Clay Township RECREATION PLAN 2011-2015

St. Clair County, Michigan

Prepared by: Clay Township Planning Commission and Clay Township Recreation Commission

Assisted by: Community Planning & Management, P.C. RECREATION MASTER PLAN Page 2 Clay Township Recreation Commission 2011-2015 c fi es the fi Page 3 Page cally, the Plan will fi recognize municipal identifying speci ed recreational needs. needs.ed recreational fi necessarily always ed time frame. fi ming, which in turn will lead to ming, Recreation Commission with an opportunity to consider theRecreation Commission the Clay Township Township the Clay capital improvement program Clay Township and potentially the surrounding communities. Township Clay and Environment. priority system for Recreation Commission recognizes that recreation needs do not Recreation Commission recognizes that recreation the recreation needs of all age groups, both present and future. alternative methods. desires. projects and intended funding sources to be implemented over a speci of Natural Resources and facilities. Clay Township Clay Township 4. Provide a 4. Provide 3. Identify park improvements; establish land acquisition priorities; and suggest facilities and programs to meet 2. or designed to address the recreation needs through either conventional Develop policies and programs 1. and recreation recreation needs that will serve the communities based on their growth Identify short and long-term 5. Qualify the community grant programs available though the Michigan Department to participate in recreation 6. recreation programs Serve as a functional and reasonable guide in the development of the Commission’s Clay Township Recreation Commission Recreation Clay Township accomplish the following objectives: boundaries, and that the scope of services available to local residents can be expanded through the cooperation of existingboundaries, and that the scope of services for medium and smaller communities that may not be able to support independentservice providers. This is particularly true recreation programs. population growth offer new challenges and opportunities for recreation planningThis physical setting and the prospects for the range of recreation opportunities in the face of the large populationpurposes. These challenges involve expanding purpose of the Recreation Plan is to identify these challenges and opportunitiesincreases and limited resources. A principal for addressing existing and future needs. More speci and to establish policies to be used as a framework The availability and type of park and recreation programs provided makes the communities more attractive by enhancing the makes the communities more attractive of park and recreation programs provided The availability and type Recreation Plan. support the need to prepare a community quality of life. Collectively, these reasons communities’ overall structured means of establishing a clear set of goals and objectives for providingThe recreation planning process offers a recreation services to residents of The community the existing recreational areas. State funding for expanding and/or improving for possible The decreasing widely accepted role for local governments. facilities and programs has evolved into a Providing recreation recreation providers places an even greater emphasis on due to longer hours and longer work weeks, amount of leisure time, and programs to satisfy these magni range of quality, easily accessible facilities to offer a more diverse INTRODUCTION PURPOSE Plan provides The preparation of a Recreation short and long-term as a major provider frequently look to the local community needs of its residents. Residents recreation also quali preparation of a Recreation Master Plan programming opportunities. The of park space and recreation RECREATION MASTER PLAN strategy foraddressingtheseneedsisoffered, aswellapotentialmethodoffundingtheimprovementsnoted. needs basedonacceptedplanningstandards,aswelllocaldesires.Basedtheseidenti available fromState,regionalandlocalproviders. The secondhalfofthePlanidenti the deliveryofrecreationprogramsandservices.Includedinthisanalysisisaninventoryexistingfacilities Environment. Itbeginswithanexaminationofrelevantdemographicandphysicalcharacteristicsthatmayin The RecreationPlanfollowstheplanningguidelinesestablishedbyMichiganDepartmentofNaturalResourcesand Page 4 Clay Township Recreation Commission fi es shortandlong-rangerecreation fi ed needs, a comprehensive ed needs,acomprehensive fl uence 2011-2015 Port Huron Page 5 Page Marysville St Clair Marine City Port Huron Twp East China Twp Fort Gratiot Twp Algonac Burtchville Twp China Twp Clay Twp St Clair Twp Kimball Twp Cottrellville Twp Clyde Twp Grant Twp Clay Twp ve (5) year increment fi Ira Twp Casco Twp Wales Twp Columbus Twp Kenockee Twp Greenwood Twp Richmond Memphis Yale Riley Twp Emmett Twp Brockway Twp Berlin Twp Lynn Twp Mussey Twp Illustration #1 Illustration Regional Location at growth pattern between fl at growth pattern between 2000-2010. at growth pattern between 2000-2010. fl uences the use of recreation resources in uences the use of recreation resources fl Clay Township Recreation Commission Recreation Clay Township from 2015 to 2035. The one exception being the years 2020 to 2035 where the population increase is anticipated to The one exception being the years 2020 to 2035 where the population increase from 2015 to 2035. be only seventy (70) persons. 1980-1990, saw an upswing in population between 1990 and 1980-1990, saw an upswing in population 2000, and another population for Clay The current (December 2010) projected based on SEMCOG projections is 9,785 persons. Township to persons to 11,572 Township a slow continued population growth in Clay Projections prepared by SEMCOG anticipate The projections anticipate the growth to occur by approximately 400 persons per the year 2035. During a 20-year period between 1990 and 2010, Clay and 2010, Clay During a 20-year period between 1990 grew by only 923 persons based population Township’s Michigan Council of on 1990 Census data and Southeast for December 2010. Governments (SEMCOG) projections had a relatively Township The POPULATION GROWTH TRENDS AND GROWTH POPULATION PROJECTIONS COMMUNITY DESCRIPTION LOCATION REGIONAL Recreation Plan, as seen in Illustration The study area for the located in Township boundaries of Clay 1, encompasses the study area is The of St. Clair County. the southeast corner 40 miles northeast of Downtown Detroitlocated approximately of the City of Port Huron, which is the and 20 miles south Dixie Highway (M-29) is the principal St. Clair County Seat. Township providing access to the transportation corridor and the larger Metropolitan Detroit from both Port Huron the easy access to and from This State highway offers area. and in Township the Downriver Area. It also makes other regional recreation Area. It also makes the Downriver considerations These sites accessible to area residents. Inventory will be discussed in more detail in the Recreation chapter. RECREATION MASTER PLAN C T C T ABLE LAY Page 6 ABLE LAY

Population T T

Population OWNSHIP 10,000 OWNSHIP 1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000 5,000 6,000 7,000 8,000 9,000 10000 10200 10400 10600 10800 11000 11200 11400 11600 9600 9800 0 P P 9011 9013 9015 9017 9019 002010 2000 1990 1980 1970 1960 1950 1940 1930 1920 1910 1900 OPULATION OPULATION 0522 0523 2035 2030 2025 2020 2015 G P ROWTH ROJECTIONS T RENDS Clay Township Recreation Commission 2011-2015 Page 7 Page Median

Age 2000 ROUP G GE A - SEMCOG BY Median

Age 2009 ENSUS ENSUS OPULATION ROJECTIONS ABLE P T P 2000 C - U.S. C GE A EDIAN ABLE Community Clay TownshipSt. Clair CountyState of Michigan 46.6 39.3 37.7 40.9 T M Change 2000-2035 Projections SEMCOG 2035

Population Percentage of Population

2000 Census 0 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 2,500 3,000 3,500 4,000 4,500 5,000 65+ Age 5-17 18-34 35-64 Clay Township Recreation Commission Recreation Clay Township Group Under 5 Under 65+35-6418-34 1,3665-17 4,483 1,752 13.9 45.6 1,721 17.8 17.6 2,541 4,541 2,122 1,175 1,722 58 370 1 (37.7) for County (39.3) and the State of Michigan gure for St. Clair Reviewing the various age categories that comprise Clay Township’s Township’s comprise Clay Reviewing the various age categories that recreation services that may be generated additional insights on the demand for offers Table, population, as shown in the of population is under the age Township’s (22.7%) of the segments of the population. Nearly one-quarter by different total of almost forty six (46%) percent A population is between the ages of 35-64. The largest share of the area’s 17. is 65 or above. Nearly fourteen (14%) percent of the population of the population falls into this category. that the percentage of the population over the age of 65 by the year 2035 Projections provided by SEMCOG suggest percent of the total population, with an actual increase of nearly 1,200 residents will be approximately twenty two (22%) from the 2000 Census. Population Change by Age Population Median Age Age Median of had an average median age Township Residents within Clay Survey American Community based on the 46.6 years in 2009, is substantially above the This Census. conducted by the U.S. fi Census As compared to 2000 and data set. the same time period age. has seen a major increase in median Township data, Clay of 40.9 years. The 2000 Census noted a median age AGE For example, a community’s planning purposes. for recreation demographic indicator are a useful Age characteristics age facilities, since different services and mix of needed recreational the appropriate will help determine age composition active the need for more population suggests younger A services. recreational different require and desire categories recreation needs. have more specialized other hand, may Seniors, on the facilities and programs. recreation RECREATION MASTER PLAN the numberofresidentslivinginpoverty, mayin Economic characteristics,especiallyhouseholdincomelevels and ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS the sameintermsofpercentagetotalhouseholds. same informationrevealsthathouseholdswithchildrenwill remain a personover65isdifferent thenthatofayoungerpopulation. The This isimportanttorecognizesincerecreationamenitypreferencesfor that statisticwillrisetoapproximately36percentbytheyear2036. persons overtheageof65was26percentandestimatesindicatethat 25 years.Basedon2000Censusinformation,thosehouseholdswith household withinthe Township isalsoexpectedtochangeoverthenext Based onthe2000CensusaswellSEMCOGestimates,average estimates. actually increaseto2.45personsby2035accordingSEMCOG in 2010. The projectedhouseholdsize,howeverisexpectedto household in2000andanestimatedpopulationof2.54persons declines areobservedforSt.ClairCounty;2.62personsper to 2.39personsin2010,basedonSEMCOGestimates.Similar Township was2.50persons. This hasbeenestimatedtodecline past decade.In2000,thesizeofaveragehouseholdin household sizeintheDownriver Area hasalsodeclinedoverthe Consistent withbroaderNationalandregionaltrends,average household hasconsistentlydeclinedoverthepasttenyears. On aNationalandregionallevel,thesizeofaverage HOUSEHOLD CHARACTERISTICS period oftheRecreationPlan. is notexpectedtochangegreatlyoverthe 62 persons. The makeupofthe Township other racialgroupsormorethanoneracetotal population iswhite.Residentsbelongingto approximately 99percentofthe Township’s Based ontheresultsof2000Census, male versusfemaleisminimal. purposes, thisdifference inthepercentageof a marginof50.7to49.3percent.Forplanning Females outnumbermalesinthe Township by SEX, RACE ANDETHNIC CHARACTERISTICS households withlowerincomes. offered byprivateproviders. The oppositewillgenerallybetruefor participate inawiderrangeof recreationalactivities,especiallythose household withhigherincome levelswillhavemoreopportunitiesto of recreationopportunitiesorleisure-timepursuits.Forexample, a Page 8

Clay Township Recreation Commission oa ,4 0. 6,3 100.0 50.7 49.3 164,235 83,321 100.0 80,914 47.8 52.2 9,548 4,563 4,985 Total Female Male fl uence thechoice Township Clay Income (below) Households -2000(above)MedianHousehold T ihCide ,9 1,427 1,681 2035 1,192 4,718 1,011 2000 3,934 With Children With Seniors Total Households Households ABLE Male/Female Ratio-2000 T ABLE $10,000 Less than more $200,000 or $199,999 $150,000 to $149,999 $100,000 to $99,999 $75,000 to $74,999 $50,000 to $49,999 $35,000 to $34,999 $25,000 to $24,999 $15,000 to $14,999 $10,000 to Percentage Income Level Households Number of St. Clair County 3 3.40% 10.90% 136 17.70% 436 22.60% 708 14.80% 903 11.40% 591 9.80% 453 3.50% 392 3.00% 140 121 1 2.80% 110 Percentage Percentage 2011-2015 cantly cantly fi Page 9 Page Clay Township Recreation Commission Recreation Clay Township above the comparable total for St. Clair County, which is $46,313 (American Community Survey). The percentage The percentage Community Survey). is $46,313 (American which St. Clair County, comparable total for above the preceding page. is shown on the of household income breakdown population must consider the needs of any special park and recreation system Township’s to the Planned improvements facilities and prevent them from having access to recreation those with physical handicaps that may groups, particularly not available as a disability status of the population was other area residents. Information on the services available to by the Census for 2005-2009. American Community Survey produced part of the updated Clay Township’s average median household income of $57,636 (American Community Survey), which is signi which Survey), Community (American of $57,636 income household median average Township’s Clay DISABILITY CHARACTERISTICS RECREATION MASTER PLAN Page 10 Clay Township Recreation Commission 2011-2015

