 1-3 Review Draft Introduction and History Chapter 2

Community Description

Recreation Plan Jurisdiction and Focus

This Recreation Plan is prepared solely for Resort Township and its residents, and is intended to provide information, goals and direction useful to the maintenance, future development and expansion of recreational activities and facilities in the Township, over the course of the next five years.

Social and Physical Characteristics

Situated between two large bodies of freshwater, Resort Township is a unique community, blessed with an abundance of natural beauty. In its past, it was home to Native Americans, immigrant farmers, lumbermen and limestone miners. Increasingly, it is a community of changing demographics, home to retirees, resorters and families who work and seek services in neighboring communities. A review of recent census figures reveals that Resort Township has grown in population by 167% since 1970, with 8.8% of this growth occurring between 2000 and 2010 as the year round population increased from 2,479 to 2,697. During these same four decades, Emmet County’s population grew at a rate of 78% with a 4% increase since 2000. The US Census Bureau, 2018 American Community Survey 5-year Estimate the year round population in Resort Township is 2,716.

The median age of Resort Township’s current residents is 43.9 years old. Youth (19 years and younger) make up 26% of the population, 19.4 of the population is 65 years of age and older (Source: 2018 American Community Survey 5-year Estimate). Family sizes have decreased from 3.09 to 3.03 from 2000 to 2018. Housing units increased by 20% between 2000 and 2010, with a 21% increase in seasonal housing units. About 23% of Resort Township’s residents lived in seasonal or occasional use housing units in 2010 (Source: U.S. Bureau of the Census).

According to the 2018 American Community Survey 5-year Estimate the median household income in Resort Township is $79,219, with the majority of its working population employed in management, business, science and arts occupations. The number of Resort Township residents with a high school diploma increased 8%, between 2000 and 2010, while the number with a college degree increased 49%. This data indicates trends of increased wealth and education in the Township, as well as the continued trend of mostly non-agricultural workers.

Resort Township’s natural spaces are also changing. Since 1978, Resort Township has lost or converted nearly 13% of its agricultural land and over 6% of its forested land to residential or commercial use, see Table 2-1 the Township land use/land cover trends between 1978 and 2009. The data shows trends in Resort Township of smaller family sizes; an increasingly aging population; continued housing development pressures; increased percentage of seasonal residents; and increasing ecosystem and natural resource alteration pressures (Source: Resort Township Strategic Plan, 2005-2007).

Resort Township Recreation Plan 2021-2025 2-1 Review Draft Community Description

Table 2-1: Existing Land Use Comparison Resort Township - 1978, 1995, 2003 and 2009 Percentages 1978 1995 2003 2009 Land Use Category Agricultural 38.4 30.9 27.3 25.6 Forested 29.1 24.5 23.4 22.4 Residential 3.9 7.8 14.6 18.3 Committed Residential 0 3.3 0 0 Water 10.6 11.2 11.1 11.3 Nonforest 7.8 10.4 10.8 8.3 Wetlands 6.8 6.3 6.4 6.5 Recreation 0.1 1.4 4.1 4.6 Committed Recreation 0 2.7 0 0 Industrial/Extraction/Utilities 3.0 0.5 1.2 1.5 Commercial 0.1 0.3 1.0 1.3 Committed Commercial 0 0.5 0 0 Institutional 0* 0* 0.1 0.1 Total 99.8 99.8 100.0 99.9 Note: Due to rounding, the total percentages of land uses do not equal 100 percent. * less than 0.1 percent Source: Michigan Resource Information System and MC P&D Field Verification and Map Updating.

Resort Township Recreation Plan 2021-2025 2-2 Review Draft Community Description Chapter 3 Administrative Structure

Standard Operating Procedures

A formal administrative structure is currently in place to oversee the operation and development of the Township’s recreational parks and programs. Ultimately, the Township Board is responsible for the allocation of funds for the procurement, development and maintenance of recreational parks and programs. The Township has a formally appointed Parks and Recreation Committee that acts as an advisory board to the Township Board. It is the responsibility of the Parks and Recreation Committee to plan, develop and maintain the Township recreation areas and projects. To carry out these tasks, the Parks and Recreation Committee have regular monthly meetings and schedules special meetings as needed. The Parks and Recreation Committee does not have an annual operating budget, but instead receives funding on a case by case basis by submitting requests to the Township Board for approval. Upon approval of the funding request, the Parks and Recreation Committee administers the funds as necessary.

Park and Recreation Committee

The Parks and Recreation Committee was established in 1992 and consists of 5-7 members. One member must be a member of the Township Board who is appointed by resolution of the Township Board and whose term corresponds with his/her term of office. The remaining members are appointed for staggered three year terms, subject to the approval of the full Township Board.

Township Staff

Since 2000, the Township has contracted for the maintenance of the Township parks and facilities. The personnel are under the direction of the Township Parks and Recreation Committee and their duties include mowing, removing trash, and routine repair and maintenance of grounds and facilities.

Parks and Recreation Committee Members Robert Gulledge, Chair Bonnie Nauss-Newsted, Vice-Chair Bob Wheaton, Secretary Mark Furgeson Pamela Moyer Judy Reynolds

Township Board Members Robert Wheaton, Supervisor Lucy Eppler, Clerk Suzanne Coveyou, Treasurer Paul Schemanski, Trustee Holly Angeleri, Trustee

Resort Township Recreation Plan 2021-2025 3-1 Review Draft Administrative Structure Budget and Funding

The Township budget has specific line items for parks and recreation. Parks and recreation are considered important in Resort Township, with a budget line item to support maintenance and improvements with Township parks, as well as a recreation line item to cover the cost associated with Township resident’s participation in the recreation programs operated by the City of Petoskey. Resort Township has an adequate fund balance to meet the expenses which exceed the projected revenues, thus the recreation related expenses are not in jeopardy.

