FIVE-YEAR COMMUNITY PARK AND RECREATION PLAN of the CHIKAMING TOWNSHIP PARK BOARD Berrien County, Michigan 2015-2020 Approved by Chikaming Township Board on February 26th, 2015 FINAL
[email protected] Page 1 of 90 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Chikaming Township Park Plan that follows represents an effort to lay out a long range future for our park system and to focus on the next five years of development projects that will move us toward that goal. This vision is a continuation of the park system development that has been going on since 1970 when the Park Board was formed. The Park Board envisions a future park system featuring greenways along the Galien River and the Lake Michigan shore connecting our existing parks, preserves, and beaches with additional protected open spaces and a system of hike and bike trails, and integrated with similar features in the county and regional park systems. Within that park system will be an expanded, fully developed Harbert Community Park at the heart of a community service center that serves as a focal point for the Township between the River Valley Senior Center and the Township Hall. This park will feature a walking trail with exercise stations, a childrens’ water feature, an improved showcase Little League ball field, beach volleyball courts, a pond fishing and viewing platform, a covered walkway/community gathering place, and a winter ice rink, in addition to the existing playground, picnic pavilion and dog park. It will be fully accessible to all, and will be a venue for various community events. The Galien River and Duneland Greenways will serve as perpetually preserved wildlife corridors, nesting places for migratory and year-round birds, habitat for numerous plant and animal species, and a trail system tying together and showcasing the natural bounty of Southwest Michigan.