Page 11 Page cant changes cant fi ts for recreation purposes. For example, fi The of recreation opportunities. the availability uence fl uencing future recreation sites or services. uencing future recreation fl ne the Township, providing the Township with an asset that very few communities have Township providing the Township, ne the fi ned to the Lake St. Clair shoreline of the Clay Township mainland and the southern end Township ned to the Lake St. Clair shoreline of the Clay fi ts to the Township. ts to the fi Clay Township Recreation Commission Recreation Clay Township these natural features enhance the setting of parks by providing opportunities for picnics, hiking the setting of parks by providing opportunities for picnics, hiking these natural features enhance and nature interpretation, as well as providing wildlife habitat. are impacted by regulated wetlands. Most of these wetlands Township Extensive portions of Clay are con The locations of these wetland areas largely coincide with the location of the of Harsens Island. recreational Area, both of which provide extensive Marsh and the St. Clair Flats Wildlife St. John’s bene Climate therefore realizes four seasons - The Downriver area is in the humid continental climate zone and fall, winter and spring. Storms from the Great Lakes region cross the area from the west summer, is characterized by frequent weather and temperature The climate of the area and southwest. The mean temperature for the area is about 48 changes with an even distribution of precipitation. The annual precipitation averages 30.2 inches of which 50 percent occurs during the degrees. April through September. six month period from Woodlands/Wetlands Woodlands/Wetlands numerous bene offer Undisturbed woodlands and wetlands within the State. Township. and Clay Algonac boundary of both the City of The St. Clair River forms the eastern Water Features Water such as lakes, rivers, creeks, ponds. Proximity to water is the Surface water exists in many forms, of the Mainland as well as the islands The shoreline single greatest recreation asset. Township’s helps de presence of varied topography, woodlands and other natural water features, including lakes and features, including natural water and other woodlands of varied topography, presence land use community’s A activities. for diverse recreation opportunities provide unique rivers, often recreation needs and opportunities. need to be considered in evaluating characteristics also Topography across of the movement of glaciers are a consequence Township features of the The topographic There are no signi a nearly level glacial plain. The entire area lies within this region. Clair The North Channel of the St. abuts Lake St. Clair. Township The western boundary of Clay Township. and the mainland portion of Clay River separates Harsens Island in the past, many opportunities for recreation. Lake St. Clair has, This extensive shoreline offers its recreational and aesthetic value. Even with the number of been a strong attraction for both watercraft down slightly based on economic conditions, the ability marinas and personal boats and and the Township from all over south east Michigan to Clay to access the water draws residents shoreline. PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS PHYSICAL in community may setting of a The physical in elevation across the service area in in elevation across RECREATION MASTER PLAN • • • purposes. These includethefollowing: roads, buildings,utilitiesandagriculture.Fourspeci Soil characteristicshaveanimportantin Soils nearly level,verypoorlydrained,dominantlyhigh-limesoils thathaveaveryloamysubsoil. These soilsarefeaturedpredominantlyinglacialdrainageways andonthelakeplain. This associationismadeupof Bach beaches, andonoutwashplains. soils thathaveasandytoloamysubsoil.Soilsisthisassociationarelocatedinglacialdrainageways,onlake Soils inthisassociationarenearlyleveltogentlysloping,well-drainedandsomewhatpoorlydrained,dominantlysandy Boyer-Wasepi-Spinks up ofnearlylevel, These soilsarefeaturedpredominantlyonglaciallakebeaches,outwashplains,anddeltas. This associationismade Wainola-Deford to loamysubsoil.Soilsinthisassociationarelocatedonthelakeplainandglacialbeaches. This associationiscomprisedofnearlylevel,somewhatpoorlydrainedandverysoilsthathaveaclayey Paulding-Wasepi in thisareaaredescribedasfollows: Township showsomedif by theUnitedStatesDepartmentof Agriculture SoilConservationService. The majorityofthesoilslocatedwithin Clay Township’s soilcharacteristicswereidenti • Page 12 Resource Value —theeconomicworthofsoilforagriculturalpurposes,orasa water content. the abilityofsoilstoabsorbstormwater. Soildrainagecharacteristicsarein Drainage —thecapacityofsoilstotransitandreceivewater. This characteristicisespeciallyimportantfordetermining causing massmovementssuchasmud Erodibility/Stability —thesusceptibilityofsoilstoerosionhazardsandabilityacceptweight,without Bearing Capacity—theabilitytosupportweightofroads,buildingsorvehicles.

somewhat poorlydrainedandverysoilsthathaveasandysubsoil. fi culty withdrainage,althoughrecreationopportunitiesshouldnotbeaffected. The soilslocated fl uence ontheabilityoflandtosupportvarioustypesuses,including fl ows andslides. Clay Township Recreation Commission fi edaspartofthelargerSt.ClairCountySoilSurveyconductedin1969 fi c soilcharacteristicsin fl uence theirabilitytobeusedforvarious fl uenced byparticlecompositionand fi ll orminedmaterial. 2011-2015 Page 13 Page ned to the area surrounding the City of Algonac. Except for those areas impacted by Algonac. Except for those areas impacted to the area surrounding the City of ned fi ned to the M-29 corridor. ned to the fi Clay Township Recreation Commission Recreation Clay Township wetlands, much of the shoreline of the mainland area of Clay Township are also developed, while a large portion of are also developed, Township shoreline of the mainland area of Clay wetlands, much of the through the land. Existing single-family development is undeveloped or State Township of Clay the interior acreage roads on large lots. Most of the existing occurs in a linear pattern along the frontage of major Township majority of Clay is along the shoreline. Zoning to a great extent follows the existing land residential development on Harsens Island Commercial and other nonresidential zoning is is largely zoned for large lot residential. Township use patterns. Clay largely con EXISTING LAND USE AND ZONING LAND AND ZONING EXISTING USE Most of the existing Township. land use feature in Clay is the most common developed Residential development is con residential development Transportation Systems Transportation and the to both Port Huron area, providing access the Downriver thoroughfare servicing (M-29) is the major Dixie Highway the area been constructed through bike path has in the Plan, a regional As shown later Detroit area. larger Metropolitan the west. freeway further to area with the I-94 is provided to the regional access follows M-29. Further which largely as two (2) lane, section-line roads. can be characterized Townships streets in Clay The large majority of RECREATION MASTER PLAN Page 14

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HANHANNEL C LE D IIDDLED Dr. M annel LITTLE ChChannel Dr. MUSCAMOOT : BAY BIG Base Map Information By: MUSCAMOOT BAY St. Clair County Metropolitan Planning Commission

Community Planning & Management, P.C. Professional Planning Consultants

2011-2015

Professional Planning Consultants Planning Professional Community Planning & Management, P.C. Management, & Planning Community

Page 15 Page

Planning Commission Planning

St. Clair County Metropolitan Metropolitan County Clair St.

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Community Planning & Management, P.C. Professional Planning Consultants

2011-2015

Professional Planning Consultants Planning Professional Community Planning & Management, P.C. Management, & Planning Community

Page 17 Page

Planning Commission Planning

St. Clair County Metropolitan Metropolitan County Clair St.

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RS-1 - RURAL SUBURBAN RM - MULTIPLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL RS-2 - RURAL SUBURBAN MHP - MOBILE HOME PARK ZONING MAP R-1L ONE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL C-1 - BUSINESS OFFICE DISTRICT Clay Township St. Clair County, Michigan R-1 -ONE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL C-2 - SMALL BUSINESS DISTRICT Prepared By: Clay Township Planning Commission Adopted By: Clay Township Board of Trustees August 20, 2007 R-2 - ONE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL C-3 - GENERAL BUSINESS DISTRICT Ordinance #126 Effective: September 5, 2007

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be zoned R-1 One Family Residential Family One R-1 zoned be

Property located on Dickinson Island shall Island Dickinson on located Property map shall be zoned R-1 One Family Residential Family One R-1 zoned be shall map

Page 19 Page Outlying areas of Harsens Island not shown on the on shown not Island Harsens of areas Outlying

Base Map Prepared By: St. Clair County Metopolitan Planning Commission Planning Metopolitan County Clair St. By: Prepared Map Base

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Adopted By: Clay Township Board of Trustees August 20, 2007 20, August Trustees of Board Township Clay By: Adopted

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Legend Clay Township Recreation Commission Recreation Clay Township RECREATION MASTER PLAN Page 20 2009 COMPOSITE EXISTING LAND USE Clay Township Recreation Commission

Large Lot Single Family Residential Single Family Residential Multiple Family Residential Manufactured Housing Park Commercial Marina Commercial Industrial Public / Semi-Public Vacant & Open Space 00.375 0.75 1.5 State Managed Lands Miles Base Map Prepared By: St. Clair County Metopolitan Planning Commission 2011-2015 sh and fi Page 21 Page shing, hunting and bird watching. fi shing, boating, picnicking, camping, cross-country shing, boating, picnicking, camping, shing, camping, boat launching and hiking facilities shing, camping, boat fi fi cant topography. Small game hunting is the principal Small cant topography. fi cant numbers of waterfowl. Diking improvements to this cant numbers of waterfowl. Diking improvements fi - Two additional major State recreation facilities are located in St. Clair County: Lakeport additional major State recreation facilities are located in St. Clair County: Lakeport Two -

- This facility encompasses approximately 1,450 acres of land located along M-29, north This facility encompasses approximately 1,450 acres of -

- St. John’s Marsh is located on the mainland and occupies approximately 2,477 acres. This Marsh is located on the mainland and occupies approximately 2,477 acres. - St. John’s

- St. Clair Flats encompasses approximately 10,300 acres of land, located at the mouth of the St. - St. Clair Flats encompasses approximately