RESORT TOWNSHIP BUDGET

General Fund Revenue 2017/2018 Budget 2019/2019 Budget 2020/2021 Budget Tax Revenue $170,500.00 $216,000.00 $226,000.00 Licenses and Permits $3,500.00 $6,000.00 $4,000.00 State Grants $220,000.00 $230,000.00 $237,000.00 Act 425 $608,000.00 $625,000.00 $650,000.00 Charges for Services $4,000.00 $3,500.00 $3,500.00 Interest Revenue $2,800.00 $2,900.00 $2,900.00 Total Revenue $1,008,800.00 $1,083,400.00 $1,123,400.00

General Fund Expenditure Township Board $45,000.00 $45,000.00 $82,500.00 Supervisor/ Assessor $58,000.00 $54,000.00 $55,600.00 Elections $6,000.00 $4,000.00 $26,500.00 Trustees $20,500.00 Clerk $30,500.00 $30,500.00 $36,700.00 Board of Review $3,500.00 $3,500.00 $3,500.00 Treasurer $35,000.00 $35,000.00 $35,800.00 Building and Grounds $21,000.00 $31,000.00 $32,200.00 Planning Commission $30,000.00 $30,000.00 $33,000.00 Zoning Board of Appeals $4,500.00 $4,500.00 $3,500.00 Planning & Zoning $28,000.00 $29,000.00 $29,000.00 Curbside/Spring Cleanup $98,400.00 $93,000.00 $121,300.00 Road Construction $445,000.00 $500,000.00 $470,000.00 Street Lights $3,500.00 $4,000.00 $4,000.00 Parks Committee and $80,350.00 $72,700.00 $63,000.00 Parks Maintenance

Petoskey Rec Program $22,000.00 $20,000.00 $19,000.00 Other Expenses $27,000.00 $27,000.00 $27,000.00 Capital Outlay $60,000.00 $60,000.00 $60,000.00 Total Expenditures $997,750.00 $1,043,200.00 $1,123,100.00

Resort Township Recreation Plan 2021-2025 3-2 Review Draft Administrative Structure Relationships with Other Agencies

At this time Resort Township offers no formal recreational programs to its residents and is dependent upon the City of Petoskey for its recreation programming. The City offers programs and activities year round with currently 31 various programs to choose from. The Township enters into an annual Recreation Participation Agreement with the City of Petoskey and pays the City an annual amount on a per capita basis based on the participation of Township residents in City programs for the previous year. The amount for budget year 2018/2019 was approximately $16,969.00. The percent of participants in city programs that are Resort Township Residents has remained at a consistent level through the years. Resort Township residents comprised approximately 11.5% of the total participants in all City programs in recent years

Resort Township is satisfied with the current arrangement with the City of Petoskey and believes the current arrangement meets the recreational needs of the Township residents. The Township intends to continue providing recreation programming to its residents in this manner and does not foresee developing any formal or supervised recreation programs of its own in the near future.

Resort Township Recreation Plan 2021-2025 3-3 Review Draft Administrative Structure Chapter 4

Recreation and Resource Inventory

Purpose and Use of Resort Township Parks One of the most valuable natural resources of Resort Township is water. The Township is located between two major surface water resources, Lake Michigan and Walloon Lake. Resort Township affords residents and visitors access to both Walloon Lake and Little Traverse Bay, along the combined nearly twenty miles of shoreline. The four Township parks are situated on these natural features, ensuring public access to the waterfront is provided for the future, contributing recreational activities such as fishing, boating, swimming and scenic viewing.

Park and Recreation Areas Maintained by Resort Township Resort Township owns the following properties, which are currently being used for recreational purposes or could potentially be used for recreational purposes. The Township owns approximately 230 acres of land. These land holdings account for a majority of the recreational land in the Township. Members of the Parks and Recreation Committee periodically tour park properties and physically inspect and inventory the existing recreational facilities located in Resort Township. The following table provides summary acreage and a location key for the map. A description of each of the properties follows.

Table 4-1 Resort Township Recreation, Public and Quasi-Public Land Map Key Recreation Property Approx. For Figure 4-1 Acreage 1 Pioneer Trails 120.0 2 East Park – Lake Michigan access 35.0 3 West Park– Lake Michigan access 33.0 4 Resort Pike Park – Walloon Lake access 1.2 5 Morford Park– Walloon Lake access 1.1 Townsend Road – road end Walloon Lake access 6 0.2 [Emmet County Road Commission] 7 Spring Street – pedestrian Walloon Lake access 0.1 8 Grove Street – pedestrian Walloon Lake access 0.1 Stolt Road – road end Walloon Lake access 9 0.2 [County Road Commissions] 10 Resort Township Hall & adjacent property 16.6 11 Former Pontbriand Property 2.0

Little Traverse Wheelway – linear non-motorized trail partially in Resort Township, see Other Publicly Owned Recreational Sites in Resort Township. TOTAL PUBLIC LAND 230.0

Resort Township Recreation Plan 2021-2025 4-1 Review Draft Recreation and Resource Inventories

East Park – Classification: Community Park East Park, constructed in 1998, features an outstanding venue to view Little Traverse Bay with over 35 acres of land between Lake Michigan and US-31, on the eastern side of the Bay Harbor Development. This location serves as a day-use park providing recreation activities including hiking, bicycling, picnicking, wildlife viewing and cross-country skiing. The road into the park is seasonally maintained, and gated closed during the winter, but pedestrian access is still permitted. Resort Township Recreation Plan 2021-2025 4-2 Review Draft Recreation and Resource Inventories East Park re-opened to the public in 2009, after a multi-year period of closure due to subsurface soils investigations and remediation activities caused by the discovery of environmentally unsafe discharges into the waters of Lake Michigan. Leachate from stockpiles of cement kiln dust (CKN), buried on-site before Resort Township took ownership in 1994 from CMS Energy, migrated through the filled portions of the site toward the lake. CMS Energy worked with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, Environmental Protection Agency and the Township on the environmental clean-up process for the property and the redevelopment of park facilities. It is Resort Township’s continued desire to maintain this property as a multi-use park, now that the remediation activities are complete. As originally built, the park layout is divided into two tiers, as the site topography features an embankment down to Little Traverse Bay with a vertical drop of about 40 feet. The upper level as redesigned has a paved parking area for 47 vehicles (including three handicap accessible spaces), seasonal barrier-free restroom facilities, paved walkway, large accessible picnic pavilion, and landscaping. The park’s pavilion contains seating for about 50-60 people and has 12 long tables. A playground area was added in 2014. A second pavilion near the playground area is planned in the future. A paved walkway provides barrier-free access to the pavilion from the upper tier parking area. The walkway connects both the observation deck overlooking Little Traverse Bay and the former railroad grade leading to the park’s eastern boundary. Additionally, a woodchip trail meanders through the hardwood forest. East Park provides a trail head along the Little Traverse Wheelway, non- motorized path, a 26 mile route from Charlevoix to Harbor Springs. This pathway provides a path for bicycling, inline-skating, walking/running and cross-country skiing. The portion of the trail system in East Park meanders through a hardwood forest along the former railroad grade. This natural area in East Park offers wildlife viewing opportunities including songbirds and squirrels. The railroad grade crosses a small stream emptying into Little Traverse Bay.

