SECTION III: LAND USE, NATURAL RESOURCES, PARKS, TRAILS AND RECREATION INVENTORIES
MAP 6. WALKER LAND USE (2003 GVMC Data)…………. MAP 7. WALKER FUTURE LAND USE PLAN (2007)…………. MAP 8. WALKER ZONING MAP (2014)…………………………. MAP 9. SOIL TEXTURE MAP (1984)……………………………. MAP 10. FEMA FLOODZONES & HYDROLOGY…………….. MAP 11. WALKER PARKS & STREETS…………….. MAP 12. WALKER NON-MOTORIZED TRAIL SYSTEM……………………………..
Table 16: REGIONAL NON-MOTORIZED FACILITIES INVENTORY…………………
Table 17 - SUMMARY OF WALKER SEASONAL RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES………………………………………
Table 18 – SUMMARY OF WALKER PARK BALL DIAMOND USAGE………………
Appendix 6: WALKER PARKS DETAILED INVENTORY……………………………
Appendix 7: 2013 CITY CENTRAL PARK AND WIFC ACCESSIBILITY AUDIT…
LAND USE & NATURAL RESOURCES INVENTORY
Land Use Patterns
The City of Walker was incorporated from Walker Township in 1962, in part to stem the annexation taking place by the City of Grand Rapids. Today the City of Walker contains some 25 square miles of land with a diverse mixture of land uses...from urban core to suburban to rural. Map 6 displays the 2003 Land Use matrix for the City of Walker
Map 6. WALKER LAND USE (2003 GVMC Data)
Regional transportation routes are readily accessible to Walker residents. Interstate I-96, runs through northern Walker and links the City to Detroit and the Lake Michigan shoreline. US-131 runs through the eastern edge of Walker and links the City to the rural areas of Michigan in the north and Kalamazoo in the south. Interstate I-196, which runs parallel to the southern edge of Walker, is a direct route to Holland in the southwest and on to Chicago.
Several of Walker's primary roads provide routes between these freeways and many lead directly toward downtown Grand Rapids. The Walker road system consists of 38.5 miles of major city streets, and 70.1 miles of city local streets, for a total of 108.61 miles of roads, all but approximately one mile of which are paved.
There are two sets of active railroads in the City. The Coopersville Marne railroad crosses diagonally through the north and northwestern portions of the City. The Coopersville Marne railroad links the Grand Rapids metropolitan area with the City of Muskegon. The second railroad (CSX and Grand Elk) runs north-south along the east side of the City, generally parallel to US-131.
Map 7 shows the future land use plan for the City of Walker. The most densely developed lands are located and planned in the northeast portion of the City, south of I-96, and in the central part of the City between I-96 and Lake Michigan Drive (M-45). It is in these areas where the majority of the industries, shopping facilities, residential subdivisions, office buildings, and apartment complexes of the City are located and planned. Elsewhere in the City, future development has occurred and is planned, for the most part, along primary roads. Approximately 2,000 acres of land in Walker are still used for agriculture.
Map 7. WALKER FUTURE LAND USE MAP (UPDATED 2007)
Existing and proposed land uses are regulated through the Walker Code of Ordinances, part of which is Chapter 94, the Walker Zoning Ordinance. Map 8 is the 2014 Walker Zoning Map, which maps the location of 23 zoning districts, from standard Euclidean to PUD to the hybrid Form Based Code called the Standale Downtown District.
Map 8. ZONING MAP (2014)
Soils. Map 9 displays the matrix of Soil Texture results from the 1984 USDA / NRCS Soil Survey of Kent County, Michigan. These data describe the top three feet of the soil column only. Generally speaking, a broad, rolling, and well-drained ground, interspersed with waterways dominates the northern portion of the City. In areas where these soils are generally level, the water table tends to be high and the soils very wet. The northerly part of the City contains the southerly edge of the glacially-generated Fruit Ridge, both from soil and topography standpoints.
The southerly and easterly parts of the City are heavily influenced by the Grand River and associated outwash-type soils and landforms. These consist of dry, sandy, and gravelly soils along the Grand River valley. The topography varies considerably as the land rises abruptly from the Grand River Valley and gradually levels off as it merges with the ground moraine in the north. Soils throughout these areas are interspersed with pockets of wetlands and muck.
A third major landform is a broad, deep valley, which spreads across the central west portions of the City. This valley, which was formed by the action of vast quantities of water released by melting glaciers, includes alluvial soils. Such soils are subject to flooding.