Clair River as it enters Lake St. Clair. Large portions of the numerous islands that comprise this area are included Clair River as it enters Lake St. Clair. Area and Sanctuary in 1949. it a State Game The State of Michigan declared within this State game area. St. Clair Flats area has historically been a natural habitat for Because of its unique natural setting, the point for signi waterfowl. It is also a migration stopping water levels and providing food for waterfowl, thereby increasing its use. area have been successful in regulating observing waterfowl. Boat launching facilities are also available. Land The area is open to public hunting and for of submerged lands, scattered ownership and management problems within this area are complex as a result private development, and the combination of leased and deeded lots. Marsh St. John’s of the Algonac City limits, along the Clay Township-Cotterville Township boundary. This park fronts along the St. boundary. Township Township-Cotterville Clay Algonac City limits, along the of the numerous The park is only partially developed and offers 3,200 feet. for a distance of approximately Clair River, facilities include picnic areas, playgrounds, boat launch, nature study camp sites (both modern and rustic). Other archery range. Swimming is restricted because of hazardous conditions area, hunting, hiking, and shooting and in the St. Clair River. St. Clair Flats Algonac State Park Other State Facilities Area. Lakeport State Park is located approximately seven miles north State Park and Port Huron State Game The park encompasses 1,215 acres, which includes of Port Huron, along the Lake Huron shoreline on M-25. a shoreline approximately one mile in length. Swimming, are available at this park. This Area occupies 6,627 acres of land in the central portion of St. Clair County. The Port Huron State Game acreage is heavily wooded and is characterized by signi by this park. Fishing, hiking and nature study are also available. recreation opportunity offered area is bisected by M-29. It was established in 1974 to preserve a valuable wetland area and provides the public area is bisected by M-29. It was established in 1974 to preserve a valuable wetland with opportunities for additional wildlife recreation opportunities, including Clay Township Recreation Commission Recreation Clay Township Eighteen (18) State parks and recreation areas are located in the seven-county southeast Michigan region. These parks These parks region. the seven-county southeast Michigan parks and recreation areas are located in Eighteen (18) State Common recreation a wide range of day use facilities. exceeding 75,000 acres and provide have a combined area at these sites include hiking, swimming, opportunities available STATE PARKS AND RECREATION AREAS AREAS AND RECREATION PARKS STATE RECREATION INVENTORY RECREATION INTRODUCTION residents. Township are available to Clay organizations facilities provided by several different variety of recreation A Township the St. Clair County, Authority, Metropolitan include the State of Michigan, Huron-Clinton Recreation providers these opportunities are provided in description of A businesses. School District, and various private Algonac itself, the the following text. skiing and snowmobiling, among others. Three State recreation facilities are available in the Clay service area. These facilities are available in the Clay service area. Three State recreation skiing and snowmobiling, among others. Marsh and the St. Clair Area (St. John’s the St. Clair Flats Wildlife Marsh, and Algonac State Park, St. John’s include below. 18-park total). Brief descriptions of these facilities are offered Area are not part of this Flats Wildlife RECREATION MASTER PLAN State andRegional Recreational Facilities rgtnSaeRceto Area Recreation State Brighton Page 22 LIVINGSTON etrHuron Dexter WASHTENAW uo Meadows Huron ! ! usnMills Hudson icnySaeRceto Area Recreation State Pinckney # GENESSEE ee ae tt Park State Lakes Seven # # ! Delfi ihadSaePark State Highland # Kensington ! hle tt aeArea Game State Chelsea sadLk tt Park State Lake Island ! # ee Lakes Seven ! ninSprings Indian MONROE ru aeSaePark State Lake Proud ! oe Huron Lower ! trigSark S Sterling S ! t abr tt Park State Maybury Clay Township Recreation Commission l Oakwoods i # OAKLAND Willow S ! ! # ol tt erainArea Recreation State Holly ! ota aeSaePark State Lake Pontiac # # rovleSaeRceto Area Recreation State Ortonville ! ! eaoaSaeRceto Area Recreation State Metamora ! og o 4 No. Dodge LAPEER aeErie Lake WAYNE ! ! aerSaeGm Area Game State Lapeer adMuti tt Park State Mountain Bald # oct Mill Wolcott # erpltnBeach Metropolitan tn Creek Stony t t MACOMB P # k ! ezlSaePark State Wetzel # aeotSaePark State Lakeport ST. CLAIR loa tt Park State Algonac St. John’s Marsh St. ClairFlats ! ! 2011-2015

Page 23 Page

William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor and Park State Milliken G. William YYY

abr tt akYYYYY Y Y Y Y Park State Maybury

Wayne

aeotSaePr Y Park State Lakeport YY

loa tt akY Park State Algonac YY

St. Clair County Clair St.

ee ae tt akYYYYY Y Y Y Y Park State Lakes Seven

ru aeRceto raYYYYYY Y Y Y Y Y Area Recreation Lake Proud

ota aeRceto rayyyyyy y y y y y Area Recreation Lake Pontiac

rovleRceto raYYYYY Y Y Y Y Area Recreation Ortonville

ol erainAe Y Y Y Y Y Area Recreation Holly

ihadRceto raYYYYYY Y Y Y Y Y Area Recreation Highland

og 4SaePr Y Y Park State #4 Dodge YY

adMuti erainAe Y Y Y Y Area Recreation Mountain Bald

Oakland County Oakland

..Wte tt erainAe Y Area Recreation State Wetzel W.C.

Macomb County Macomb

eaoa-Hde erainAe Y Y Area Recreation Hadley - Metamora YY

Area Shelter Biking Restroom Area Skiing Store

Lapeer County Lapeer Equestrian Golf Disk

Picnic Picnic Picnic Mountain Modern Trail Dog Country Cross Concession

STATE RECREATION FACILITIES IN SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN SOUTHEAST IN FACILITIES RECREATION STATE FIGURE 1 FIGURE Commission Recreation Clay Township RECREATION MASTER PLAN

Page 24 FIGURE 2 REGIONAL RECREATION FACILITIES IN SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN

Metal Michigan State Park Beach Boat Boat Cabins and Swimming Biking Canoeing Lapeer County Detecting Explorer Program House Launch Rentals Lodging Metamora - Hadley Recreation Area Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Macomb County W.C. Wetzel State Recreation Area Oakland County Bald Mountain Recreation Area Y Y Y Y Y Dodge #4 State Park Y Y

Clay Township Recreation Commission Highland Recreation Area Y Y Y Y Holly Recreation Area Y Y Y Y Y Y Ortonville Recreation Area Y Y Y Y Pontiac Lake Recreation Area y y y y y Proud Lake Recreation Area Y Y Y Y Y Y Seven Lakes State Park Y Y Y Y Y St. Clair County Algonac State Park Y Y Lakeport State Park Y Y Y Wayne Maybury State Park Y William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor 2011-2015 Page 25 Page Fort Gratiot County Park is located in the northern part just off of St. Clair County, This 30 M-25 on Metcalf Rd. breathtaking acre park offers views of Lake Huron and 852 ft of Lake Shoreline/ beach. Current facilities at the park include beach access, restrooms, picnic areas as well as a children’s playground and .85 miles paved of walking trails. Fort Gratiot County Park is also home to the 1971 Explosion Memorial Tunnel which commemorates the construction accident that took the lives of 22 men working on the water intake tunnel located beneath the park. Phase 1 included constructing the main constructing Phase 1 included roadway, Bauman Road, a park entrance on control and parking lot, erosion a 100 car electrical work, a drainage improvements, of a lighted water well and development sledding hill. a park lodge with Plans to construct facilities, a picnic modern restroom and room, offices pavilion, a meeting for 2011. storage rooms is slated Clay Township Recreation Commission Recreation Clay Township St ClairSt County Facilities RECREATION MASTER PLAN The Butter Pavilion andparking. easy accessofPineRiverPicnic It’s accessibletoallchildrenandwithin swings andtalkingtubes. and lowplaces,slides,climbers, area withgrassyslopes,high The playgroundisanadventure frisbees, skiing,sleddingandstargazing. pavilion invitepicnics,concerts,kites, Meadows, bermsandtheopen-air adult phasesofabutterfly’s life. habitat forthecaterpillar, chrysalisand century Americana. School, standsasaniconof19th Ryan FarmhouseandLynn Township the FarmMuseumBarns,Murphy/ Page 26 The preservationandacquisitionof fi activities suchascanoe,kayakand study, hiking,biking,andwater outdoor recreationincludingnature preserve itforcontinueduseof purchase ofCampWoodsong will Master RecreationPlan. The the highestpriorityinCounty land foroutdoorrecreationaluseis of BlackRivershoreline. slopes thattraveldownto2,800ft of thepropertyhasscenic,steep camping areas. The easternhalf building, twovaulttoiletsandgroup that includeagarage,smallactivity property featuresexistingbuildings shing accesstotheBlackRiver. The The westernhalfofthe Historical Village fl y Garden providescolorful , including CommunityC Lynn Twp.School ommunit C Center enter CC Peck&Co.Bank L ynn Twp. Peck Murphy/Ryan FarmhouseM y urphy/Ryan F &

C S Pine RiverPicnicPin SplashpadS o. Ban choo plash A Arena ShowS PlaygroundP r h e lay e o Ri n w MIA/POW MemorialM l a g P p L Lot P Parking West W a Pavilion v North Parking Special Event

Lot Lapeer Rd.Entrance Barns Clay Township Recreation Commission Riding Rings Parking Center Horse Barns Open Pavilion Center Operations Pedestrian Bridge Farm Museum Hall Exhibition

Visitors Center

Garden Butterfly Pine River Pine Playground South Side Pine RiverNatureCenter Future Trailto Riverside Shelter Garden Garden Pavillion Arena Special Events Center Parking Lot East Wetlands