Resort Township Recreation Plan 2021-2025 4-3 Review Draft Recreation and Resource Inventories The Park’s lower tier, near the waterfront, offers parking for 19 vehicles, including one handicap accessible space. A crushed stone walkway leads eastward from the parking area. The walkway offers benches providing an unobstructed view along the waterfront.

West Park – Classification: Community Park/Natural Resource Area West Park, also constructed in 1998 is one of Resort Township’s newest parks with about 33 acres, most of which is left natural. Park facilities include a day use parking area off Townline Road offering 11 regular and one handicapped parking space. The parking area has a barrier-free vault toilet building and sidewalk. At the east end of the paved parking area, an entrance gate marks the beginning of a ¼ mile path to Little Traverse Bay. The trail passes by a small stairway overlooking the former cement quarry once in operation to the east side of the park. A small path links the main trail with a wetland ecosystem and resident Great Blue Heron. This area affords excellent wildlife viewing opportunities and protected habitat. Passive recreational uses of this property are important to ensure these wildlife viewing opportunities are available for the public. Additionally, a woodchip loop trail meanders through the hardwood forest. Near the water, an open-space provides opportunity for sunbathing or Frisbee throwing. A nearby picnic shelter serves as a great family outing facility. Visitors may visit the lake and experience an outstanding view of the bay and Lake Michigan. Walking along the shore is more difficult due to the larger rocks populating the shoreline and the lack of sand. This park serves as an excellent natural area and is well-suited for providing passive recreational opportunities and as an environmental education resource for visitors. The park extends south to US-31 and could provide connection with the Little Traverse Wheelway in the future. Resort Pike Park – Classification: Mini-Park Resort Pike Road Park is a 1.2 acre park at the south end of Resort Pike Road offering a play structure, picnic area including accessible picnic tables, a mini-pavilion, a restroom facility and stairway access to Walloon Lake. The park is located on the south end of Resort Pike Road and offers limited parking for approximately five vehicles, including one designated handicap

accessible space. A landscaped paved walkway provides a stable surface for wheelchair access for lake viewing. Due to the limited property and the slope constraints, the placement of a ramp to the waterfront is not realistic with the current property. Many people access the 50 feet of

Resort Township Recreation Plan 2021-2025 4-4 Review Draft Recreation and Resource Inventories lake frontage via stairs for swimming, despite the sandy/rocky shoreline. Additionally, there are two buoys located about 75 feet from the shoreline to broadly define the swim area. Erosion control measures along the lakeshore have been made, including the placement of stone rip-rap and split rail fencing to direct people to use the stairs for accessing the water. Currently, there is a storm water outlet that terminates at the edge of Walloon Lake. The end portion of a 10” storm water runoff pipe is uncovered for several feet at the shoreline, which detracts from the physical appearance of the park.

Morford Park on Lake Grove Drive – Classification: Mini-Park This park contains 1.1 acres. This property is locally known as the Farm Bureau Property, which was donated by a group of farmers. Morford Park is the only Resort Township boat launch on Walloon Lake. This site provides for day use and a boat launch access to Walloon Lake. The launching of boats is difficult, due to the steep ramp and the shallow water, although a 20 foot concrete ramp extending into the water is provided, as well as a seasonal dock at this ramp. The overall property dimensions are approximately 120’ deep with a width of 87’ at roadside and 114’ at the rear of the property. The first level allows a maximum of four cars for parking and accommodates a portable restroom facility. No specific boat trailer parking is available in the area. The second tier is about 5.5’ lower than street level. This level is turf with two picnic tables, two charcoal grills and one small fire pit. Other park improvements include two stairways providing access to the picnic area and the waterfront. Also a split-rail fence protects the embankment from the effects of accelerated erosion and directs pedestrians to the stairs to access the lowest level. At water’s edge, there is a 7’ flat area that connects with a steep rise of 8’ to the second tier. The bank is stabilized with tree roots that are now exposed. Additional erosion control measures and tree protection should be considered.

Pioneer Trails – Classification: Community Park/Natural Resource Area The combination of the Black and Beson [also referred to as Sagimore property] Preserves are approximately 120 acres, and located on the southern part of Resort Township. The Black property was donated to the Township with use restrictions. The restrictions limit development and prohibit the use of any motorized vehicles. The deed restrictions specifically allow for forest management practices (both for the health of the forest and wildlife management), as well as for the “cutting of trees to make nature trails, such trails to be used for nature observation and study, hiking and cross country skiing.” This puts emphasis on the development of non-motorized trails that can be used in all seasons of the year. The Black Preserve is presently naturally undeveloped and is best characterized as rolling

Resort Township Recreation Plan 2021-2025 4-5 Review Draft Recreation and Resource Inventories topography with a climax, beech- maple hardwood forest. Various plant succession communities provide interest areas for residents of Resort Township and can be utilized for educational purposes. In 1990, the MDNR Forest Management Division reviewed the property to suggest management and use option for the parcel. The property is ideal for the development of a hiking/cross-country ski trail as the surrounding properties are also undeveloped and are easily accessible from either Resort Pike or Lake Grove Roads. This option is also in agreement with the Forester’s recommendation in the management plan. In 2013, Resort Township acquired the adjacent Beson [Sagimore] property (approximately 78 acres) with grant funding assistance through the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund. The former Black/Beson properties were combined into the Pioneer Trails Park and dedicated to the early pioneers in Resort Township. A trail system was developed with proceeds from a timber harvest. The trails have a combined length of 2.39 miles and are named after the Bacon, Couch, McConnel and Wheaton pioneer families. The Fogelsonger Trail, an ADA compliant facility, is planned for development. There are four signs explaining the history, early settlement and pioneer families and well as information about the trails and park. The book community sharing stand (LittleFreeLibrary.org) is located at the park. The book stand was donated by the Robert and Jacquelyn Wheaton Family in 2020. The stand is dedicated to two Resort Township Teachers, Lillie Mary Hope Bacon-Wheaton and Eleanor Zilch-Wheaton. In addition, there may be opportunities for connecting a trail system with the Walloon Lake Trust & Conservancy properties on the south side.