Based on soil conditions alone, much of Walker's landscape is well adapted to residential, commercial and industrial development. There are, however, several areas that have severe use restrictions. For example, there are numerous locations affected by poorly drained soils. Such soils can pose problems for all types of development, including the development of parks and recreation facilities.
It is important to understand that the soil map is a generalization and onsite engineering and geotechnical surveys should be conducted to better understand the capabilities and limitations of specific locations.
Map 9. WALKER SOIL TEXTURE MAP (1984 Kent Co. Soil Survey)
Water Resources. Although all surface water runoff in the City of Walker eventually drains into the Grand River system, the City contains several feeder streams and sub- watersheds. Some of these sub-drainage areas drain through other municipalities, such as the City of Grand Rapids, before reaching the Grand River. Each of these sub- watersheds has a localized floodplain. However, only certain floodplains have been officially recognized by FEMA, as shown on Map 10.
Note: As with the soils map, onsite engineering and geotechnical surveys should be conducted to verify the location of FEMA and non-FEMA floodplains and elevations.
In particular, the Grand River Flood Plain is susceptible to seasonal flooding in the northeast and southern portions of Walker. According to maps prepared by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), a number of roads in Walker would be covered with water during a 100-year flood, including the portion of North Park Street immediately west of the river, Butterworth Drive in Johnson Park, the entire length of Veteran's Memorial Drive, and portions of Maynard Drive in the southern part of the City.
Over the years, the use of streams and rivers as receiving waters for industrial discharge has led to the degradation of aquatic life and water quality in the Grand Rapids metropolitan area. In recent years, however, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) reports zero outfall into the surface water in Walker.
From a recreational standpoint, over 60 acres of surface water have been created by gravel mining operations in south Walker. Many of these ponds have been incorporated into the design and development of Millennium Park.
Map 10. FEMA FLOODZONES AND SURFACE HYDROLOGY
Climate Walker is under the climatic influence of Lake Michigan. Temperature extremes are moderate in summer and winter, although there are a few hot, humid weeks during most summers. The growing season is 160-170 days. The last freeze in spring is mid to late April; the first freeze in fall is early to mid- October. Walker receives an average of 32 inches of precipitation each year. The average low temperature in January is 16 degrees F; the average high in July is 83 degrees F. Winds are predominately from the south and southwest. November is the windiest month. Summer, however, is the time for potentially more dangerous storms, including thunderstorms and tornadoes. Walker has an average of 200 cloudy days each year.
PARKS AND TRAILS INVENTORY
Map 11 displays the relative location of parks and other recreational features boundaries in and near the City of Walker.
From a practical standpoint, the selection of capital park improvement projects is done on a rotating basis between Walker wards. When available, Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds are sometimes used for park improvements but must be carefully applied in eligible locations.
Regular park maintenance is conducted based on quantifiable needs by the City of Walker Department of Public Works. The City of Walker spent approximately $170,000 to maintain the 9 city-owned parks during the 2012 fiscal year.
MAP 11. WALKER PARKS & STREETS
There are over 2,000 acres of park and recreation land within the Walker city limits. Some 350 acres are contained within privately owned golf courses. More than 1,660 acres make up Kent County’s Johnson Park and Millennium Park, which are regional facilities along the Grand River. Note that Walker is seeking to connect to, not duplicate, the regional-level amenities provided at Millennium Park and Johnson Park. The same can be said for the Blandford Nature Center.
Kent County - Millennium Park – Walker Ward #3
• 1,500+ acres of land available for public recreation • Park includes a six-acre beach and splash pad, picnic areas, nearly 20 miles of trails, boating area and several picnic areas • One of our nation's largest urban parks touching the cities of Grand Rapids, Walker, Grandville and Wyoming. • Development of park space continues as former sand and gravel mining operations are converted into public park amenities.
Kent County - Johnson Park – Walker Ward #3
• 260 acres of land available for public recreation. • Park activities and facilities include ball diamonds, biking, exercise equipment, fishing, disc golf course, hiking/walking, picnic areas, enclosed shelter house, restroom buildings, Grand River boat launches and winter sports.
