Emmet County Parks and Recreation Plan 2013
Prepared by Emmet County Department of Planning & Zoning List of Contributors
Emmet County Board of Commissioners James Tamlyn, Chair Lester Atchison, Vice-chair Larry Cassidy Paul Hramiec Jack Jones Shawn Wonnacott Dan Plasencia
Emmet County Planning Commission John Eby, Chair Paul Desy, Vice-Chair James Scott, Secretary Jack Jones Kelly Alexander Paul Hramiec David Laughbaum Steve Neal Dan Plasencia
Parks and Recreation Committee Dan Plasencia, Chair Wendy Armstrong, Vice-Chair Shawn Wonnacott Paul Fairbairn John LaMont Jeff Hingston
Emmet County Township, City, Village Officials Various Emmet County Township, City, and Village Officials
Emmet County Department of Parks and Recreation Laurie Gaetano-Mier, Director Sandy Hansen, Assistant Director
Emmet County Office of Planning, Zoning, & Construction Resources Tammy Doernenburg, Director Nancy Salar, Assistant Planner Monica Linehan, Administrative Assistant
TTableable of Contents
STATEMENT OF VISION……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 4
1.0 COMMUNITY DESCRIPTION Social Characteristics………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 6 Physical Characteristics…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 11
2.0 ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE Administration………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 18 Financial Plan and Methods…………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 19
3.0 RECREATION INVENTORY Emmet County Managed Recreation Properties………………………………………………………………… 29 Dark Sky Coast …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 34 Springvale Township Managed Recreation Properties……………………………………………………. 35 Trails……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 37 Private and Semi-private Recreation………………………………………………………………………………………… 41 Indoor Recreation………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 42
4.0 PLANNING AND PUBLIC INPUT PROCESS Planning Methods……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 43 Public Input Process………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 43 Results of Recreation Resources Surveys……………………………………………………………………………. 43
5.0 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES Goals………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 50 Objectives……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 50
6.0 ACTION PROGRAM Implementation……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...... 52
FIGURESFIGURESFIGURES
Figure 1-1: Regional Location of Emmet County………………………………………………………………………………………………. 5 Figure 1-2: Emmet County Political Boundaries………………………………………………………………………………………………… 5 Figure 3-1: Dark Sky Coast…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 34 Figure 4-1: Waterfront Parks………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 44 Figure 4-2: Public Lake Access…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 44 Figure 4-3: Importance of Recreational Uses……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 45 Figure 4-4: Frequency of Participation in Recreation……………………………………………………………………………………… 45 Figure 4-5: Frequency of Park Use by Age Category……………………………………………………………………………………… 46 Figure 4-6: Distance Traveled to Recreational Facilities………………………………………………………………………………. 46 Figure 4-7: Distance Traveled by Age……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 47
TABLESTABLESTABLES
Table 1-1: Population……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 7 Table 1-2: Population Projection for Civil Divisions in Emmet County……………………………………………………. 7 Table 1-3: Emmet County 2005 Seasonal Population……………………………………………………………………………………. 8 Table 1-4: Population by Gender – 2000, Emmet County and State of Michigan………………………………. 8 Table 1-5: Age Distribution of Emmet County, 2000………………………………………………………………………………………. 9 Table 1-6: Persons with Ambulatory Difficulty- 2010 ………………………………………………………………………………………. 9 Table 1-7: Per Capita Personal Income (PCPI) 1992-2004…………………………………………………………………………. 10 Table 1-8: Civilian Labor Force…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 10 Table 1-9: Land Use Acreage by Category, Emmet County 2007……………………………………………………………. 15 Table 3-1: Public Park and Recreation Area Inventory…………………………………………………………………………………… 21 Table 3-2: Status Report on Grant- Assisted Recreation Acquisitions & Development…………………… 33 Table 3-3: Public Swim Beaches ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 39 Table 3-4: Private and Semi-private Recreational Facilities ………………………………………………………………………. 41 Emmet County 2013 Recreation Plan - 2 - Table 3-5: Golf Course Inventory, Emmet County ………………………………………………………………………………………….. 42 Table 4-2: 2010 Sports Participation …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 47 Table 4-3: 2010-2011 Sports with over 15% Change in Participation ……………………………………………………. 48 Table 6-1: Implementation…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 52
MAPSMAPSMAPS