Additional Resort Township Properties

Resort Township also owns several additional properties that do not currently serve as recreational sites, but have future potential for such including:  The Resort Township Hall/Fire Station and the adjacent property, approximately 16.6 acres on Resort Pike Rd.  The former Pontbriand Property – approximately two (2) acres on Resort Pike, just north of Morford Road. The parcel was acquired for future development of a fire substation and is currently used as a community drop-off composting site.

Resort Township Recreation Plan 2021-2025 4-6 Review Draft Recreation and Resource Inventories  Grove Street road end – 0.1 acre, 20 feet wide strip of land that accesses Walloon Lake from Lake Grove Road.  Spring Street road end – 0.1 acre, 20 feet wide strip of land approximately 200 feet south of the Grove Street road end that also accesses Walloon Lake from Lake Grove Road.

Other Publicly Owned Recreational Sites in Resort Township Walloon Lake Walloon Lake, Michigan’s 22nd largest is unique in comparison to many of Michigan’s inland lakes because it is fed primarily with groundwater and only a few inlet creeks. The Lake elevation is about 100 feet above Little Traverse Bay and Lake Charlevoix, each being only one and three miles away, respectively. Glacial activity was responsible for reshaping and deepening the lake, which was believed to have been a river valley during pre-glacial times. The Lake’s shoreline length is approximately 30 miles and has a high shoreline development density. Sport fishing opportunities abound, as the lake contains species of trout, pike, walleye, perch, bass and bluegill. Walloon Lake serves as headwater for the Bear River. The River begins at the southeast end of the lake near the Village of Walloon in Charlevoix County and empties into Little Traverse Bay in the neighboring Township of Bear Creek. Because Walloon Lake has a slow turnover rate (rate at which existing water is replaced by fresh water), it is more vulnerable to pollutant inputs. These inputs could easily degrade the quality of the resource many Lake residents depend on for drinking water as well as present wildlife ecosystems. Little Traverse Wheelway Linear Trail Strong community support and intergovernmental cooperation has provided Township residents with a recreational, multi-purpose trail system extending approximately 26 miles from Charlevoix to Harbor Springs, A spectacular section multi-purpose trail system is located within Resort Township, extending from Townline Road (vicinity of West Park) through East Park to the Petoskey City limits. The completion of the section between East Park and Petoskey through the Resort Bluffs area provided the missing link in this multi-purpose trail connecting Charlevoix and Petoskey, and further connecting around the bay to Harbor Springs.

This linear trail system was established on the abandoned railroad corridor running between Charlevoix and Petoskey. The trail system is designed to provide year round recreational activities including in-line skating, bicycling, running/walking and cross-country skiing. The City of Petoskey Department of Parks and Recreation maintains the trail. This local trail is planned to link into a future regional trail system connecting the counties of Charlevoix, Emmet, Cheboygan, Otsego and Presque Isle. A comprehensive sign system including directional and mileage markers posts have been installed along the trail. Stolt Road End Access This road end, maintained by the Emmet County Road Commission provides public access on the northwest side of Walloon Lake. Located on the county boundary with Charlevoix County’s

Resort Township Recreation Plan 2021-2025 4-7 Review Draft Recreation and Resource Inventories Bay Township, this location allows boaters to launch watercraft onto the waterway. The launch is unimproved with no leveled ramp or paved/concrete pad for vehicular traction. This limits the size of the watercraft which can be reasonably launched. The entire 66 foot right-of-way has been paved, extending 500 feet from the road end toward Camp Daggett Road. There is no signage or apparent information about the facility presently at the location. Townsend Road Access Located on the opposite shore from the Stolt Road End Access, this small access point is a road end also maintained by the Emmet Count Road Commission. The access is narrow and can accommodate the launching of watercraft greater than 24 feet in length. The site is well suited for a carry down launch for smaller watercraft like canoes, kayaks and inflatable rafts. The area was improved with a new dock and a redesigned parking area in 2014.

Quasi-Public Properties in Resort Township

Both the Little Traverse Conservancy (LTC) and the Walloon Lake Trust & Conservancy (WLTC) own preserves in Resort Township which are open to the public, see figure 4-1. The goal of the conservancies is to preserve environmentally sensitive land and open space, and to protect significant ecological, scenic and recreational resources. The organizations also promotes environmental education programs that increase public awareness for the need to properly manage and conserve the area’s natural resources. Both organizations encourage low-impact use on these lands for hiking and scenic enjoyment. Between the two conservancies, over 550 acres are protected and available for passive recreation within Resort Township.

In addition to the preserves, these organizations hold easements restricting future development on many private properties within the Township. The properties with conservation easements are still privately owned property, and are not open to the public.

Reycraft Preserve This 40 acre parcel of woods is located at the northeast corner of Resort Pike Road and Indian Garden Road. The property is a commercial forest management plot of land that is privately owned. The commercial forest designation on this property allows the public to access this land which could be used for hiking and passive recreational activities.

Public Recreation and Sites Available Outside Resort Township

The Emmet County Comprehensive Recreation Plan provides a detailed analysis of the opportunities for available recreational activities. The recreation inventory in this document emphasizes the importance of the land resource assets protecting wildlife habitat, protecting community open space and ensuring scenic views are preserved. According to the County Plan, there is nearly 2,200 acres of park and recreational land among the five County parks in Emmet County. A diverse array of recreational activities is available ranging from active to passive recreational uses.