Blandford Nature Center – City of Grand Rapids - Walker Ward #2 • This is a publically owned and operated nature and cultural center. • Approximately 88-acres of the 143-acre facility are located within Walker, south of Richmond Street. • From the Blandford Nature Center website: “We are an independent, charitable non- profit governed by a volunteer board. We lease the 143 acres from the City of Grand Rapids and use the land and wildlife as the perfect backdrop to provide quality environmental education and community programs that: Educate our community to understand our environment, our heritage, and our connection to natural systems. Engage people to actively use natural spaces and become stewards of the natural world. Empower people to embrace nature, new perspectives, and sustainable practices.
Three nearby parks, located in the City of Grand Rapids, are regularly used by Walker residents.
Richmond Park: This site is approximately 57 acres in area. Amenities include a fishing pond, sledding hill, playground areas, open space and ball fields.
Riverside Park: This site is approximately 40 acres in area. Amenities include Grand River access, playgrounds, ball fields, picnic areas, trails and open space.
John Ball Zoo & Park: This site is approximately 110 acres in area. Amenities include a zoo, playground, picnic areas, band shell, ball diamonds, soccer field, tennis courts and basketball courts.
City of Walker Parks and Trails
The City of Walker contains a system of complementary, contextual and increasingly connected parks, trails and open spaces. The City of Walker owns and operates 9 parks on 126 acres of land. See Map 11 for the location of these 9 Walker parks.
The purpose of this inventory is not to provide an exhaustive listing of all park equipment and maintenance details. That level of information is provided in Appendix 6.
The following inventory covers the components described in the “MDNR Guidelines for the Development of Community Park, Recreation, Open Space and Greenway Plans.” We have added certain items that are contextually important in the City of Walker.
Note that the city park classifications and service areas are based on analyses done for the 2004 Parks and Recreation Master Plan with contextual updates included here due to changing conditions and opportunities for improvements.
Park One: English Hills Park
• Size: Five (5) acres • Location / Ward: North of I-96 and west of Alpine Avenue. Ward 1. • MDNR Classification: Neighborhood Park • Service Area: Primarily used by residents of adjacent English Hills subdivision • Annual Maintenance Cost Estimate: $7,700.00
o Playground inspection and repair o Playground ADA surface maintenance o Parking lot / trail maintenance o Trash removal o Ball field markings / turf maintenance o Seasonal port-a-john maintenance
• General Conditions:
o Average overall o Fences and gates in poor condition o Playground is aging
• History of MDNR Grant Funding: None • Type and Number of Features and Facilities:
o Softball / baseball field o Playground equipment o Basketball hoop, backboard and pole o Parking lot for approximately 45 vehicles (20,550 sq. ft.) o Gate controlled entrance o Small natural area o Localized walking trail
Park Two: Alpine Estates Park
• Size: Eighteen (18) acres • Location / Ward: South of I-96 and 3 Mile Road; east of Bristol Avenue. Ward 1. • MDNR Classification: Neighborhood Park / Community Park • Service Area: Primarily used by residents of adjacent Alpine Estates subdivision • Annual Maintenance Cost Estimate: $31,000.00
o Playground inspection and repair o Playground ADA surface maintenance o Parking lot / trail maintenance o Trash removal o Snow removal o Irrigation system o Forestry maintenance o Ball field markings / turf maintenance o Restroom building and pavilion maintenance
• General Conditions: o Good overall o Vandalism issues – security cameras installed . Restroom damage . Drinking fountain damage
• History of MDNR Grant Funding:
o 1991 - $60,000 – Project # TF91-230 . Acquired 7-acre parcel adjacent to park.
o 2000 - $280,422 – Project # CM00-332 . Physical improvements via accessible 6-foot path, lighting, parking lot expansion, picnic shelter, restroom building, ballfield, irrigation, site grading, landscaping. • Type and Number of Features and Facilities:
o Softball / baseball field o Playground equipment . 1 playground structure for school age . 1 playground structure for pre-schoolers . 1 swingset for toddlers . 1 swingset for school age o 5 benches and 3 picnic tables o Picnic pavilion with 6 tables o Gate controlled entrances o 6 parking lot light poles o Natural area o Looped, paved walking trail with 4 benches o Restroom building o Parking lot for approximately 100 vehicles (47,795 sq. ft.)
Park 3: Spring Hill Park
• Size: Ten (10) acres • Location / Ward: South of I-96 and 3 Mile Road; east of Walker Avenue. Ward 1. • MDNR Classification: Special Use - Neighborhood Park • Service Area: Undefined • Annual Maintenance Cost Estimate: Undefined
o Parking lot maintenance o Trash removal o Exterior building maintenance
• General Conditions:
o State of stasis
• History of MDNR Grant Funding: None • Type and Number of Features and Facilities:
o Historical house o Parking lot for approximately 15 vehicles (5,300 sq. ft.)