Map 1-1: Emmet County Natural Features…………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 14 Map 1-2: Emmet County Existing Recreation Areas & Lake Access………………………………………………………. 16 Map 1-3: Emmet County Existing Land Use………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 17 Map 3-1: Camp Petosega Trails………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 30 Map 3-2: Trails at The Headlands……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 32 Map 3-3: Emmet County Trails …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 36 Map 3-4: United States Bicycle Route 35 Michigan Section ………………………………………………………………………. 40 Map 4-1: Emmet County Priority Trail Routes……………………………………………………………………………………………………. 49
APPENDIX A
Recreation Survey questionnaire……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 57
APPENDIX B
Community Forum flyer…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 60 Public Forum notice………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 61 Copy of Notices for Public Hearings………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 62 Parks and Recreation resolution………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 63 Planning Commission resolution………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 64 Board of Commissioners resolution………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 65 Minutes from the public hearing: Planning Commission………………………………………………………………………………… 66 Minutes from the public hearing: Board of Commissioners…………………………………………………………………………. 71
Emmet County 2013 Recreation Plan - 3 -
Statement of Vision
Emmet County is a place where natural beauty and prosperity harmonize in a desirable and sustainable community. The County appeals to both year-round and seasonal resort residents, maintaining its reputation as a world-class resort and tourist destination. Emmet County land development is guided to complement and enhance the natural beauty and landscape for which it is famous. Parks and open spaces abound, while wildlife populations are visible and healthy. Emmet County offers outstanding opportunities to the outdoor enthusiast for camping, biking, hunting, fishing, and other outdoor recreation. The abundance of clean air and water add to the beautiful scenery; promoting a sense of pride and belonging. Finally, Emmet County’s citizens value and celebrate its history. From the well-known Petoskey Stones that were created millions of years ago through the glacial creation of the landscape, the rich history of Native Americans and the development of the area as part of the Northwest Territory and later the State of Michigan; the heritage of the area is treasured and respected. Groups and individuals work hard to preserve and share the natural and cultural history of Emmet County.
Emmet County 2013 Recreation Plan - 4 - Community Description
Emmet County is located at the Northwest tip of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula which has had a profound influence on its physical, economic, and social character. See Figure 1-1.
Figure 1-1: Regional Location of Emmet County
Adjacent counties are Cheboygan to the east and Charlevoix to the South. Lake Michigan forms the north and western boundary of Emmet County with 68 miles of shoreline. Emmet County encompasses 461 square miles and is divided into 16 townships, 2 cities, 3 villages, and tribal trust land. See Figure 1-2.
Figure 1-2: Emmet County contains 16 townships, 2 cities, 3 villages, and tribal trust land Emmet County is a four season paradise, offering numerous recreational opportunities. Because of the rich diversity of recreational activities Emmet County is known as a world class resort community. Recreation through tourism, though important, is not the only significant economic activity in the County. According to the 2010
Emmet County 2013 Recreation Plan - 5 - Census, Emmet County’s largest percentage of employment was in the education, health, and social services industries.
The physiography of the County is varied and complex. Sandy beaches along Lake Michigan have strong recreation attractions for local residents and visitors. Also, the views of Little Traverse Bay and Lake Michigan have attracted high value, permanent and seasonal housing. Several major resort communities were formed in the 19th century because of the natural and scenic beauty of the area. The emphasis has been on “resort communities” rather than pass-through tourist traffic.
The County has all types of landscapes and ecosystems. It is known for its natural scenic beauty of lakes, rivers, forests, fields, and sunset coastlines. Combined, these features give the County its outstanding character as a Northern Community with a four season recreation environment. Forestry, farming, and mining are major segments of the Emmet County community. Prior to 1980, the County exported significant volumes of cement manufactured from natural limestone deposits along the Lake Michigan Shoreline in Resort Township. Stopping operations in the 1980s today nearly all mining is sand and gravel aggregate found from the glacial deposits. The former 1,100 acre cement manufacturing property has been transformed into a major Midwest resort community, featuring housing, golf, shopping, lodging, public parks, and marina services.