Resort Township Recreation Plan 2021-2025 4-8 Review Draft Recreation and Resource Inventories Camp Pet-O-Se-Ga This 292 acre parcel was acquired in 1992 and is considered the “flagship” park in the county park system. Existing facilities include a recreation hall, bathhouse cabins nature trails, 2,500 feet of beach, tennis courts, campground, a trout stream, as well as habitat for various species of wildlife. Since its opening, as a county park Camp Pet-O-Se-Ga has been very successful, and the cabins and recreational hall are rented steadily throughout the summer months. The campground is also used to capacity on most weekends.

Emmet County Fairgrounds The fairgrounds site contains about 31 acres of land situated along US-31 on Petoskey’s west side. Emmet County owns the land and the site is used for numerous functions throughout the year, including the Emmet-Charlevoix County Fair, horse and livestock shows, exhibitions and convention uses. These uses have been greatly expanded by the improvements made to the fairgrounds in the last two years.

A recent $6 million improvement project included extensive site construction and landscaping, new water mains, sanitary and storm sewers, site and sport lighting, primary and secondary power systems, data and communications cabling. The project also included construction of five new buildings and the renovation of five historic barns. Building work includes a new 10,000 square foot community center; 10,000 square foot exhibit barn; 2,500 seat covered grandstand, a large restroom/shower building; and a new pedestrian entrance plaza structure. The fairground has become a recognizable and attractive gateway into Petoskey.

Cecil Bay Park The 850 acre park along Lake Michigan includes over one mile of shoreline as well as a major river within its perimeter. This park has recently been awarded a grant for development of the mouth of the river to protect the fragile dune environment whereby a walkway was constructed to protect the riverbanks from erosion. Additionally, the County has added a picnic shelter, a parking area for day visitors and steps to the river to protect the banks.

The Headlands & McGulpin Point This 550 acre park on the Straits of Mackinac was acquired in cooperation with several exhibits, including: The Village of Mackinaw City, Wawatam Township, Emmet County, The Little Traverse Conservancy, The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund and the MDNR. The property offers the opportunity to experience pristine woodlands, almost two miles of undeveloped Lake Michigan shoreline, many species of rare the threatened varieties including wetlands, a small lake and 100 foot ridge that parallels part of the shoreline. The property also includes a beach house, guest house and nature trails, as well as a paved basketball court. The park can host day use activities, retreats/conferences, public vacation rentals and a community building open year-round for educational exhibits and programs in environmental education and research. In 2011, the Headlands was designated the 6th International Dark Sky Park in the US, and the 9th in the world. McGulpin Point Lighthouse and Historic Site, also owned and operated by Emmet County, is located adjacent to the Headlands and just west of Mackinaw City.

Maple River Property This 320 acre parcel currently has no development but the Maple Rivers does traverse the entire property, which may offer an opportunity for fishing and wildlife enjoyment.

City of Petoskey Regional Parks The City park system is well developed and offers a variety of recreational programs and activities for people throughout the County. Selected parks are highlighted below to identity key features attracting participants and visitors.

Resort Township Recreation Plan 2021-2025 4-9 Review Draft Recreation and Resource Inventories  Bay Front Park: This 30 acre park features 4,800 feet of Lake Michigan shoreline and contains a 100 slip marina, bike path, arboretum, museum, softball field, concession and children’s playground. Special events and concerts are held in two designated festival areas. The City Hall Complex is also located within the park.  Magnus Park: This park features a 72 site modern campground on 21.2 acres of land located at the end of West Lake Street in Petoskey. The campground has water/sewer hookups and shower facilities for campers. There is about 1,000 feet of available shoreline frontage along Little Traverse Bay.  Winter Sports Complex: This complex is unique among winter sports facilities in northern Michigan. The complex offers a speed skating and outdoor skating rink, skate rental, hockey programs, downhill skiing, sledding as well as a concession and warming building. Summer programs and facilities include day camps and soccer fields.  Bear River Park: This scenic park offers 1.8 miles of frontage along the Bear River where it empties into Little Traverse Bay. The park has both walking and cross-country ski trails in the downtown area for people to enjoy.  River Road Sports Complex: This 60 acre site features a Frisbee/Disc golf course, three soccer fields, an adult softball field and a canoe launch for access to the Bear River.

Spring Lake Park This ten acre park is located in Bear Creek Township along M-119 just north of the US-31 intersection. Amenities include restroom facilities, pavilion and gazebo. The park provides an ideal location for picnicking, wildlife viewing and learning more about wetland ecosystems. The park recently received a grant from the Clean Michigan Initiative providing funding for the construction of a 1,500 foot boardwalk through wetland areas providing an educational opportunity for visitors. The park can be accessed from the MDNR trail running along the boundary of Petoskey State Park.

Jones Landing Jones Landing park is located near the end of Gruler Road off U.S. 131 near Emmet County's southern border in Bear Creek Township. The park is situated along Walloon Lake with a covered pavilion, restrooms, parking, picnic area, boat launch and large sandy beach.

The Watson Conservation Property Located halfway between Harbor Springs and Petoskey, along M-119, this location is the newest addition to the County parks system. The County and Little Traverse Conservancy jointly manage the 70 acre property. The property includes athletic fields and an enclosed ice arena. In 2001 some of the Emmet County Offices were relocated to this location. A portion of the property has been dedicated for resource protection as well.

Petoskey State Park This 350 acre park is situated about two miles north of Petoskey on Little Traverse Bay along M- 119 in Bear Creek Township. The park provides a day use area and 170 modern campsites for camping. Other facilities include a picnic shelter, picnic area, swimming beach, beach house, playground and hiking/cross-country ski trails. The park is a very popular destination for visitors from around both the region and the state. Campers enjoy the well-shaded campsites and privacy afforded by the campground layout. Day users enjoy the wide sandy beach offering plenty of room for all. During the summer months, the park offers interpretive programs involving youth and adults on guided hikes and wildlife exploration programs through the Adventure Ranger Program. The location often draws many beachcombers in search of Petoskey stones, Michigan’s state stone, prized by visitors to the area.