Park 4: Orchard Ridge Park
• Size: 1.8-acres • Location / Ward: North of Richmond Street and east of Kenowa Avenue. Ward 2. • MDNR Classification: Mini / Neighborhood Park • Service Area: Primarily used by residents of adjacent Orchard Ridge subdivision • Annual Maintenance Cost Estimate: $2,000.00
o Playground inspection and repair o Playground ADA surface maintenance o Trash removal o Turf maintenance
• General Conditions:
o Good o Drainage improvements made to playground o DTE grant funded canopy trees on park perimeter in various states of health
• History of MDNR Grant Funding: None • Type and Number of Features and Facilities:
o Playground equipment o One (1) picnic table
Park Five: City Central Park
• Size: Total of sixty (60) acres, including leased space (99 years) from Kenowa Hills School District (red outline) • Location / Ward: South of I-96 and 3 Mile Road; east of Wilson Avenue. Ward 2. • MDNR Classification: Neighborhood Park / Community Park • Service Area: Primarily used by Walker residents. Rental gazebo and ball fields / programs attract a more regional user group. • Annual Maintenance Cost Estimate: $71,000.00
o Playground inspection and repair o Playground ADA surface maintenance o Trash removal o Turf maintenance o Restroom maintenance o Irrigation system maintenance o Building maintenance o Mark soccer and baseball / softball fields o Leaf removal o Forestry maintenance
• General Conditions:
o Good overall o Aging picnic tables, trash bins and playground equipment o Soccer fields showing wear o Goal posts showing some rust o Roof on building repaired for leaks in 2009. o Tennis court resurfaced in 2008 o In-line hockey court repainted in 2006 o Basketball court lines painted in 2007
• History of MDNR Grant Funding:
o MDNR Project No. 26-00633. 1975. “Walker Park” project. Total of $35,919.00 for site improvements, parking, lighting, ball fields, two tennis courts, tot lot area, LWCF sign, underground drainage and turf.
• Type and Number of Features and Facilities:
o 3 soccer fields o 3 softball / baseball fields o 1 baseball-only field o 2 entrance / orientation signs o 3 playgrounds with swingsets and traditional equipment o 7 benches o 16 trash cans o 2 covered scoring tables with 2 benches each o 2 picnic tables o 1 bike rack o 2 light poles o Parking lot for 193 vehicles o Building for concessions, restrooms, maintenance o Underground irrigation system with 3 controllers and well house o Walking / running path – 2 mile loop o 3 tennis courts with pickleball striping o 2 sand volleyball courts o 2 basketball courts o In-line hockey rink o 1 restroom building o Picnic pavilion with 6 tables o Fishing area / natural area / stormwater area
Park 6: West Chesterfield Park
• Size: One (1) acre – developed. Twelve (12) acres overall. • Location / Ward: North of Lake Michigan Drive and west of Wilson Avenue. Ward 3. • MDNR Classification: Neighborhood Park • Service Area: Primarily used by residents of adjacent Chesterfield Heights subdivision and Apple Ridge Mobile Home Park • Annual Maintenance Cost Estimate: $1,000.00
o Playground inspection and repair o Playground ADA surface maintenance o Trash removal o Turf maintenance
• General Conditions:
o Good
• History of MDNR Grant Funding: None • Type and Number of Features and Facilities:
o Playground equipment with swingset o Natural / stormwater areas
Park Seven: Community Park
• Size: Seventeen (17) acres • Location / Ward: North of Lake Michigan Drive; east of Wilson Avenue. Ward 3. • MDNR Classification: Neighborhood Park / Community Park • Service Area: Primarily used by Standale-area Walker residents. Rental gazebo, summer concerts and ball fields / programs attract a more regional user group. • Annual Maintenance Cost Estimate: $33,000.00
o Playground inspection and repair o Playground ADA surface maintenance o Trash removal o Fence repairs o Turf maintenance o Restroom maintenance o Parking lot and walking path surface maintenance o Pavilion maintenance o Mark soccer and baseball / softball fields o Leaf and snow removal o Forestry maintenance
• General Conditions:
o Good overall o Aging fences and playground equipment o Restroom needs painting o Pavilion needs power washing
• History of MDNR Grant Funding: None • Type and Number of Features and Facilities:
o 1 soccer field o 1 softball / baseball field o 1 entrance / orientation sign o 1 playground with swingset and traditional equipment o 3 benches o 6 trash cans o 9 picnic tables o 1 bike rack o 1 light pole o Parking lot for 100 vehicles o Walking path o 2 tennis / pickleball courts o 1 sand volleyball court o 1 basketball court o 1 restroom building (24’ x 24’) o Picnic pavilion (30’ x 60’) o Natural / stormwater areas o Sledding hill