Some 75 percent of the county is classified as woodland, which provides an important resource for the timber industry. In addition to logging operations; sawmills, veneer mills, and other secondary lumber industries currently operate in the County. Emmet County is in the Hardwood State Forest which is a critical open space resource that supports broad scale outdoor recreational activity. Farming generally follows national state trends in terms of decreasing employment, decreasing acreage, but higher valued farm production. Dairy and beef farming are typically the most significant. To some extent the farm and forest land base is threatened by growth pressures to hold land for scenic recreational values rather than forest-farm production. High income families who immigrate or who visit the county for recreation can afford to purchase farm-forest lands for recreation, and the purchase prices are deemed inflated in terms of farm-forest economics and local markets.
In general, the growth of the County has been historically gradual, although the rate has begun to accelerate since the late 1960s. As a result, new services are being demanded, retail shopping centers are being developed, and the general pressures of the urbanization process are ongoing. Major expansions have occurred in the medical field involving acute medical care and extended services of a nursing home character. A significant number of new families moving into the County are at or near retirement age and many seasonal homes are being converted to year-round residences.
The County continues to enjoy the image of a wilderness landscape with a low density rural population. Also, there are highly sophisticated developments (ski resorts, vacation home communities, freeways, specialty retail shops, hospital, community college etc.) that function in close proximity to farming enterprises, forest harvesting, and mining. These contrasting physical conditions are coupled with wide differences in the education, cultural heritage, and income among families of the county. It is the variety of physical and social conditions that makes this County diverse, attractive, and interesting.
In summary, Emmet County has a near ideal combination of important resources like: water, climate, topography, and a degree of urban development. This renders the area attractive to tourists who like to shop, ski, swim, and enjoy other outdoor sports year-round. The challenge for Emmet County is to plan for its future in such a way that natural appeal can be preserved in the face of growing development pressures.
SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS
Population Emmet County’s population has been increasing since 1960. The County experienced a growth rate of over 25% between 1970 and 1980, however, between 1980 and 1990 the growth slowed to less than 10% as shown in Table 1-1 (pg 7). At a much greater rate of growth than the State of Michigan which only experienced an increase of 6.9% from 1990 to 2000, the 2000 Census shows an increased rate of 25.5% for Emmet County, proving a rebound in growth rate similar to that of the 1970s. Emmet County experienced a reduction in growth rate as reported in the 2010 Census; however, the 4.0% in population continued to exceed the State of Michigan’s rate as the State lost overall population by an estimated 0.6%.
Emmet County 2013 Recreation Plan - 6 -
Table 1-1: Population
Selected Population 1990 – 2010 Community 1990 2000 2010 1990-2000 Percent 2000-2010 Percent Increase Increase
Emmet County 25,040 31,437 32,806 25.5% 4.0%
Northwest Region 231,962 281,468 297,912 21.9% 5.8% (10 Counties)
State of Michigan 9,295,297 9,938,480 9,883,640 6.9% -0.6% Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2010 Census and the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments, 2010
Approximately half of the civil divisions experienced a population increase from 2000 to 2010. As shown below in Table 1-2 the highest percentage of population increase occurred in Springvale Township, Redmond Township Bear Creek Township, and Center Township in decreasing order. The population projections for 2020 are the results of analysis of trends that include the average rate of change per decade in each of the civil divisions over the past 20 years, 1990-2010.