County Park Drive RC CarRacing Track Track BMX Bicycle Airfield RC Model 2011-2015 cantly fi Page 27 Page (http://www.stclaircounty. rst being on M-29 near the west boundary of the City, the City, of west boundary near the on M-29 rst being fi Splashpad and dedicated parking area. Restrooms • • • The newly developed Township Township The newly developed The Pearl Beach Pier is the only public The Pearl - ces/parks/) http://www.claytownship.org/township_park.htm fi Extensive pathway system Large Playground area Pavilion Concession Stand Volleyball Clay Township Recreation Commission Recreation Clay Township shing. SUMMARY SUMMARY and the second being located at the terminus of Anchor Bay Drive. One additional public boat-launching site is located boat-launching One additional public Anchor Bay Drive. at the terminus of being located and the second of land. 14 acres site occupies approximately This Palms Road. of M-29, west of on the south side Township in Ira which total approximately 100 Trail Avoca to also operates the Wadhams In addition to the parks shown, the County acres in a linear park. to the west. provides public recreation facilities for area Township Clay each The location, size and equipment available at residents. narrative. of these sites are described in the following Clay Township Pearl Beach Pier LOCAL RECREATION FACILITIES LOCAL RECREATION With the exception of the noted State parks, very few recreational opportunities are within close State parks, very few recreational opportunities are within close With the exception of the noted provide a different Township and even the State parks located within the Township proximity to Clay most of the County facilities space, passive recreation. Further, type of recreation, more of an open while Huron Clinton Metropark parks are located signi are located to the north and west, Each St. Clair County Park is described in the previous site plan and short narrative attached to each. The St. Clair The St. Clair each. plan and short narrative attached to Park is described in the previous site Each St. Clair County services provided by the County. provides additional facility attributes and County website also Three Huron Clinton Metropark Authority (HCMA) parks are located in Macomb County to the west of St. Clair County: in Macomb County to the west of St. Authority (HCMA) parks are located Metropark Three Huron Clinton Mill in Ray and Wolcott Township; Metro Beach Metropark in Harrison Township; in Washington Stony Creek Metropark Township. CLAIR COUNTY ST. org/of The State operates two other boat launches within the area, the area, the within the launches boat two other operates The State FACILITIES RECREATION REGIONAL Township Hall Park Site - Township Hall Park Site provides the following: • • • • • recreation site operated by Clay Township. This facility is located Township. recreation site operated by Clay along the North Channel, Avenue at the foot of Pearl Beach The pier extends 300 approximately 400 feet south of M-29. an opportunity for public feet into the North Channel and offers fi RECREATION MASTER PLAN Page 28 Clay Township Recreation Commission 2011-2015 Page 29 Page cant of these private fi ve-acre site includes a baseball diamond, with backstop, and an open play area. with backstop, a baseball diamond, ve-acre site includes The Harsens Island Association also owns and operates a 14-acre, semi-public park site for Island residents site for Island residents semi-public park operates a 14-acre, also owns and Association Island The Harsens two tennis courts, and a softball a picnic pavilion, play structure, This park includes Park). (Browne’s diamond. Middle Algonquin Algonac High School, District operates Algonac School The - Algonac School District The elementary provide a number of recreation amenities. These schools Elementary. School and Millside sports the upper schools provide more formal structures for their playground, while school provides recreation facilities. Local chapters of the Lion’s Club operates a park site on Harsens Island is less extensively developed. This developed. Island is less extensively site on Harsens Club operates a park of the Lion’s Local chapters fi Clay Township Recreation Commission Recreation Clay Township recreation facilities includes the many private marinas located along Lake St. Clair and the North Channel. Within private marinas located along Lake St. Clair and the North Channel. Within recreation facilities includes the many These marinas, slips area available. a total of approximately 2,700 boat Township, the Downriver area, including the An 18-hole public golf course is Township. needs of people who live outside of the largely serve the boating however, Island, Canada, which is open to ice ice-skating rink is also available on Walpole An indoor located on Harsens Island. residents. Township and skaters and hockey teams from both Canada Private Recreation Facilities Facilities Recreation Private The most signi Township. within and around the Several private recreation facilities are available Other Public Recreation Facilities Other Public Recreation RECREATION MASTER PLAN Sample Creating Resolution theClay Township Recreation Commission Page 30 Absent: Nays: Ayes: A rollcallwastaken: Commission. of February____,2011 herebyadopts thisresolutioncreatingtheClay Township ParksandRecreation NOW, THEREFORE BEIT RESOLVED development andgrantapplications, request inputfromtheClay Township PlanningCommission asappropriateinthedevelopmentofplans,park WHEREAS WHEREAS of theStateMichigan, WHEREAS and applyingforgrants, purpose ofdevelopingaparksandrecreationmasterplan,planningforfutureparklocations,development WHEREAS create aParksandRecreationCommission. WHEREAS resolution wasoffered byBoardmember______andsupported______. At aregularmeetingoftheClay Township Boardof Trustees, heldonthe_____dayofMarch2011 thefollowing , theClay Township Boardof Trustees shallserveastheParksandRecreationCommission, , Clay Township intendstodevelopaParksandRecreationMasterPlanmeetingtherequirements , theClay Township Boardof Trustees desirestocreateaParksandRecreationCommissionforthe , Public Act 157of1905(Township ParksandPlacesofRecreation Act) authorizesthe Township to , theClay Township Boardof Trustees, servingastheParksandRecreationCommission,shall Resolution Creating theClay Township Recreation Commission Board of Trustees ofClay Township, St.Clair County Clay Township Recreation Commission , theBoardof Trustees ofClay Township atitsregularmeeting Township ofClay 2011-2015 c grant fi Page 31 Page Clay Township Administration Clay Township Clay Township Planning Commission Township Clay Clay Township Recreation Commission Township Clay Clay Township Recreation Commission Recreation Clay Township Grant History recreation had applied for a number of different Township The previous Recreation Commission which serviced Clay Foundation, Association, the Gannett These applications included requests to the Michigan Recreation and Park grants. All of Humanities Council, and the Community Foundation of St. Clair County. Hawk Foundation, the Michigan Tony the Association Grant. In total the Park these applications were successful with the exemption of the Michigan Recreation during the last Recreation Plan Commission received over $17,000 in grant monies for all three service communities which did not require speci cycle. In addition, the Commission has received funds from several other sources BUDGET ANALYSIS BUDGET ANALYSIS A. Appendix Budget see Township’s For a copy of the recreation at a rate of 50 cents for every $1,000 of State Equalized Valuation The County has established a millage for to each community on a per capita basis for percentage of this money (25 percent) is then returned A (SEV), or ½ mill. The remaining and development. local recreation projects; the remaining 75 percent is used for County Park funding money allocations are then returned to each Community directly. had helped fund the Downriver Recreation Commission with a contribution of $38,000 which Township Clay Traditionally, Algonac. was then matched by the City of The newly formed Clay and PARC. Community Foundation, Y.A.C These include, Citizens First Bank, the applications. has not applied for any grants as of this time. Recreation Commission Township FIGURE STRUCTURE - ORGANIZATIONAL COMMISSION RECREATION TOWNSHIP CLAY ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE ORGANIZATIONAL Township the Clay structure for the implementation of shown below depicts the administrative The Organization Chart Recreation Plan. Board also Township The Board. Township of the Commission was formed by resolution Recreation Township The Clay Recreation Commission Commission provides input to the Planning Township The Commission. acts as the Recreation Board). (Township RECREATION MASTER PLAN Page 32 Clay Township Recreation Commission 2011-2015 Page 33 Page activity area? removed? Get from the arrival place to the Move around the area? Do what others do in the area? If not, what is getting in the way? How can this barrier be • • • • • Can a person with an impairment: The Department of Natural Resources The Department of basic questions asoutlines the following a basis for assessment: cally for handicapped persons. As required cally for handicapped persons. fi eld and open play area. Provisions should be fi eld. This site would likely only rate a one (1) based on the This site would likely eld. fi shing and general viewing area to the North Channel. The site The shing and general viewing area to the North Channel. fi This site is newly developed and is largely accessible. Again, based on This site is newly developed and is largely accessible. This park only provides a ball The Harsens Island Association or Browns Field Park, while not publicly owned The Harsens Island nding, along with other necessary amenities. The Americans with Disabilities Act Americans with Disabilities The necessary amenities. nding, along with other fi This site offers a public This site offers

culty communicating culty understanding fi fi made to provide access via a path way to the ball Lions Club (Harsens Island) - State’s accessibility. accessibility. State’s Association - Harsens Island agreement. was traditionally used for public recreation programs through the DRC, via a mutual Pearl Beach Pier - consists of a 300-foot pier that appears to meet ADA requirements. A ramp gives access to the pier from the ramp gives access to the pier A requirements. ADA to meet consists of a 300-foot pier that appears Based on the accessibility rating system are provided along the pier. existing grade of the parking lot and rails a 3 meaning most of the facility is accessible. provided by the State, the Pier would rate Hall Park Site. - Clay Township rating system, the park site would rate a 3 providing accessibility to nearly all features. the State’s have impaired breathing and endurance have dif have mobility impairments have coordination impairments have vision impairments have hearing impairments have dif Clay Township Recreation Commission Recreation Clay Township nes persons with disabilities as any persons who: nes persons with disabilities fi MAINLAND • • it is important to keep in facilities and programs, In assessing the community’s This includes the time the individual partakes mind all aspects of accessibility. which the individual must in the activity and also the physical environment endure. • under the Americans with Disabilities Act, all new facilities and/or redevelopment of existing facilities will comply with Act, all new facilities and/or redevelopment Americans with Disabilities under the standards. ADA It is the goal of the Clay Township Recreation Commission that all existing and future facilities and programs be available Recreation Commission that all existing and future facilities and programs be Township It is the goal of the Clay currently has no programs designed speci Township to all residents. Clay OTHER PUBLIC RECREATION FACILITIES RECREATION PUBLIC OTHER • • • • de BARRIER FREE COMPLIANCE FREE BARRIER INTRODUCTION Americans for those into law to help equalize the opportunities Act was passed with Disabilities Americans In 1990, the opportunities and programs were designed to provide many years, parks and recreation facilities with disabilities. For and programs, including parks and recreation Act now requires that all public facilities The for those without impairments. the sites, inclusive as access to and maneuvering within provide for equal accommodations, such facilities and programs, or way playscape design, signage RECREATION MASTER PLAN speci objective benchmarkforcomparisontoothercommunities. They mayalsobeusefulformeasuringprogresstowarda of existingfacilitiesincomparisontoacceptedrecreationplanningstandards.Usingthesegenericstandardsoffers an unique tothecommunity. Onecommonmethodofevaluatingrecreationneedsistoconsidertheavailabilityandadequacy appropriateness ofeachtechniqueneedstobeconsideredinrelationshipthephysicalanddemographiccharacteristics Recreation plannersgenerallyrecognizeseveralacceptedmethodsofevaluatingfuturerecreationneeds. The existing facilities,andadministrative/programmingconsiderations. addresses recreationneedsonacomprehensivebasis,consideringtheneedforadditionalparksites,adequacyof analysis providethebasisforrecommendedimprovementsoffered insubsequentportionsofthePlan. This analysis This chapteroftheRecreationPlanconsidersClay Township’s shortandlong-termrecreationneeds. The resultsofthis INTRODUCTION RECREATION NEEDS communities. The speci include acquisition,development,administration/programming,indoorrecreation,andcooperationwithsurrounding This chapteroftheRecreationPlanconsidersindividualelementscommunity’s recreationprogram. These was heldaspartoftherecreationplanningprocess. The resultsofthatmeetingareincorporatedinthischapter. formative stagesoftheplanningprocess. A publiccommunitymeetingforthepurposeof consideringrecreationneeds this reason,therecreationneedsassessmentprocessshouldprovideanopportunityforresidentstohaveinputin desires expressedbytheresidentsofcommunity. These needstypicallyvaryfromcommunitytocommunity. For Any standardusedtoevaluatefuturerecreationneeds,however, shouldbeconsideredinrelationtothepreferences and concluding sectionoftheRecreationPlan. Page 34 fi c recreationgoal. fi c needsidenti fi ed inthischapterprovidethebasisfor therecommendationsoffered inthe Clay Township Recreation Commission 2011-2015 Page 35 Page Number 2035 Recommended Size / Recommended Number 2010 Recommended Size / Recommended of 2035 Number Persons of 9,822 11,572Acres 49 - 98 Acres 58 - 116 9,822 11,572 1 1 9,822 11,572Acres 49 - 78 Acres 58 - 92 9,822 11,5729,822Acres 10 - 20 11,5729,822 11,572Acres 12 - 23 9,822 3 11,5729,822 1 11,5729,822 2 4 11,5729,822 1 1 11,5729,822 1 2 11,5729,822 1 1 11,572 1 1 5 1 1 6 Number Persons eld per 3,000 fi 1 court 10,000 10,000 20,000 20,000 20,000 1 lot per 1 course residents residents residents residents residents residents residents residents residents residents residents residents 5-8 acres 1-2 acres 1 trail per per 1,000 per 1,000 per 1,000 per 2,000 per 5,000 1 1 pool per 1 diamond 5-10 acres 5-10 acres 1 track per 1 court per per 25,000 Regional Park Park/Activity Standard Community Park Neighborhood Park Children’s Playlot Children’s Basketball Court Softball/Baseball Diamond Running Track Swimming Pool Nature Trails Golf Courses Courts Tennis Soccer Fields Clay Township Recreation Commission Recreation Clay Township * populations as projected by SEMCOG. Based on RECREATION MASTER PLAN requirements. Bothcategoriesaredescribedasfollows. category ofparkservesdifferent typesofrecreationneeds. These parksalsohavedifferent landareaanddevelopment Most recreationplansmakeadistinctionbetweenneighborhood-levelandcommunity-widefacilities.Each This analysissuggeststhatthereisade areas. within Clay Township doesnotincludetheareawithinStatePark,preservesorotherregionalprivaterecreation administrative areas,etc.muchlikearecreationcenter. Itshouldalsobenotedthatthetotalacreage forparksites recreation purposes.However, thesebuildingsareutilizedforprogrammingwhichincludethegymnasiums,classrooms, the acreagebutrealistically, thesefacilitiesarenotinthecontrolof Township, noraresitesusedexclusively for into accountinthisacreagecalculation,noristheBridgetoBay Trail. The acreagefortheschoolsitesdoesincrease approximately thenexttenyearsandbeyond.Itshouldbenoted,however, thatexistingschoolsites arenottaken These standardssuggestthatClay Township hasinsuf Township maintainsapproximately4acresoflocalparkland. by theyear2035,thisdemandforparklandincreasestobetween70and115 acresofland. Again, currently, the there isanestimatedneedforbetween59and98acresofland. Assuming aprojectedpopulationof11,572 residents Based onthe Township’s currentprojectedpopulationof9,785 residentsandtheacreagestandardsidenti offering between6.25and10.5acresoflandpereach1,000residentsthecommunity. by theNationalRecreationandParks Association recommendthatlocalcommunitiesprovideacoresystem ofparks Existing recreationsitesinthe Township occupyapproximately4acresofland.Recreationplanningstandardspublished land acquisitionpricesbecometoogreat. understands thattheareainwhichtheyserveisbeingquicklydevelopedandparklandshouldbeobtainedbefore determined thatparklandforseveralspeci a laterdateintimemaybeexpensiveandcomplicated.Forthisreason,theClay Township RecreationCommissionhas level. Ifsuf The acquisitionquestionisparticularlyimportantinlightofthecompetingdemandsfordifferent landusesatthelocal is availableandwhetherornotexistingparksitesareadequatelydistributedtoachievemaximumuse. recreation purposesinthecommunity. Forplanningpurposes,thecommunityneedstodetermineifenoughparkland The A ACQUISITION Page 36 CREAGE fi rst, andperhapsmostfundamental,needconsideredinthisanalysisinvolvesthequantityoflandavailablefor C ONSIDERATIONS fi cient landisnotallocatedforrecreationpurposespriortothedevelopmentofcommunity, acquisitionat