Park Eight: Lincoln Lawns Park
• Size: Five (5) acres • Location / Ward: North of Lake Michigan Drive; east of Kinney Avenue. Ward 3. • MDNR Classification: Neighborhood Park • Service Area: Primarily used by Standale-area Walker residents • Annual Maintenance Cost Estimate: $10,000.00
o Playground inspection and repair o Playground ADA surface maintenance o Trash removal o Turf maintenance o Parking lot surface maintenance o Leaf and snow removal
• General Conditions:
o Good overall o Aging playground equipment and soccer goals o Newer basketball court and parking lot with drainage
• History of MDNR Grant Funding: None. CDBG grant in 2006-07. • Type and Number of Features and Facilities:
o 1 soccer field o 1 playground with swingset and traditional equipment o 2 benches o 2 picnic tables o Parking for 18 vehicles (9,660 sq. ft.) o Walking path (concrete) o 1 basketball court – regulation, full court o 1 portable restroom
Park Nine: Harmon Park plus 144 Sunset Hills SW (vacant land)
• Size: 5.5-acres for Harmon Park. 31 acres for 144 Sunset Hills SW (blue outline) • Location / Ward:South of Lake Michigan Drive; east of Sunset Hills Avenue. Ward 3. • MDNR Classification: Neighborhood Park. Potential for Community Park. • Service Area: Primarily used by Standale-area Walker residents • Annual Maintenance Cost Estimate: $14,000.00
o Playground inspection and repair o Playground ADA surface maintenance o Fence repair o Trash removal o Turf maintenance o Parking lot and path surface maintenance o Leaf and snow removal o Seasonal temporary restroom
• General Conditions:
o Good overall o Aging playground equipment and fences o Outfield surface needs work
• History of MDNR Grant Funding: None. • Type and Number of Features and Facilities:
o 1 playground with swingset and traditional equipment o 3 benches o Bleachers and benches o 1 ballfield o 1 picnic table o Parking lot for 100 vehicles (19,530 sq. ft.) o Walking path o 1 portable restroom
Barrier Free Evaluation of Walker Parks & WIFC The City of Walker is committed to providing access to recreation facilities for people of all ages and abilities. Recent and ongoing projects have ensured compliance with barrier free requirements, but further minor improvements are needed to improve accessibility to the City’s recreation areas and natural resources.
The City of Walker partnered with Disability Advocates of Kent County (DAKC) to conduct an updated barrier free audit of City Central Park and the Walker Ice & Fitness Center in 2013. That report can be viewed in its entirety in Appendix 7.
An evaluation of barrier free accessibility was conducted as a part of the 2004 Walker Parks and Recreation Master Plan. Those results are outlined below, along with actions to eliminate barrier free deficiencies. The accessibility improvements are scheduled to be completed during renovation and improvements to each specific park as outlined in the Action Program of this document.
Harmon Park The last improvements to Harmon Park ensured that all facilities met barrier-free requirements. There are hard surfaced walks, barrier-free parking, and barrier free access to the playground and seating areas. Any future improvements to this park will provide barrier-free access.
Community Park Community Park contains many amenities, all of which provide barrier-free access, including tennis courts, basketball courts, a pavilion, and a ball field. There are minor additions and improvements that should be made when upgrades to the park are considered. These include accessible picnic tables, a more accessible drinking fountain, improvements to the ramp from one set of barrier–free parking spaces, and adjustments in the restroom building with the sinks and paper holders. Any future park improvements will meet current accessibility standards.
Lincoln Lawns Park Lincoln Lawns Park contains only a limited number of improvements, all of which are barrier-free accessible. Any improvements will be accessible.
English Hills Park English Hills Park contains only a small playground and a softball field, both of which are fully accessible.
Alpine Estates Park In 2002 there were major improvements made to Alpine Estates Park via an MDNR grant. As a result of this work, the entire park is now barrier free, including the paved trail system through the park, and a fully accessible restroom facility and picnic pavilion. New improvements will be barrier–free as well.