Resort Township Recreation Plan 2021-2025 4-10 Review Draft Recreation and Resource Inventories Wilderness State Park Situated on Lake Michigan with over 8,286 acres of land and over 26 miles of shoreline, Wilderness State Park offers 16 miles of trails for hiking and cross-country skiing. The park also features 250 modern campsites on Lake Michigan with access to shower facilities. Nine rustic cabins are located throughout the park. Other popular activities include hunting, fishing, swimming and wildlife viewing. Wilderness State Park is renowned for its excellent bass fishing on Waugoshance Point during the summer months. This park is located 11 miles west of Mackinaw City and is a popular destination for many visitors throughout the state and the Midwest.

Private and Semi-Private Recreation Opportunities There are also private conservation lands both within and outside Resort Township. The Little Traverse Conservancy owns 53 nature preserves in the County that are open to the public for activities which are consistent with protecting the natural feature of each preserve. The goal of the Conservancy is to preserve environmentally sensitive land and open space, and to protect significant ecological, scenic and recreational resources. The organization also promotes environmental education programs that increase public awareness for the need to properly manage and conserve the area’s natural resources. The conservancy owns about 146 acres in Resort Township, with the largest preserve located the southern end of the Township along the west side of Resort Pike Road and the north side of Lake Grove Road.

The Walloon Lake Trust & Conservancy (WLTC) provides an additional 359 acres of land in Resort Township allowing access to members of the local community, and an additional 47 acres is owned jointly by the two conservancies. This non-profit conservation organization oversees the use and management of these properties, which have either been donated to or purchased by the organization, with the intent of preserving these lands in their undeveloped state. The Conservancy encourages low-impact use on these lands for hiking and scenic enjoyment. The locations for these properties are along Indian Garden Road, Lake Grove Road and Cemetery Road. The Walloon lake Trust also funds water quality studies on a regular basis in an effort to preserve the quality associated with the Lake and environment. These studies provided the organization with several major resources:  Projections of lake water quality based on future changes in land use in the watershed.  Reliable predictions of the impact of pollution on humans and game fish.  The basis for a sound and comprehensive long-term management plan to ensure the integrity of the Walloon Lake environment.

Accessibility Status of Resort Township Parks

With the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), all areas of public service and accommodation became subject to barrier-free requirements, including parks and recreation facilities and programs. The ultimate goal is to provide recreation opportunities that include everyone regardless of physical or mental impairment. When evaluating the accessibility of parks and recreation facilities, barriers should be recognized from the perspective of the participant. These perspectives aid in the design and planning of future improvements to both current and existing facilities.

An evaluation of Resort Township parks and recreation system accessibility to persons with disabilities has been conducted as a component of the recreation and resource inventory. To evaluate the status of the existing public parks and recreation facilities owned by Resort Township, each was inventoried for their accessibility limitations. The following summarizes those facilities at each of the parks that are handicap accessible.

Resort Township Recreation Plan 2021-2025 4-11 Review Draft Recreation and Resource Inventories East Park This park was recently re-constructed and its facilities conform to the standards for barrier-free access, including the accessible playground area.

West Park This park provides parking and restroom facilities conform to ADA standards. Presently there is an absence of signage to guide visitors along the trail from the parking area to the viewing platform at the old limestone quarry, and to the picnic pavilion and waterfront/open area. The pathway from the parking area through the woods to the pavilion/waterfront has portions which are greater than five percent slope, which will require site grading consistent with ANSI Standards for Accessible and Useable Buildings and Facilities.

Resort Pike Park Recent upgrades and park improvements included the designation of one handicap accessible parking space as part of the re-alignment of the parking area, and the addition of one accessible picnic table in accordance with the standards for barrier free access.

Morford Park The park is situated on a very small piece of steeply sloping land and precludes barrier-free access to the waterfront. The designation of one handicapped parking space is needed. Grading improvements and/or an access ramp are needed to provide barrier-free access from the parking area to the picnic area,

Previous MNRTF and LWCF Projects

Resort Township has previously been awarded two Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) Acquisition Grants in 1994 and 2011 and one MNRTF Development Grant in May of 1997. Grant number TF94-165 was awarded originally to Emmet County for the purchase of “Bay Harbor Lake Frontage”, a total of 69.9 acres in two parcels located along the Lake Michigan shoreline at either end of the new Bay Harbor development. The grant was subsequently transferred to Resort Township, and became the properties later to be developed into what is now East and West Parks.

Grant number TF 96-054 for “Resort Township Lake Michigan Parks”, now known as East and West Parks, was awarded in the amount of $125,250. These funds were applied to construction costs associated with development of two park parcels. Scope items included the following at one or both of the project sites: site work, parking lots, vault toilet building, picnic shelters, water and sanitary services, drinking fountains, trail construction, timber stairs, observation deck, park equipment (picnic tables, benches, trash receptacles), signage, landscaping and fencing.

Currently, conditions of these improvements provided for by Grant TF 96-054 are in excellent condition, well-maintained and serviced by the Township staff and its subcontracted maintenance providers.

Grant number TF11-019 awarded $157,000 to Resort Township to assist with the purchase of the [Beson] Sagimore property a total of 78 acres with access from Resort Pike Road, and located immediately adjacent to existing Township property known as the Black property.

Resort Township Recreation Plan 2021-2025 4-12 Review Draft Recreation and Resource Inventories Chapter 5 Description of Planning and Public Input Process

Public Involvement Summary

Resort Township, in planning for its future, strives to offer greater recreational opportunities for its residents and visitors frequenting the area. The Parks and Recreation Committee began work on this Recreation Plan 2021-2026 in May 2020. The process began with a review of the existing Recreation Plan (due to expire December 2020). Due to the large number of seasonal residents and the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), the Township opted to obtain input through a web based Township Recreation survey. A notice informing property owners of the web survey was inserted into the summer tax bill. A link to the survey was put on the Township’s website on June 23, 2020. Also, the Petoskey News-Review ran an article about the Resort Township updating its recreation plan and conducting an online survey. The insert and a summary of the 2020 Resort Township Recreation Survey findings, as well as the park and recreation related comments are included in Appendix A.