fi nite needforadditionalpark landwithinClay Township. fi c purposesshouldbeobtainednowforfuturedevelopment. The Commission Clay Township Recreation Commission fi cient landareatomeetlocalrecreationneedsnowandfor fi ed above, ed 2011-2015 Page 37 Page cantly expand the fi fteen acres, depending on the size of the fteen acres, depending fi elds, tennis courts and picnic areas, among elds, tennis courts and fi Neighborhood parks are intended to serve the day-to-day recreation needs of surrounding are intended to serve the day-to-day Neighborhood parks These parks frequently provide opportunities for organized athletic competition (soccer, baseball/ (soccer, athletic competition opportunities for organized frequently provide These parks ned area of existing residential development that would allow for residents to walk to the park, such as those ned area of existing residential development that would allow fi Clay Township Recreation Commission Recreation Clay Township range of recreation opportunities available to area residents. range of recreation opportunities available areas along the waterfront and M-29 as well as those near the City of Algonac. Larger, community based parks can community based Algonac. Larger, well as those near the City of areas along the waterfront and M-29 as The down or in areas which have larger vacant or unused acreage parcels. either be located in these types of areas to the park location. side to the latter is that it may require driving based on the number of improvements Hall is more the size of a neighborhood park, however Township The park located at act more like a community park. that are located within the park, it does is dispersed in a linear pattern along major road the residential development however, Township, Throughout Clay more A favor the development of neighborhood park sites. This type of development pattern does not frontages. provide park of this nature will A residents with a community-wide park site. evident opportunity is to provide these softball, baseball, such as soccer, with a park large enough to accommodate organized athletic events Township Clay as well Township both in the these activities are dispersed among existing school and park sites located etc. Currently, of a community park on a substantial site would signi as surrounding communities. Development community. Neighborhood parks should be accessible to the residential area they serve, taking into consideration the area they serve, taking into consideration parks should be accessible to the residential Neighborhood community. an elementary are developed in conjunction with neighborhood parks and bicyclists. Frequently, safety of pedestrians school. should be evaluated in light of the land use characteristics of the communities The need for these two types of parks parks, for example, are appropriate in communities where there is a in which they are to be located. Neighborhood well-de Those properties where upland meets one of the many water based resources within the Township should be given should Township within the Those properties where upland meets one of the many water based resources This includes properties on the Mainland which abut the in terms of acquisition preference. Township priority from the Islands which abut the Marsh and associated areas as well as those areas on the River shoreline as well as St. John’s shoreline as well as the St. Clair Flats. Acquisition Locations Acquisition Community Parks - Community be pool would facilities or a swimming indoor recreation Ideally, community events. picnics, and special softball), group lake, such as a river, a natural feature, are designed around these parks Frequently, a community park site. located at community A characteristics. unique physical advantage of these provided to take area, with facilities or large wooded parks instances, community of land. In many 30 and 50 acres and provide between be centrally located park should to the park. serve residents reasonably proximate recreation facilities to may also include neighborhood-level - Neighborhood Parks provide playground equipment, baseball These parks typically residents. others. This type of parks is frequently designed to serve a population of up to 5,000 residents and a service area of up to 5,000 residents and a is frequently designed to serve a population This type of parks others. These sites range in size from one to to one-half mile. radius of one-quarter RECREATION MASTER PLAN to providethebestfacilitiespossibleallresidents. the parkfacilitieswillprovidehandicappedaccessibilitytogreatestextentpossible.ItisgoalofCommission situation tocreateevengreateruniversalaccessitsfacilities. Any andallnewstructureswhichare erectedwithin accessibility. The RecreationCommission, overtheperiodofthisPlan,maywishtofurtherinvestigateandremedy Facilities - H activity areaslocatedwithinthepark. Clay Township. Futureparksitesplannedfortheareashouldalsoincludeinternalpedestrianpathsconnectingdifferent Service Area population.Itmayalsobeappropriatetoprovideconnectionsexistingregionalrecreationsiteslocatedin geographic area. This typeofrecreationimprovementwouldhelpmakeexistingsitesmoreaccessibletothe well assnowmobiletrailsareparticularlyimportantforClay Township, wherethepopulationisdispersedoveralarge sidewalks arestilllargelyunavailableordiscontinuous. The needforacomprehensivepedestrianpathnetwork,as to Bay Trail traversestheCountyshorelinefromSanilactoMacombCounty. InClay Township, however, Algonac. Further, bikepathshavebeendedicatedalongCitystreetsaspartoftheBridge-to-Bay Trail. The Bridge Opportunities forthisformofrecreationinClay Township arelimitedprimarilytosidewalksconnectingtheCityof walking, jogging,bikingandsimilaractivities. These pathcorridorsare,ineffect, linearparks. sites, thesepathsoftenbecomerecreationalfacilitiesthemselves.Ifdesignedcorrectly, thesepathscanbeusedfor widespread use.Inadditiontoprovidingaphysicalconnectionbetweenresidentialneighborhoodsandexistingrecreation increasingly popularformsofrecreationactivities.RegionalpathwayslocatedelsewhereinsoutheastMichiganexperience The RecreationPlanrecognizestheneedtoaccommodatewalking,jogging,bicyclingandrecreationvehiclesas TrailCommunity System Page 38 ANDICAPPED As noted,someoftheparkfacilitieswithinClay Township maylackalloftheneededamenitiesforhandicapped N EEDS

Clay Township Recreation Commission 2011-2015 elds fi Page 39 Page c objectives c fi cient active and passive fi shing, kayaking, hiking, boating, fi ts to individuals and society are achieved. and society are achieved. ts to individuals fi ve years. ve years. fi recreation facilities are being provided. accommodated. accommodated. website. or other recreational opportunities. within the Township, including the River, the channels and the marshes and wetlands. including the River, Township, within the as well as visitors, such as extensive wildlife viewing, hunting, snowmobiling, etc. in addition to traditional recreation facilities. al recreational opportunities will become more necessary. Nature and wildlife areas are one example al recreational opportunities will become more necessary. of a “recreational” area which provides this type of amenity. whether suf Review current park facilities to national standards to determine the local preferences are being Develop a survey relative to park facilities to determine whether either current or proposed where additional active recreation facilities can be Identify park sites Township’s park sites and recreational opportunities on the Develop a means of highlighting different Monitor sites which become available for potential expansion of baseball, softball, and soccer connections between residents as well as visitors and the abundant water resources Provide greater residents Township environmental opportunities available for Recognize and promote the unique The Recreation Plan recognizes the trend of the aging population and that more passive and education • Recreational experiences also are important as an end in themselves for personal enjoyment. Recreational experiences also are important • • • • • • • Mission Statement and a full range of recreational facilities Commission is dedicated to providing Recreation Township The Clay Township. quality of life for the residents of Clay parks which will increase the overall aesthetically pleasing Statement Vision population does. Parks and open space Recreation Commission will grow and diversify as the Township The Clay recreational opportunities. so that all residents have equal Township areas will be provided throughout the a variety of bene Through programmed and self facilitated recreation, Clay Township Recreation Commission Recreation Clay Township • Provide recreational experiences recreational Provide The following represents the basic ideals of the Clay Township Recreation Commission as well as more speci Recreation Township of the Clay The following represents the basic ideals GOALS AND GOALS OBJECTIVES STATEMENTS POLICY Recreation Commission, both a mission Township decision making of the Clay to help guide the policy and In an effort with the adoption of the goals and objectives section, and, statement have been drafted as part statement and a vision overall policy guides for the Commission. should be recognized as the of this Plan, these statements to accomplish each of these overall goals. These goals and statements are intended to be long term and not necessarily These to accomplish each of these overall goals. representative of goals for the next RECREATION MASTER PLAN Byacquiring,managing,andrestoringvaluableresourcessuchasopenspace, rivers,streams,greenways, • Protect Environmental Resources • Foster Human Development Recreationfacilitiesandultimatelyrecreationalprogrammingattractretainbusinessesresidents,as • Support economic development Page 40 • • • • • • • • • • of diversespeciesispreserved. view sheds,forestsandotherhabitatareas,naturalresourcesareprotectedrequiredforthesurvival • local businesses. well asattracttourists.Parksandrecreationprovidesjobsgeneratesincomeforthecommunity • • • children, youthandadults. Parks andrecreationfacilitiesservicesfostersocial,intellectual,physicalemotionaldevelopmentof Promotethroughnewspapersarticles,websites, TV advertisements,aswellotherpromotional Provideadvertisingspaceforlocalbusinessonthe Township website,withintheparklocations,orat Work withotherorganizationswithinandaroundClay Township topromote carshows,boat Township. materials theabundanceofenvironmentalandwaterrelatedactivitieswhichareavailablein sports vegetation andenvironmentalsystemsviewingeducation, the actualwaterways. sensitive habitatsthroughout the Township, includingtheSt.John’s Marsh,theSt.Clair Flatsand Secure landsthrougheitheracquisition oreasementwhichwilllimitdevelopmentsinaround those or arecurrentlyunderdeveloped toprotectshorelineenvironmentsaswellprovidewater access. Target areas/propertiesalongtheRiverfor acquisitionandaccesspurposeswhicharecurrentlyvacant such amenities. Determine thedesiredamenitiesforeachparkareaand the appropriateacreageassociatedwith acquisition. Work withotherrecreationalentitiessuchastheCountyorStatetoachievegranthelpforland Develop abudgetarylineitemwithintherecreationbudget forlandacquisition. throughout the Township andwithinindividualdevelopmentsinto the Township’s MasterPlan. Incorporate goals,objectivesandimplementationstrategies forprovidingparksandopenspaces for integratedparksandopenspaces. Encourage futuredeveloperstoutilizethe Township’s openspace/clusterordinanceswhichwillallow festivals andthelike. Provide expandedopportunitiesforoutdoorenvironmentaleducationsuchaswildlifeviewing, acquisition. and Statefacilities,potentiallyontheHarsensIslandHuntClubproperty, whichistargetedfor Continue todevelopandexpandoutdoorclassroomareasinconjunctionwiththeSchoolDistrict or newsletterothermedia. Develop acontinuoussurveytomonitorinterestinneworfutureprogramsviathe Township website life skills,businesshomemaintenance,senioractivities,etc. Explore thepotentialofprovidingfuturerecreationprogramssuchascooking,dance,culinaryarts, fi elds. Clay Township Recreation Commission fi shing, 2011-2015 cally fi Page 41 Page ed trailway signage system which clearly denotes trail access fi Develop an accurate map of existing pathways within the community and develop a sidewalk program develop a sidewalk the community and pathways within accurate map of existing Develop an exist. in areas where gaps pathway /sidewalk segments of the for grants to construct and apply to Bay pathway Islands which connect to the larger Bridge Harsens and Walpole Develop pathways on system. pathways and/or sidewalks as a part for individual developments to construct Develop requirements of construction. of the portions Township the Clay with the County to implement and maintain Continue to collaborate Trail. Bridge to Bay on healthy eating, exercise habits, wellness programs which educate residents Develop health and etc. stress management, points, parking, highlights, etc. Provide local input for potential acquisition sites within the Township. sites within the Provide local input for potential acquisition St. Clair Flats as well as the St. Johns with the State to provide additional access to the Work Marsh. and programming with other recreation providers within Consider the potential of merging resources the County. with police department to ensure police monitoring of each park. Work Develop lighting policies for those parks which require such. which can provide a community watch forum. Develop a parks patrol system of volunteers Department to educate residents on safety issues. Provide programs in conjunction with the Police Trail. of the Bridge to Bay Provide a designated parking area for users with the County to provide a uni Work Island Drive to Cemetery Road or Scout Street. Develop a trail system along Fruit Road from • • • • • • • • • • • • • • image and creating a sense of place. • to reduce criminal activity. Park and recreation professionals provide safe environments for recreation and design programs and services speci Park and recreation professionals provide Clay Township Recreation Commission Recreation Clay Township •