City Central Park The development of City Central Park was a major recreation project that incorporated accessibility provisions throughout. All areas of the park, as well as the restroom facilities, are provided with barrier-free access. This park could benefit by adding a barrier–free picnic table in the pavilion area near the pond. As previously stated, the City of Walker partnered with Disability Advocates of Kent County (DAKC) to conduct an updated barrier free audit of City Central Park and the Walker Ice & Fitness Center in 2013. That report can be viewed in its entirety in Appendix 7.
West Chesterfield Park This park contains only a small playground structure that is accessed from the local road system. Currently, there is no paved access from the road to the playground. Such an access should be provided. There are limited improvement plans for this park due to property and environmental constraints.
Orchard Ridge Park This limited improvement park was constructed with barrier free accessibility to the playground.
Spring Hill Park The Spring Hill Park property has not yet been formally planned or developed.
Trails Inventory
There are currently 7 miles of non-motorized trails in Walker, with ownership spread among the Kent County Parks Department, the City of Walker and Blandford Nature Center. Approximately 7 miles of non-motorized trails are under construction or have been recently completed as part of the Musketawa-to-White Pine Trail connector, which is called the Pioneer Trail. Map 12 displays the location of these features.
Table 16 describes trail and other non-motorized facilities in Walker and the region. Non- motorized facilities and connections between parks, schools and neighborhoods are high priority items for Walker, as described in Sections IV, V and VI of this plan.
TABLE 16: REGIONAL NON-MOTORIZED FACILITIES INVENTORY
(Source: 2035 GVMC LRTP Update, p. 97) Existing Non-Motorized Facilities (miles) - Grand Valley Metro Council Community Pedestrian Bicycle Total Shared Miles Use Bicycle Bicycle 4-foot Existing Sidewalk Path Lane Route Shoulders Facilities Walker 28.6 7.2 0.0 0.0 0.7 36.5 Cedar Springs 4.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 4.1 East Grand Rapids 17.8 0.0 0.8 0.0 0.0 18.6 Grand Rapids 227.7 13.5 1.0 0.0 7.4 249.6 Grandville 27.2 5.5 0.0 0.6 0.0 33.3 Kentwood 78.6 12.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 91.3 Lowell 7.7 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 7.8 Rockford 4.8 0.6 0.6 0.0 0.0 6.0 Wyoming 93.9 14.1 0.0 7.3 0.0 115.3
MAP 12. WALKER NON-MOTORIZED TRAIL SYSTEM
The following paragraphs offer general descriptions of the trails located completely or partially within the City of Walker. Descriptions start at the south end of the Walker city limits and continue in a northerly direction.
Kent Trails – Walker Ward #3 Kent Trails is a regionally important, 15-mile long linear park which is owned and operated by the Kent County Parks Department. Kent Trails begins in Johnson Park and runs easterly on Veterans Memorial Drive into the City of Grand Rapids. A southerly leg crosses the Grand River into the City of Wyoming. Kent Trails also connects northerly into the Millennium Park trail system. Significant MDNR funding enabled the construction of Kent Trails.
Millennium Park Trail System – Walker Ward #3 Millennium Park is owned and operated by the Kent County Parks Department. Millennium Park is over 1,500 acres in area and expansions are planned as land becomes available. Significant MDNR funding enabled the construction of Millennium Park. A looped trail system wraps through the park and continues northerly along Maynard Avenue to connect into the Fred Meijer Standale Trail.
Fred Meijer Standale Trail – Walker Wards #2 and #3 The Fred Meijer Standale Trail begins on Maynard Avenue at the northerly terminus of Millennium Park. This trail is maintained by the City of Walker. The Fred Meijer Standale Trail then continues northward to Harmon Park, where a ¾ mile segment traverses a Consumers Energy right-of-way to Lake Michigan Drive (M-45) and the Walker Standale business district, which is considered the “downtown” of Walker. Generous support from Fred Meijer allowed the trail to be extended northerly to Remembrance Road and then northwesterly to the Walker City Hall and City Central Park campus. It should be noted that the Fred Meijer Standale Trail crosses Leonard Street, where an evolving on-street bike lane network links riders into Grand Rapids. It should further be noted that Walker is pursuing MDOT grants to construct a pedestrian tunnel beneath M-45 that would allow trail users a continuous path north and south of Lake Michigan Drive.