The following is a brief summary of the survey results. There were 127 surveys completed. A majority of the surveys showed residents use or are aware of Township parks and trails. Exceptions are Stolt Road end and Spring Street & Grove Street - Walloon Lake 20' wide pedestrian access sites where a majority of people aren’t aware of the facilities.

The survey found people are most interested in having a covered pavilion with bathrooms at East Bay Playgrounds, walking paths/hiking trails, and winter activities (such as ice fishing, snowshoeing, and X-C skiing) in the Township. As far as the importance of more recreational facilities, 67% felt “more walking and biking paths” were important or most important. While 41% felt more parks were needed, 38% want improvements to pedestrian water access sites and 32% would like a kayak launch on Walloon Lake. Under comments related to recreational needs, there is a strong interest in biking and hiking trails as well as wider paved shoulders on certain roads. Other comments included bathrooms at East Park playgrounds, pickle ball courts, and improvements to water access for pedestrians, swimming, kayaking and boating. There were many positive comments about enjoying the parks.

When asked if Resort Township park facilities are adequate 67 % strongly agreed or agreed, while 83% felt the parks are well maintained and clean. Some 63 % strongly agreed or agreed that additional bike paths/non-motorized trails or wider road shoulders are needed in the Township, and 67% felt the Township should utilize "green" environmentally friendly design/construction techniques and materials for future park improvements.

The responses found 42% support a 0.25 millage to enhance recreation properties and facilities in the Township. The percentage dropped to 29% for 0.5 mills and 10% for 1.0 mills. Seventy- seven percent of the respondents are registered to vote in Resort Township.

Forty-seven percent of the respondents have lived in Resort Township for 21 years or more, and 76% of the responses indicated they live year round in the community. When asked the general location of their property, 40% said they live in residential subdivisions, 33% live on

Resort Township Recreation Plan 2021-2025 5-1 Review Draft Planning and Public Input Process

Walloon Lake and 30% live in a rural setting. The size of ownership supports the previous findings with 42% owning 1 acre or less, and 38% owning more than 1 acre but less than 5 acres.

The Parks and Recreation Committee reviewed and considered draft portions of the Recreation Plan at their regular meetings. Based on the input received through the survey, the Parks and Recreation Committee prepared draft goals and a draft action plan. The draft plan was made available for a 30 day public comment period. The recreation plan was posted on the Township’s website and made available at the Township Hall on ______, 2020. .

The Parks and Recreation Committee held a public hearing on ______to take verbal and written comments. A legal notice in the Petoskey News Review on ______, 2020, as well a website posting announced the public hearing on the draft plan. After the public hearing the Parks and Recreation Committee adopted, by resolution, the Resort Township Recreation Plan 2021-2026 and recommended the plan to the Township Board for adoption. The recommended plan was adopted, by resolution, by the Resort Township Board of Trustee at the regular Township Board meeting on ______, 2020. A copy of the resolutions of adoption are presented in Chapter 8, Plan Adoption, and the supporting minutes from the Parks and Recreation Committee meeting, as well as the Township Board minutes are provided in Appendix B.

Resort Township Recreation Plan 2021-2025 5-2 Review Draft Description of the Planning and Public Input Process Chapter 6 Goals and Objectives

This portion of the Plan documents the goals and objectives identified through the planning process employed for development of this plan. In their public meeting on August 31, 2020 the Resort Township Parks and Recreation Committee discussed the background and existing park facilities, recreation related survey findings and updated draft goals and objectives. Based on the additional public input received at the meeting, in addition to comments received through the survey process, the committee revised the goals and objectives as follows:

The broad overall recreation goal is to:

Provide, upgrade and maintain recreation lands and facilities for safe access and enjoyment by residents and visitors.

The supporting goals are: 1. Increase awareness of park facilities and recreation opportunities. 2. Improve existing park facilities. 3. Develop non-motorized pathways. 4. Acquire additional land for parks and recreation uses. Increase awareness of park facilities and recreation opportunities.  Make maps of facilities more easily accessible  Provide additional signs and maps at larger parks and recreational areas. Improve Existing Park Facilities  Continue to improve ADA accessible recreation experience opportunities at existing facilities, whenever feasible.

 East Park  Build additional pavilion(s), including restrooms.  Build ADA play structure.

 West Park  Place grills, one near pavilion, and one in “open space.”  Build metal ring bonfire pit.  Create an interpretive educational nature trail.  Establish a water source to provide a drinking fountain.  Upgrade facilities to encourage use.

 Morford Park  Replace grills.  Redesign landscaping.

Resort Township Recreation Plan 2021-2025 6-1 Review Draft Goals and Objectives  Resort Pike Park  Upgrade/improve shoreline and beach area.  New steps to shoreline and beach reclamation.  ADA accessible to the beach area.

 Pioneer Trails  Work with local Conservancies to explore opportunities to connect new trail system with other existing trails on adjacent properties.  Develop ADA Trail.  Cooperative with local scout efforts to establish geo-caching locations.  Install benches along trails.

Develop non-motorized pathways.  Provide non-motorized connector routes between existing pathways, parks, public facilities and quasi-public properties, such as conservancy preserves. o Develop non-motorized path linking West Park to the existing Little Traverse Wheelway trail at US-31. o Develop widened paved shoulder to connect Resort Pike Park to Little Traverse Wheelway trail at US-31.  Establish snowshoe/cross country ski trails.  Provide additional ADA accessible pathways.  Work cooperatively with conservancies to provide additional hiking and snowshoe/cross country ski trails.  Collaborate with Emmet County and City of Petoskey to restore the Little Traverse Wheelway between East Park and Petoskey.

Acquire Additional Lands for Parks and Recreation Uses  Provide additional and/or improved Walloon Lake waterfront access.  Acquire land to create recreation and/or athletic facilities.  Explore the possibility of land acquisition near or adjacent to existing park facilities.