Strengthen safety and security • • key factors in strengthening community Parks and Recreation facilities, programs and community events are Strengthen Community Image and Sense of Place Strengthen Community Image and Promote health and wellness and health Promote • emotional health. improves physical and in recreation Participation

RECREATION MASTER PLAN Page 42 Clay Township Recreation Commission 2011-2015 es fi nements Page 43 Page fi always be considered planning period and those ve-year fi ed goals and priorities. The Plan also and priorities. ed goals fi ed previously. The Recreation Plan recognizes that, as the population of the Township Township of the Plan recognizes that, as the population The Recreation ed previously. fi shing. This land has traditionally been a very precious commodity, and any opportunity to purchase this land andThis land has traditionally been a very precious commodity, and any opportunity to fi c improvements and policies necessary to accomplish previously identi and policies necessary to accomplish c improvements fi Riverfront a policy that obtaining land along the riverfront should be The Recreation Commission has established if available. Parcels which become availableprovide further opportunity for residents to gain access to the River should be explored. over the timeframe of this Plan, should be considered for acquisition. Island Property Area” The 440 acre Harsens Island “Conservation Island is another property located on Harsen’s for may wish to consider Township in which the This property was formerly known, acquisition. This utilized and managed as the Hunt Club. property could be turned into a large-scale passive park for natural feature preservation, wildlife observation, outdoor education, hiking, biking, hunting and Clay Township Recreation Commission Recreation Clay Township and adjustments to the recommendations contained herein. and adjustments to the recommendations components of a comprehensive several different in the following pages address The recommendations offered community recreation program: • Acquisition improvements • Pedestrian developments • Park • Administration • Financing the Recreation Plan includes a Capital Improvement Schedule for priority At the conclusion of the following narrative, of implementation. makes a distinction between improvements that can be accomplished over the next between improvements that can be accomplished makes a distinction to accomplish. requiring more time Plan is not The Plan are somewhat generalized in nature. contained in the Recreation Many of the recommendations policy framework within which with a Township provide the blueprint for the future, but rather to intended to be a precise re it may be necessary to make additional As the Plan evolves, will be made. future recreation improvements expands, there will be an increasing demand for park sites. The concluding section of the Recreation Plan identi The concluding be an increasing demand for park sites. expands, there will speci ACQUISITION RECREATION ACTION PLAN ACTION RECREATION INTRODUCTION of short and long-range recreation needs a course of action to address the Recreation Plan offers This chapter of the residents identi Township Clay RECREATION MASTER PLAN THE ECOLOGICAL VALUE AND POTENTIAL OF Page 44 Walpole Islandishometo96provinciallyrareplants,14breedingbirds,5reptilesandbutter and wildlifepreserve. The twoislandsareseparatedbythe1200footwideSouthChannelofSt.ClairRiver. the world’s largestfreshwaterdelta,whichitshareswiththeCanadianislandWalpole, theFirstNation’s reservation the northernboundaryofDetroitRiverInternationalWildlifeRefuge.HarsensIslandispartSt.ClairFlats, The otherendofLakeSt.ClairisthenorthernboundaryDetroitRiverandacouplemilesdownstream Harsens Island,MichiganislocatedatthesouthernendofSt.ClairRiver, whereitdischargesintoLake St.Clair. February 1,2009 By RobertWilliams,Director, StewartFarmEcologyCenter THE HARSENSISLANDHUNT CLUBPROPERTY Services Center, identi Clair CoastalHabitat Assessment prairie fringedorchidandotherendangeredthreatened species. In2004 The GreatLakesCommission's legged spittlebug,greatblueheron,leastbittern,kingrail,black-crowned nightherron,federallythreatenedeastern Blanding’s turtle,redmulberry, Sullivant’s rootborermoth,red milkweed,purpleClinton’s bulrush,Culver’s This areaoftheSt.ClairDeltahistoricallyand/orcurrently supportsrarespeciesincludingtheEasternFoxsnake, low GreatLakeswaterlevels,aswellbynon-nativeinvasive specieslikePhragmites(AlbertandKost1998). virtually alloftheseuniquecoastalwetlandsarethreatened byshrubinvasionduetoalackof by twocriticalecosystemprocesses:periodichighGreatLakes waterlevelsandfrequentsurface lakeplain wetprairiesinMichigantoday, totaling613acres(AlbertandKost1998). Lakeplainprairiesaremaintained percent (Comeretal.1995). The MichiganNaturalFeaturesInventory(MNFI) hasidenti region. Originallycoveringanestimated160,000acresinMichigancirca1800,theyhavebeenreducedbyover99 remnants ofgloballyimperiledlakeplainprairie,avariationtallgrassprairiethatoccursonlyintheGreatLakes fi show thispropertyusedtobeshrubswamp/emergentmarshandwetprairie. The propertyishometoavarietyof with theSt.ClairRiverandLakeClair. The MichiganNaturalFeaturesInventorycirca1800vegetationmaps The HuntClubpropertycontainsapproximately500acresofwetlands,forests,prairies,pondsandcanalsthatconnect remnant lakeplainprairiesiteswithintheentireGreatLakesBasin,protectinggloballysigni three million(GreatLakesBasinCommission1975). The St.ClairRiverDeltaisknowntoharborsomeofthebest extensive useofGreatLakescoastalwatersandwetlands,withestimatesmigratingbirdshistoricallyreaching home toanumberoffragileecosystemsandislocatedonboththe Atlantic andMississippiFlyways.Waterfowl make Its wetlandhasbeenaRamsarsitesince1985andisconsideredofinternationalimportance. The St.ClairFlatsis sh, ducks,migratorybirds,mammalsandotheranimals,as well asmanyvaluedplantspecies. This sitecontains property isratedasoneofthehighestprioritiesplan. Pearl Beach.ElaborationontheBeachconceptisprovidedfollowingpages. The acquisitionofthis The existingvacatedmarinaatPearlBeachoffers the Township anopportunitytoexpandrecreationalservicesat Pearl Beach only thispropertybutalsotheFlats. The acquisitionofthispropertyisratedasthehighestpriorityplan. the amountofdevelopmentanddisturbance,lessrunoff, wildlifedisturbance,andhumanimpactwilloccurtonot Flats byminimizingtheamountofpotentialdevelopmentwhichoccursonHuntClubproperty. Byminimizing The purchaseandpreservationofthispropertycouldalsoprovideanadditionalbuffer totheStateownedSt.Clair fi ed thissiteasaPotentialConservation Area initshighestprioritycategory. , fundedinpartbytheNationalOceanicand Atmospheric Administration's Coastal Clay Township Recreation Commission fi fi ed only14high-quality cant biodiversity. cant fi re andprolonged fi res. However, res. Lake St. fl ies. 2011-2015 Page 45 Page ed six years ago ed six fi To Learn More About Harsens Harsens About Learn More To Island go to Their Website: http://www.harsensisland.com/ index.html yway, endangered and threatened species and the Great Lakes Ecosystems if this endangered and threatened species and the Great Lakes Ecosystems yway, fl ve acre lakeplain prairie restoration was begun in 2005 with the assistance of the DNR’s prairie restoration was begun in 2005 with the assistance of the DNR’s ve acre lakeplain fi ed it for residential use. There are just three parcels of vacant private land over 500 acres remaining on over 500 acres of vacant private land just three parcels There are residential use. ed it for fi Clay Township Recreation Commission Recreation Clay Township Since the mid 1900's this unique area has been threatened by development. The threat intensi The threat threatened by development. area has been mid 1900's this unique Since the property is not preserved. when the Township adopted a new zoning ordinance that broadly took all agricultural land in the township and land in the township all agricultural that broadly took new zoning ordinance adopted a Township when the reclassi Last year submitted for one parcel. has already been development plan for a condominium site A Harsens Island. One of those developer. for sale to a residential were in negotiation which adjoin each other, the other two parcels, has submitted plans to construct a vehicle Detroit International Bridge Company The is the Hunt Club property. special Island’s Saving a piece of Harsens which could be the catalyst for major development. bridge to the island, that could soon disappear. habitat is a unique opportunity Area, which is used by the Wildlife on the Michigan DNR St. Clair Flats southern boundary borders The property’s the mainland by from the auto/pedestrian ferry from Its northern boundary is separated public for duck hunting. to link the St. Clair Flats to the property could serve as part of a greenway The Hunt Club just one parcel of land. Michigan Millennium Greenway. State Park and eventually to the Southeast Algonac mainland, Hunt Club and contains similar ecosystems has provided the impetus parcel of land of only 53 acres which abuts the A Oakland, and Macomb Due to its proximity to Wayne, Ecology Center. for the development of the Stewart Farm groups and public events each year to explore and enjoy the wildlife Counties the Center hosts dozens of school twenty A and habitats. and removal of invasive species the prairie has come to life, on its way Landowner Incentive Program. With burning to its presettlement beauty and vitality. to restore hundreds of additional acres of this globally imperiled natural The Hunt Club property has the potential state, valuable to the county, It is a natural treasure which needs to be preserved. It is much more community. There are potential preserve than it would be if developed for housing. country and the world if left as a natural and irrevocable impacts on the RECREATION MASTER PLAN • • • concept includesthefollowing: Township’s presenceintheareabycreatingaprimaryactivitynodetobene fi offers Township residents anopportunitytogainaccess Anchor Bayforrecreationalandleisurepurposes,suchas The PearlBeachPierispublicpierlocatedonthesouthsideofM-29,west Township. The pier LAND DEVELOPMENT PEARL BEACH CONCEPT shing andpicnicing. Adjacent tothesiteisavacatedmarinawhich,ifpurchasedby Township, couldexpandthe Page 46 The developmentofthispropertyisratedasthehighestpriorityplan. would lessentheneedfordevelopmentofadditionalpublicaccesspoints. developing beachfrontaccesstotheGreatLakesWaterways. The developmentofa“sandy”beachatthePark Working withtheStatetodevelopamoreuserfriendlybeachat Algonac StateParkwouldbeanidealsolutionfor Public Beach Access of thoseproperties. additional landsbecomeavailableforrecreationpurposes,theRecreationPlanwillhelpaddressdevelopment Hall islargelyconstructedatthistime. Therefore thedevelopmentofexistinglandsissomewhatlimited. As The Township hasverylittlepropertyorlanddedicatedforrecreationalpurposesandtheparklocatedat Township Clay Township • • • • If purchasedbythe Township, thevacatedmarinaprovidesanopportunityforfollowing: Fishing Pierownedby Township; Activity CenteralongpotentialfutureM-29multi-use/snowmobiletrail; Use asawinterwarmingstationforsnowmobiletrailusersandice Picnic locationforresidents. Restroom availabilitytorecreationaltourists; A port-of-callforboatersinthesummer; Clay Township Recreation Commission fi t residentsandtourists. The PearlBeach fi shers; 2011-2015 c a r n y t e i r o y t t v e g i i