City Central Park Trail – Walker Ward #2 The Fred Meijer Standale Trail connects into the City Central Park Trail, which is located on the Walker City Hall campus. There are approximately 2 miles of paved trail here, which are owned and operated by the City of Walker.
Pioneer Trail – Walker Wards #1 and #2 The Kent County Parks Department and Kent County Road Commission have recently constructed a paved trail that links the Musketawa Trail to the Meijer corporate campus at 3 Mile Road and Walker Avenue. The County and the City of Walker are now jointly funding and constructing a wide sidewalk trail link along 3 Mile Road, across Alpine Avenue and east to West River Drive. This trail is called the Pioneer Trail and will eventually link to the White Pine Trail in Comstock Park.
Musketawa Trail The Musketawa Trail is a regionally-important non-motorized facility with a trail head located in Wright Township. The Musketawa Trail links the City of Muskegon to the City of Walker via the Pioneer Trail.
White Pine Trail The White Pine Trail is a regionally-important non-motorized facility with a trail head located in Comstock Park. The White Pine Trail includes ¼ mile portion of paved trail that connects West River Drive and the North Park Bridge. This connection established a link between the White Pine Trail (extending north through Rockford and into Cadillac) and Riverside Park in Grand Rapids.
These general descriptions reveal that the City of Walker is an important hub-and-spoke community in a network of regionally important non-motorized trails.
RECREATION PROGRAM INVENTORY The demographic information displayed in Section 1 – Community Description suggests that the City of Walker should provide recreation opportunities suitable for a diverse population of potential users. The following recreation inventory identifies the assortment of programs and activities currently available in Walker.
Note: Be advised that information relative to public and private school campuses should be taken from the 2004 Walker Parks and Recreation Master Plan. Recent discussions with some school officials suggest that non-student recreation programs may be limited in 2014 and for the foreseeable future due to budget restraints. We believe that each public and private school campus in Walker provides some type of outdoor recreation facility, such as a ballfield or playground equipment.
Table 17 summarizes the recreational opportunities currently available through City of Walker recreation programs and at the Walker Ice & Fitness Center (WIFC). The City of Walker provides senior citizens a meeting place for gatherings, dinners and activities. These functions are typically held at Fire Station #2 and Fire Station #3.
Table 17. SUMMARY OF WALKER SEASONAL RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES
Spring Summer Fall Winter Youth Softball Adult Softball Team Hockey & Fitness Classes Open Skate (WIFC) Team Hockey & Youth Baseball Park Rentals Park Rentals Open Skate Fitness Classes Fitness Classes Senior Bowling Youth Soccer (WIFC) (WIFC) Tournament Senior Citizen Senior Citizen Senior Citizen Youth Soccer Programs Programs Programs Senior Citizen Fitness Classes Kid’s Camp (WIFC) Programs (WIFC) Team Hockey & Easter Egg Hunt Open Skate Park Rentals Youth Baseball Memorial Day Youth Softball Parade Team Hockey & Open Skate
Table 18 displays the use of ball diamonds by various recreation groups in Walker city parks.
Table 18 – SUMMARY OF WALKER PARK BALL DIAMOND USAGE* (March 2013) Target # of Park User / Program Schedule Age(s) Participants
English Hills Park 225 on 17 Pioneer Baseball League April - June 5-15 teams Rec-Girls' Softball 131 on 12 Program April - June 6-13 teams Rec-Adult Softball May- 927 on 63 Program August 18 & over teams
Alpine Estates Park 225 on 17 Pioneer Baseball League April - June 5-15 teams Rec-Girls' Softball 131 on 12 Program April - June 6-13 teams Rec-Adult Softball May- 927 on 63 Program August 18 & over teams
City Central Park / KHPS 225 on 17 Pioneer Baseball League April - June 5-15 teams Rec-Girls' Softball 131 on 12 Program April - June 6 -13 teams Rec-Adult Softball May - 927 on 63 Program August 18 & over teams Rec - Spring Soccer 490 on 38 Program April - May 5-13 teams Rec - Fall Soccer 457 on 36 Program Sept - Oct. 5-13 teams
Community Park 225 on 17 Pioneer Baseball League April - June 5-15 teams Rec-Girls' Softball 131 on 12 Program April - June 6-13 teams Rec-Adult Softball May- 927 on 63 Program August 18 & over teams
Harmon Park 225 on 17 Pioneer Baseball League April - June 5-15 teams Rec-Girls' Softball 131 on 12 Program April - June 6-13 teams Rec-Adult Softball May- 927 on 63 Program August 18 & over teams *The Rec-Girls Softball Program and Pioneer Baseball League can use any of the softball / baseball fields, depending on weather, field conditions, etc. The number of participants and teams is the total for the entire program.