Resort Township Recreation Plan 2021-2025 6-2 Review Draft Goals and Objectives

Chapter 7 Action Program

This portion of the Plan describes the actions, identified through the planning process, that are deemed reasonably necessary to accomplish the stated goals. These action items were discussed and revised based on public input from the 2015 Resort Township Recreation Survey and public input at the October 26, 2015 meeting of the Parks and Recreation Committee. This list of action items may be revised through the planning period as other opportunities to accomplish the stated goals become apparent or as any of these are determined to be unfeasible. At this time, the township intends to pursue these actions. Planned actions and an explanation as to how each will help to achieve its stated goal are as follows. The action items are listed under the corresponding goal, and designated with a priority level (low, medium or high). The initial priority levels have been established by the committee but may be revised based on available funds, opportunities and if perceived needed changes.

Action Plans

1. Increase awareness of park facilities and recreation opportunities. A. Make maps of facilities more easily accessible, by posting on the Township website, posting at the Township Hall, having copies available at Township Hall, and possible including in a future Township newsletter. High Priority. Rationale: Through input gathered from the Township survey, the committee came to realize there are a number of people in the Township who are not fully aware of the Township facilities and the other recreational opportunities which are available within the Township and opportunities outside the Township which are available to Township residents.

B. Explore options for making existing two pedestrian access sites on Walloon Lake more usable.  Survey properties to determine exact location and boundaries  Add small sign to identify sites as public pedestrian access  Establish and maintain a low-impact path to access the lakefront.

Rationale: The Township owns two narrow access sites on Walloon, the location and use of these sites seems to be known only by a limited number Township officials and some residents in the immediate area (based on anecdotal evidence). Based on the Township survey findings, there is interest in additional access to Walloon, thus the surveying, signing and establishment of a path for each of the two Township owned properties could provide additional access at minimal Township expense.

Resort Township Recreation Plan 2021-2025 7-1 Review Draft Action Program 2. Improve existing park facilities. A. East Park Improvements  Additional Pavilion at playground with restroom facilities High Priority  ADA play structure High Priority

Rationale: Many improvements have recently been made to East Park. The above items are the remaining improvements to be made within the next five years. The proposed improvement elements are supported by the survey findings and comments received.

B. West Park Improvements  Grills – one near pavilion and one in the open space area Medium Priority  Bonfire pit (double metal ring type) Medium Priority  Create new interpretive nature trail Medium Priority  Upgrade park facilities Medium Priority

Rationale: West Park is designed to be left more naturalistic, and East Park a more developed and accessible park. Some specific improvements listed above have been identified for West Park.

C. Morford Park Improvements  Replace existing grill Medium Priority  Install bench near shore Medium Priority  Redesign landscaping Medium Priority

Rationale: Morford Park is a small park providing access to Walloon Lake, and has significant elevation change between the road and water. The specific improvements listed above have been identified for Morford Park. These are intended to provide facilities needed to better meet existing demands at the park given the physical constraints of the small parcel.

D. Continue to improve ADA accessible recreation experience opportunities of existing location, whenever feasible. Medium Priority

Rationale: It has been recognized that the demand for more accessible facilities exists and that opportunities can and should be provided at existing parks. For that reason, when Resort Township has implemented a number of park improvements in recent years, a key component has been to improve the accessibility of many of the parks and recreational facilities within the parks. The Township intends to continue improving the accessibility of the parks. This action will apply to any project undertaken at the existing facilities, and improvements that provide more accessible recreational opportunities will be sought and considered.

E. Resort Pike Park Improvements  Upgrade or improve beach area Medium Priority

Rationale: Many improvements have been made to Resort Pike Park in recent years. The above listed item is currently the only action item for Resort Pike Park. This park is heavily used for swimming, and residents have express the desire to move the rocks out of the primarily swimming access area. These improvements will provide for improved comfort for those who use of this facility for swimming.

Resort Township Recreation Plan 2021-2025 7-2 Review Draft Action Program F. Pioneer Trails Park  Install benches along trails.  Design and develop trail system to connect with existing trails on adjacent properties.  Develop the Fogelsonger Trail, an ADA compliant trail facility.

Rationale: With the acquisition of the Beson Property, the Township has the opportunity to provide for increased trails and support facilities. The local desire for additional trails for hiking, x-country skiing, snowshoeing, and mountain biking is strongly supported in the Resort Township Recreation Survey 2015.

3. Develop non-motorized pathways.

A. Maintain and enhance hiking/cross-country skiing trails

Year round usage of park facilities, as well as other public and quasi-public properties can be increased with this action item. Pioneer Trails Park provides opportunities for year round trail recreation. Plowing the parking lot to provide safe parking will encourage winter use of the facilities. There are no plans to groom x-country ski trails since winter use is dominated by snowshoeing. High Priority

B. Provide additional ADA pathways

This action will apply to any project undertaken at the existing facilities, and improvements that provide more accessible recreational opportunities will be sought and considered. Medium Priority

C. Provide non-motorized connector routes between existing pathways, parks, public facilities and quasi-public properties, such as conservancy preserves.  Develop non-motorized path linking West Park to existing trail at US-31. Medium Priority

Rationale: As mentioned above, public opinion favors addition of non-motorized trails. This action item will help meet that goal by providing a connecting link between existing recreation facilities.

Resort Township Recreation Plan 2021-2025 7-3 Review Draft Action Program Chapter 8 Plan Adoption

This portion of the Plan documents the public forums, hearings, and the official action taken by the Resort Township Parks and Recreation Committee in recommending the Plan to the Township Board of Trustees. The Township Board reviewed the plan and by resolution adopted the Plan. Following the Board’s adoption, the Plan was submitted to the DNR’s Grants Coordinator as a step to qualify Resort Township for grant funding for the five year planning period.

Documentation - Resolutions and Minutes The Resort Township Recreation Plan 2021-2025 was adopted by the Parks and Recreation Committee on ______, per the following resolution.

The Resort Township Recreation Plan 2021-2025 was adopted by the Township Board of Trustees on ______, per the following resolution.

The minutes from the following meetings as related to this Recreation Plan are provided in Appendix B.

 Parks and Recreation Committee  Township Board  Parks and Recreation Committee  Township Board

Transmittals for Adopted Plan (see following pages)

Transmittal of Plan to County

Transmittal of Plan to Regional Planning Agency

Resort Township Recreation Plan 2016-2020 8-1 Review Draft Plan Adoption Documentation