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MM-29 Multi-Use/Snowmobile Trail RECREATION MASTER PLAN of pedestrian/bicyclepathswouldbeparticularlybene The Township ingenerallacksextensiveopportunitiesforwalkers,joggersandbicyclists. A comprehensivenetwork bring localrecreationactivitiestoeveryone’s doorstep. and pollution-freeformoftransportation. The ultimategoalofacomprehensivebicycle/pedestrianpathsystemisto Aside fromtheseobviousbene planning activities.Bicycleandpedestriancirculationsystemscanmakeexistingparkschoolsitesmoreaccessible. it isnecessarytoincorporateimprovementsandfacilitiesdesignedforbicyclespedestriansintolocalrecreation Bicycling, joggingandwalkingareamongthemostpopularformsofrecreation.Becausethisexpandedinterest, PEDESTRIAN CONNECTIONS viewing, andgeneralactivitynodewithinthe Township. diverse areawillprovideasigni need toconnectandinteractwiththosesystemsnotedabove. Again, atrailwaysystemwithintheenvironmentally If acquired,atrailwaysystemwillbedevelopedwithintheHarsensIslandconservationarea. This trailwaysystemwill • • • • • • The networkhassixseparatecomponentsidenti The plannedtrailsystemforthe Township andthelargerdownriverareaisshownonRecreationPlanIllustration. would permitcamperstoridebicyclesorwalkothernearbyactivitieseitherpublicprivatewithinthe Township. Michigan recreationsitesandprovidewiderusageofthesefacilities. A trailsystemconnectedto Algonac StatePark or provideadditionaleconomicopportunities.Forexample,thepathcouldaconnectiontoexistingStateof A pedestriantrailsystemwithinthe Township couldalsohelppromoteotherfutureplannedrecreationactivitiesand/ is toconnectexistingrecreationsitesestablishedresidentialneighborhoods. located andprovidingconnectionstotheplannedresidentialareas. The goalofanetworkpedestrian/bicyclepaths Page 48 MDNRE proposedwalkwayinSt.John’s Marsh. Inland trailfromMarshRoadtotheSt.John’s Marsharea. Completed bikepathalongMillStreetfromPetersRoadtoMarshRoad. vehicles. Downtown Algonac toFairHaven(Ira Township) viaM-29(DixieHighway)includingatrailaccessibletorecreation Harsens IslandFerryDocktoSansSouciviatheproposedRESA Nature Training Center. abandoned DetroitUrbanRailroadright-of-way. Algonac StateParktothenorthendofMichiganStreetinCity Algonac neartheLion’s ClubPark,alongthe fi fi cant opportunityasanoutdoorclassroom,lowimpactrecreation,birdand otherwildlife ts, bicycleandpedestrianpathshavebroaderbene Clay Township Recreation Commission fi ed asfollows: fi cial inthe Township whereexistingparkandschoolsitesare