WALKER ICE AND FITNESS CENTER INVENTORY
The Walker Ice & Fitness Center (WIFC) is located at the southerly end of the City Hall campus on Remembrance Road. The WIFC building is approximately 80,000 square feet in area and was built in 1998. WIFC is owned and operated by the City of Walker. The following list displays current WIFC corporate memberships with local groups and businesses:
• S Abraham & Sons, Inc. • Bayberry Point Apartments • Bissell, Inc. • Gordon Food Services • Grand Valley State University (full time employees ) • Greatland Corp. • HAWK Hockey • Imperial Graphics • Kenowa Hills Public School (full-time employees) • Kensington Reserve Apartments • Meijer Corp. (all employees) • Metropolitan Hospital • Police and Firefighters • United States Military (past and present) • Royal Vista Condos • Spartan Stores (all employees) • Spectrum health (all employees) • Mercy Health (all employees) • Tech Group
Active WIFC member daily check-in’s (does not include day passes)
2010 2011 2012 2013 7/2014
89,470 90,060 92,687 94,678 58,561
Approximate number of active WIFC members over a 12-month period
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 n/d n/d 1272-1902 1322-1975 1520-1998
The following information identifies the percentage of total WIFC members from local zip code areas:
Zip code 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
49534 46.10% 47.15% 50.0% 51.09% 51.54%
49544 12.99% 12.14% 8.02% 7.17% 6.92%
49504 20.23% 20.09% 18.60% 17.29% 18.72%
49435 5.76% 6.02% 4.44% 5.30% 4.36%
49321 1.81% 1.83% 1.02% 2.96% 1.79%
49404 1.69% 4.30% 3.92% 2.65% 3.08%
The following list provides an inventory of health and fitness equipment at the Walker Ice & Fitness Center.
• 20,000 square foot fitness facility • 40 pieces of cardiovascular equipment • 60+ pieces of Cybex and resistance equipment/free weight • 11.5 lap indoor track • 1,200 square foot aerobics room • Men & women locker rooms featuring steam rooms and saunas, individual shower units and changing areas with lockers • Child care room for children 6 months to 8 years • Towel service (Towel Tracker System) • 2 tanning booths • 9 True treadmills • 3 Precore treadmills • 4 True upright bikes • 4 True recumbent bikes • 5 Cybex arc trainers • 7 Precore ellipticals • 2 Cybex stairmasters • 2 Stepmills • 2 row machines • 16 Star Trac spinning bikes • Jacobs Ladder • 7 free weight benches (bench press, shoulder press, etc) • 2 Smith Machines • 2 half racks with lifting platforms • Multi station cable cross machine • Functional trainer • 6 miscellaneous plate loaded machines • Dumbbells (3lbs-120lbs) • Barbells and EZ bars (20lbs-110lbs) • Bumper plates • Plyometric boxes • Kettlebells • Heavy rope • Heavy bag • 11 TRX suspension trainers • Miscellaneous equipment (Bosu balls, medicine balls, stability balls, foam rollers, aerobic steps, exercise bands, etc.)
The following list provides an inventory of ice hockey features at the Walker Ice & Fitness Center.
• One sheet of ice: NHL size 85’ x 200’ • Public skating sessions • Hockey / skating programs (see below) • Ice rental • Five large, fully equipped dressing rooms • Heated seating for 400 people • Heated lobby viewing area • Skate sharpening & rental service • Skate mates • Pro shop – full line skate and equipment dealer • Concession services with atrium seating area • 2 meeting rooms available for rental
The following ice hockey programs are offered at the Walker Ice & Fitness Center.
Learn to Skate/Learn to Play Hockey – Program offered for kids ages 4 and over. Seven week sessions are offered year around. Learn to skate participants are split into different skilled groups and taught by local figure skaters and/or hockey players.
Cross Ice Program – Offers the kids the change to learn the basics of the game, concentrating on skill based practices and eventually playing cross ice games. The main emphasis is to have fun and learn how to play the game of hockey.
HAWK Hockey Association – A parent-based, non-profit organization with 300 kids, ages 8 to 16 that participate.