fi ts. Bicyclesareaninexpensive 2011-2015 Page 49 Page

dP Shared Path Shared Path Along ShoulderAlong as possible. other schools, parks and community activity areas path systems. design standards. Be accessible to as many people Be accessible to as planned Connect existing and to regional Provide connections Meet established engineering Travel Lanes Travel • • • • Any future multi-purpose path multi-purpose path Any future should Township in the system built with the following be consistent planning principles: c on the fi Typical Shared Roadway Configuration Roadway Shared Typical rst fi ned to fi c to Clay Township continues that planning objective. To To planning objective. continues that Township c to Clay fi connect the island pathways, the pathways on the mainland would the pathways on the mainland connect the island pathways, The to the ferry locations along M-29. provide direct connections of pathways are rated as the highest priority development of these the plan. a shared island could likely be incorporated into The pathways on the low volumes of traf This is due to the roadway concept. could also be incorporated intoThese paths roadways on the islands. may occur on the islands. any development which The previous Downriver Recreation Commission had long been had long been Commission Downriver Recreation The previous to Islands, Harsens and Walpole pathways on both planned for This recreation plan, pathway system. of a overall provide continuity now speci Clay Township Recreation Commission Recreation Clay Township residential subdivisions. Two alternative standards are alternative Two residential subdivisions. The appropriate for paths along major road frontages. option involves providing a path along the road surface. road surface. option involves providing a path along the establishing a This is often the least expensive way of This type of system community-wide bicycle path system. (paving/ may consist of road shoulder improvements striping) or wider curb lanes. for bicycles can In the absence of paved shoulders, room of the car travelalso be accommodated by the shared use This (12) feet. lane, provided that it is wider than twelve alternative for type of arrangement may be an acceptable less-experienced bicyclists; it may not be acceptable for younger, roads with lower volumes or for more experienced bicyclists. Any future path system should be constructed to constructed to Any future path system should be These meet accepted engineering design standards. depending on whether or not the path is standards vary, vehicle travel part of the road surface or separate from for standards are also appropriate lanes. Different con paths located along major roads and those Trailways on the Islands on Trailways RECREATION MASTER PLAN Oneamenitythatmaybebene development isnotlikelytooccur. developed couldeitherinstallthepathwaysasapartofin for thedevelopmentofsectionspathwayatnocosttoservicearea. The remainingareaswhicharealready implemented throughthe Township’s zoninganddevelopmentregulationsforallnewdevelopments. This wouldallow pedestrian needs,especiallyforyoungerchildren. These sidewalksandpathwayscouldbeintegratedinto Within existingandproposedsubdivisions,thetraditional points ofcon this alternativeisonlypracticalinareaswheretherenotanexcessivenumberofdrivewayswhichpresentpotential distances. Limitedbicyclespeeds,signageandpavementstripingcanalsobeusefulforminimizingcon different users. This canbeaccomplishedbyfollowingaccepteddesignstandardspertainingtocurveradiiandsight established right-of-way. These separatepathsshouldbecarefullydesignedtominimizepotentialcon A preferablealternativeisthedevelopmentofaseparate8to12-footpathparallelroadandlocatedwithin Page 50 at thatlocationcouldalsobededicatedfortrailwayparking. property isacquiredalongtheM-29corridorforaswimmingpoolorseniorcenterlocationsomeofparkingarea areas. Onelocationforadedicatedparkingareamaybethe Township Halllocation.Inaddition,ifadditional Trailway Parking for allusersfromSanilacCountytoMacombandbeyond. parking areas,andthelike. This signageshouldbecoordinatedwiththeCountysothatsignsmayuniversal signage hasbecomenecessary. This signageshoulddirectpersonsto accesspoints,traildirections,appropriate As theBridgetoBay Trail becomesmoreprominentwiththeDownriverareaand Township, theneedforuniversal Trailway Signage fl ict forbicyclistsandpedestrians. fi cialfortheusersofBridgetoBaytrailisdevelopmentdedicatedparking Clay Township Recreation Commission fi ll developmentorthroughmunicipalfunding/grantsif(re) fi ve-(5) footwidesidewalkisadequatetoaccommodate fl fl icts.Further, icts between icts 2011-2015 ity Page 51 Page shing areas or just general recreation is second shing fi tness swimming, swimming education, and other water exercises and activities. education, and other water exercises and tness swimming, swimming fi Clay Township Recreation Commission Recreation Clay Township PARK & FACILITY DEVELOPMENT & FACILITY PARK Pool Swimming opportunities pool to provide recreational of an outdoor for the development seeking a location has been Township The swim teams, open including organized recreational programs for a number of The pool can be used to its residents. as swim sessions, as well property to will likely require the purchase of additional facility has not been determined and The location of the potential of The a pool and the associated parking area. area for the development of accommodate the necessary recreation facil District facility or a public/private Township/School as either a joint public/public, developing the facility trails throughout the The Recreation Plan supports the development of dedicated snowmobile Township. nature in the as to the water/ice. providing access throughout the Community as well Township the western boundary of the City does own property along the M-29 corridor near the Kroger site, near Township The as a potential water themed park may be a potential to help provide The development of this property Algonac. of need to occur to ensure that existing park will Township’s with the additional tourist attraction activities. Coordination overlapping of services is minimized. may also be a possibility to help reduce the overall initial cost to each entity as well as long term operation costs. . to each entity as well as long term operation to help reduce the overall initial cost may also be a possibility Senior Activity Center determined and will likely require the purchase of additional property to The location of the facility has not been The development of a senior activity center and the associated parking area. accommodate the necessary area for the joint public/private recreation facility may also be a possibility. potential of developing the facility as a Snowmobile Connections will play a large role. Currently, the use of snow mobiles tourism community, As a part of creating an overall recreation for reaching ice during the winter months, the use of snowmobiles RECREATION MASTER PLAN snowmobiling, ORV, etc. and agenciestoprovideorpromotesafetyclassesforactivities suchasarchery, shooting, ties whicharepossibleandsopopular. The potentialshouldbeexploredincoordinationwith speci The Clay Township areaisratheruniquetoSoutheastMichigan duetothepresenceofsomanydifferent outdooractivi- Safety Programming ment. with trailsandinanoutdoorclassroomlikesetting,couldfunctionasamajorpassiverecreationlearningenviron- ties andamenitiescouldbeconducted. The HarsensIslandpropertyisveryenvironmentallysensitiveandifdeveloped It shouldbenoted,thatifthe Township acquiresthepropertyonHarsensIsland,sametypeofexplorationactivi- environmental amenityduetoitscontiguoussizeshouldalsobefurtherpromoted. opportunities. These tourscouldincludewalking,hiking,andkayaking. The factthatthemarshisaoneofkind provide additionaltours,withlocalorStateenvironmentalrepresentativeswhichcouldeducational the Marsh,thisalsoincludesasmalltrailwhichidenti The useoftheSt.JohnsMarshshouldbeexplored.Currently, thereareanumberofaccesspointswhichleadinto St. JohnsMarsh as welllaythegroundworkfornewandexpandedprograms programs aredevelopedandimplemented,theRecreationPlanwillneedtobeupdatedrecognizesuch if Township residentswillneedtoseekprogrammingfromanadjacentcommunityorotherprivateprovider. As these As anewlycreatedcommission,the Township willneedtodeterminewhatprogramsitprovideforitsresidentsor Programs services andresourcessorecreationalfacilitiesopportunitiesarenotduplicatedunnecessarily. ties throughoutthecommunity. This partneringalsoexpandstothesurroundingcommunitieswhichcanhelpprovide District, theHistoricalSociety, etc.canprovidecontacts,resourcesaswellvolunteerlaborforprojectsandactivi- sources foradditionalexpertiseandvolunteerism.Groupssuchasthehuntinggroupsincommunity, theSchool In lieuofdedicatingadditional Township manhoursforrecreationpurposes,the Township willneedtorelyonoutside need foradedicatedpositionparksandrecreationmaybenecessary, eveniflimitedhours. parks andrecreationamenitiescontinuestogrowtheoperationmaintenanceofthosefacilitiesincreases point hasdownanexcellentjobofdevelopingandfacilitatingthedevelopment Township Park. As thenumberof the parksandrecreationmasterplanaswelldaytooperations.Itshouldbenotedthat Township tothis ation commission,itmaybeappropriatetodedicatesomestaff orstaff hourstoimplementingtherecommendationsof The Township’s populationisexpectedtogrowovertimeandwiththisbeingthe S ADMINISTRATION &PROGRAMS Page 52 taff Clay Township Recreation Commission fi es indigenousspeciesandthelike. The potentialdoesexistto fi rst yearofthe Township’s ownrecre- fi shing, boating,camping, fi c professionals 2011-2015 Page 53 Page Clay Township Recreation Commission Recreation Clay Township Foster Ties With PARC and Surrounding Communities and Surrounding PARC With Ties Foster to pro- recreation providers with other parks and of relationships the development economic conditions, With current adjacent These may include be explored. residents should Township to recreational opportunities vide additional other is to co-promote each use of both entities The Department. and Recreation or the County Parks communities web links, newspaper, Through the use of departments. development of both recreation important in the continued types of relationships can also These same for both entities can occur simultaneously. programming, etc. advertising Township. abutting the with the surrounding communities developed and expanded Grant Applications/ISD even with the has been very successful. However, within the Downriver Recreation area the use of grants Historically, simply not have the time to may Township unknown or the grants are available which may be past success additional Department for grant relationships with the County Recreation way to address this issue is to develop One apply for. entities have much larger experiences These two utilizing the ISD, for grant writing assistance. availability as well as utilized as appropriate. and this resource base should be Township and resources to draw from than the RECREATION MASTER PLAN are frequentlychargedforinstructionalclassesorathleticevents. These feeshelpdefraythecostofprovidingspeci Municipalities oftenchargeuserfeestocoverthecostofprovidingvariousrecreationactivitiesandprograms.Fees User Fees FINANCING teach boatingsafetytoMichiganresidents.Majorgrantprograms aredescribedasfollows: in enforcingtheStateboatinglawsonMichigan’s waterways.FundingisalsogiventoCountySheriff Departmentsto program, administeredbyGrantsManagementBranch,provides fundstoCountySheriff Departmentstoassist them the granttypethat Township wouldapplyfor, fortheHarsensIslandconservationarea. The Marine Safetygrant grants tocommunitiesforacquisitionofpropertypublic outdoor recreationorprotectionofnaturalfeatures. This is recreation facilities,suchastenniscourts,balldiamonds, playgrounds, picnicareas,etc. The MNRTF alsoprovides and theLandWater ConservationFund The MNRTF programprovidesassistancefordevelopmentofpublic grants tolocalunitsofgovernment. The twomostsigni Department ofNaturalResourcesandEnvironment(MDNRE)offers severalgrantprogramsthatproviderecreation in parklandand/orimprovementsonacompetitiveandmatchingbasis. The GrantsManagementBranchoftheMichigan Funding programsadministeredateithertheFederalorStatelevelrepresentasourceofmoneyforcapitalinvestments Grants sites forrecreationpurposesandbringingactivitiestomoreresidents. group thatwantedtoproviderecreationimprovementsataspeci recreation services.Forexample,theCommissionwouldprovideadollar-for-dollarmatchtochurchorcommunity matching grantprogramtovariouscommunityorganizationsthatareinterestedinbecomingpartnersthedeliveryof As awayof,perhaps,inducingmoreprivatedonationsandcontributions,theCommissionshouldconsideroffering a maintenance activities. in anynumberofactivities,includingfund-raisingforparkequipmentorlandscaping. They mayalsoassistinpark as wellhomeownergroups,serviceclubsandotherorganizations. As aparksponsor, thegroupcouldparticipate this corporategivingprogramcouldbean“adopt-a-park”program. This programwouldbeopentocorporatesponsors, of neededrecreationimprovementsthatcouldbesponsoredorpurchasedbypotentialsponsors. Another componentof potential sourceoffunding. This couldbeaccomplishedthroughthepreparationofrecreationgiftscataloguewithalist Any attempttoincreaseprivatecontributions/donationsshouldbedoneinanorganizedmannermaximizethis area andotherphilanthropicorganizationsrepresentapotentialrecreationresourcethatisunder-utilized. clubs frequentlycontributetocommunity-basedrecreationprograms.Localbasedinthe Township andsurrounding are oftenusefulformeetingaspeci Donations ofland,equipmentandservicesareusedoccasionallytosupplementexistingrecreationprograms. Donations appropriate meansofbalancingthecostprogramsandfunctionsprovidedfeeswererealistic. programs oreventsforrelatedadministrativeexpenses. Typically ifappropriatelyset,userfeesaredeemedasan Page 54 fi c orshort-termneed,butshouldnotbereliedonforlong-termneeds.Localservice Clay Township Recreation Commission fi cant aretheMichiganNaturalResources Trust Fund(MNRTF) fi c site. This programoffers awayofutilizingnon-park fi c 2011-2015 Page 55 Page ve-member fi cally to the qualities of to the qualities of cally fi c recreation improvements described in the Recreation Plan. c recreation fi Recreation Improvement Fund Grants — To fund the operation, planning and development of recreation trails. fund the operation, planning and development To Recreation Improvement Fund Grants — funds non-motorized Transportation The Michigan Department of Fund — Transportation Non-Motorized highways. transportation facilities along State trunkline Clay Township Recreation Commission Recreation Clay Township nance local recreation activities. At best, these programs can help stretch local funds for acquisition and capital At best, these programs nance local recreation activities. fi Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) Community Development Block Grants available through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Community Development Block Grant funds, namely the acquisition, development or rehabilitation of park facilities. may also be used for some recreation purposes, must be targeted to those portions of a recipient community that have a higher percentage of The funds, however, used for providing universal access to households with low and moderate income levels. Funds can also typically be sites as well as those sites utilized for seniors. Authority Downtown Development Authority along the the presence of the linear Downtown Development is somewhat unique in that, Township Clay for recreational purposes within the M-29 corridor can provide funding for those properties which may be developed working relationship between the A which may also have access to the water as well as M-29. boundaries of the DDA Development Plans Use Plans, Recreation Plans with DDA Master Land Township to coordinate and the DDA Township and funded by both entities much like should be sought to ensure that future recreational facilities are properly planned Park Site. Township the Clay expenditures. They should not be viewed as the sole source of revenue, however, but rather as an enhancement to of revenue, however, They should not be viewed as the sole source expenditures. described previously should be examined as to their applicability for funding local resources. Each of the grant programs speci Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund: The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) is a grant program for program is a grant (MNRTF) Fund Trust Resources Natural Michigan The Fund: Trust Resources Natural Michigan uses or in land for recreation land or rights of government in acquiring and local units of assisting the State the purpose recreation facilities. in developing public and or scenic beauty, environmental importance land because of its protecting percent of No more than 25 funding. for MNRTF can be submitted proposals acquisition and development Both land are to help protect of the grant Again, the objectives for development. can be however, fund expenditure, the annual lends itself speci this scenic beauty, its environmental importance and its and preserve land for Grant programs offer opportunities for local units of government to expand the availability of recreation land and facilities opportunities for local units of government Grant programs offer programs are competitive in nature, it is not practical to rely solely on grants for eligible projects. Since most grant to • • the Harsens Island conservation area. the Harsens Island A on State-owned lands. oil, gas and other mineral development receives revenue from The MNRTF school districts, may apply Any unit of government, including administers the fund. the Governor, board, appointed by minimum or There is no or resource protection purposes. or acquire land(s) for public recreation for grants to develop request is $15,000, projects, the minimum funding for acquisition projects; for development maximum grant request for for all projects. Proposals must be is a required local match of 25 percent There $375,000. and the maximum is facilities are eligible recreation support buildings and other resource protection purposes. Outdoor outdoor recreation or facilities. as is the renovation of existing recreation for development funding, include the following: funding for recreation improvements Other programs that offer RECREATION MASTER PLAN Plan re The Planalsorecognizesthattheimprovementscontainedinwilltakeyearstoimplement. This sectionofthe Accomplishing thegoalsdescribedinthisPlanwillnotbepossiblewithoutacommitmentofresourcesfrommanysources. vision forthefutureClay Township Recreation. should considerforexpandingthescopeofrecreationservices.Collectively, theseimprovementsoffer along-term The precedingsectionsoftheRecreationPlandescribeaseriesimprovementsandactionsthatCommission CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PLAN Insert copiesoftheagendasandminutes. The inputreceivedatthesemeetingsisshownintheminutesincluded. Recreation Commission. The Township heldtheirrequiredpublichearingfortheRecreationMasterPlanon21stofMarchatnewlycreated A listofthequestionsusedtopromptdiscussionisincludedonfollowingpages. to howthe Township shouldaddresscertainaspectsofrecreationmovingforward. meeting theCommissionaswellgeneralpubicwereaskedaseriesofquestionsandforprovideinput The Township conductedapublicinputsessionattheirPlanningCommissionmeetingofFebruary23,2011. At this speci for thesespeci funding. to periodicallyre referenced inthe The RecreationPlanrecognizestheneedtorespondopportunitiesidenti opportunities availabletoClay Township residents. meant tobeaexactblueprintforthefuture,butratheroffers astructuredframeworkforexpandingtherangeofrecreation based onanticipatedavailablefunding.NoPlan,however, canfullyanticipateorpredictthefuture. The Planisnot The speci acquisition. Itdoesnotincludepersonnel,maintenanceorprogrammingexpenses. also includedifavailable. The followingpagesonlyaddresscapitalimprovementssuchasparkdevelopmentorland PUBLIC INPUTPROCESS Page 56 fi c capitalimprovementneeds,whichweredevelopedonapark-by-parkbasis,andsetspriorities andschedules fi nes thepreviouslyidenti fi cimprovementsincludedinthefollowingtextrepresentsarealisticsetofprojectsthatcanbeaccomplished fi cimprovementsoverthecourseofplanandbeyond.Costestimatesforspeci fi ne theseproposedimprovementstoaccommodateeitherchangingneedsortheavailabilityofneeded fi ve-year planningprocessoridenti fi ed recreationrecommendationsintoaseriesofspeci Clay Township Recreation Commission fi ed capital improvementbudget.Itmay, therefore,benecessary fi ed inthePlanthatmaynotbespeci fi c improvements.Ittakesthe fi cimprovementsare fi cally 2011-2015 Page 57 Page c projects while fi ed? fi elds (and what type), recreational buildings? elds (and fi ed projects and visions are also included. fi ed needs for the park based on input received. ed needs fi ve (5) year document so it needs to look short term and long term. ve (5) year document so it needs to look short term and long term. fi park construction? Simply said, where do you want to spend your money? Or is the desire of the Township Township your money? Or is the desire of the said, where do you want to spend park construction? Simply that is not active recreation area? to preserve open space If so with whom and where are those facilities Downriver Recreation is understood)? past relationship with been identi existing facilities are where needs have located in relation to to provide additional or more extensive be further developed, utilized or promoted can those relationships recreational opportunities? the current design or that are newly identi access, boat launch access, playgrounds, ball access, boat launch access, playgrounds, what is the compromise? does one take precedent over the other, separate paved pathways? do you foresee; sidewalks, road sharing, from the other? listed as a high priority in the Recreation Plan. The Plan will then focus on these speci listed as a high priority in the Recreation Plan. still ensuring that the remainder of the identi Clay Township Recreation Commission Recreation Clay Township 2. or the school district (the at sharing services or facilities with other communities looking Township Is the 3. or events within the community? How provide recreational opportunities What existing groups or entities 4. Hall Park site? Either that are left based on Township the desired improvements to the What if any are The following is a list of general questions that can help in the development of a Parks and Recreation Master and Recreation Master of a Parks help in the development questions that can is a list of general The following Township. Plan for the 1. special events or physical is it programming, Township; Clay What are the other priorities for recreation in 5. Is it water development/construction is desired, what types of parks are necessary? If physical park 6. up so The answers may not match future parks needed? Where are parks most feasible? Where are 7. most needed? What types of pathways If so, where are pathways Township? Are pathways important to the 8. interacting with Parks and Recreation? Can one build How do you see tourism and seasonal activities is a The Parks and Recreation Master Plan The “short term” needs to address realistic goals and projects that the Township may fund or seek funding for in Township goals and projects that the The “short term” needs to address realistic wants to see recreation in twenty Township vision as to where the The “long term” provides the the near future. the last question is: (20) or so more years. With that in mind, 9. and therefore should be in terms of implementation Township What projects are most important to the RECREATION MASTER PLAN Page 58 Clay Township Recreation Commission Potential Pool Development Location GGenawenaw RRoadoad CLAY TOWNSHIP (M-29 Corridor or Interior Acreage as AnglingAngling RoadRoad SStoneto Road Land Availability Permits) ne T LAIR OUNTY MMarsh Road S . C C MMorrow Road Ro ut Road a rto a o d SSwartoutwa Road r

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Area NOORTHRTH CHHANNELANNEL NNorthorth ChannelChan Dr. POOLLETLLET BAAYY nel Dr. Clay Township Hall Park Site e ! an L ad SStewartte Road DIICKINSONCKINSON ISSLANDLAND e o wart Road ! ag R tt e o rs CCottage Lane ad ! u o o R FIISHERSHER BAAYY C e lf n ! i ! o b GGolf Course Road m lu Krispin Road o CColumbine Road HAARSENSRSENS ISSLANDLAND Potential Acquisition of Hunt Club Development of Pathways on Islands Property for Passive Recreation Separate Pathway or Roadshare Site

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Community Planning & Management, P.C. Professional Planning Consultants