Table 1-2: Population Projection for Civil Divisions in Emmet County, 2020 based on Average Rate of Change per Decade over 10 Years. Average Rate of Population Change Projection for 2020 Community 1990 2000 2010 2000-2010 Base 2010* Census Census % Change Cities Petoskey 6,056 6,080 5,670 -6.7% 5,290 Harbor Springs 1,540 1,567 1,194 -23.8% 910 Villages Alanson 677 785 738 -6.0% 694 Pellston 583 771 822 6.6% 768 Mackinaw City 467 859 806 -6.3% 756 Census Census % Change Townships Bear Creek 3,469 5,269 6,201 17.7% 7,299 Bliss 483 572 620 8.4% 672 Carp Lake 597 807 759 -5.9% 714 Center 517 499 569 13.8% 648 Cross Village 201 294 281 -4.4% 269 Friendship 591 844 889 5.3% 936 Littlefield 1,633 2,783 2,978 7.0% 3,186 Little Traverse 1,805 2,426 2,380 -1.9% 2,335 McKinley 497 1,269 1,297 2.2% 1,326 Maple River 743 1,232 1,348 9.4% 1,475 Pleasantview 375 943 823 -12.7% 718 Readmond 374 493 581 17.8% 684 Resort 2,068 2,479 2,697 8.8% 2,934 Springvale 1,300 1,727 2,141 24% 2,655 Wawatam 96 705 661 -6.2% 620 West Traverse 968 1,448 1,606 10.9% 1,781 County Totals 25,040 31,437 32,694 4.0% 34,002 Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2010, Projections by Emmet County Office of Planning, Zoning, & Construction Resources *Average rate of change multiplied by the base = Population Projection
Seasonal Population Population numbers of year-round residents reflect only a part of Emmet County’s total growth. The County is a vacation center for a vast region in the Midwest, and draws people to seasonal residences, ski resorts, Emmet County 2013 Recreation Plan - 7 - campgrounds, public parks, and other attractions. Seasonal population surges have a significant effect on the demands for goods and services of all kinds, including the investment in public infrastructure.
In July 1996, the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments (NWMCOG) published a detailed report titled “Northwest Michigan Seasonal Population Model”, which documented tourist visitation in the ten county NWMCOG region including Emmet County. The study based its estimations solely on the available accommodation options in Emmet County, which included seasonal and migratory housing units, hotels, motels, bed and breakfast homes, campgrounds, and condominiums rented to travelers. The study noted, on average, that 21% of the population each month is compromised of visitors, tourists, or summer home occupants (7,101 persons). In July, August, and September this monthly average increases to 14,400 with July being the highest single month at 19,600 persons. The estimates did not include the numbers of visitors who stay with year round and seasonal homeowners throughout the year. As a result, the NWMCOG study was augmented during the Michigan State University tourism study in 2007 to include these numbers, which are reflected in Table 1-3.
Table 1-3: Emmet County 2005 Seasonal Population Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Monthly Average Permanent 33,580 33,580 33,580 33,580 33,580 33,580 33,580 33,580 33,580 33,580 33,580 33,580 33,580 Population* Guest Volume 11,431 12,174 5,641 7,720 10,095 10,541 36,521 15,440 12,174 4,008 5,344 17,370 12,372 Staying with Permanent Population Seasonal Home 1,657 1,657 2,431 2,431 11,752 11,752 11,752 11,752 3,278 3,278 3,278 1,657 4,779 Population Guest Volume 3,427 6,113 3,427 1,204 3,427 7,039 30,471 20,931 7,039 3,982 648 4,909 7,718 Staying with Seasonal Population Overnight 2,878 3,041 1,929 1,190 2,819 5,120 9,813 8,778 5,214 2,906 1,198 2,374 3,938 Accommodations** Total 52,973 56,565 47,008 46,124 52,352 68,031 122,137 90,481 61,285 47,754 44,048 59,891 62,387 Data Source: US Census; Northwest Michigan Seasonal Population Model – APB Associates, Inc. and Planning and Zoning Center, Inc.; and Attitudes Toward Tourism in Emmet County – Michigan State University. *US Census 2005 Population Estimate ** Overnight Accommodations are commercial lodging vendors, which include hotels, motels, bed and breakfast inns, campgrounds, cottage or condominiums, and marinas. Data source: US Census; Northwest Michigan Seasonal Population Model – APB Associates, Inc. and Planning and Zoning Center, Inc.; and Attitudes Toward Tourism in Emmet County – Michigan State University.
Gender Distribution Table 1-4 shows population by gender for Emmet County and the State of Michigan. Both the state and county reflect a slightly higher percentage of females than males.
Table 1-4: Population by Gender – 2010, Emmet County and State of Michigan Gender Emmet County Emmet County State of Michigan Number Percent Male 16,102 49.3 49.1 Female 16,597 50.7 50.9 Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2010 Census
Age Distribution In Table 1-5 it is interesting to note that the county showed a slightly lower population of pre-school, school age and young adult persons (0-24 years) compared to the state. In the mature family age group and retirement age bracket Emmet County has a higher proportion of persons which supports the County’s role in serving retirement age persons. Table 1-5 compares these age groups of Emmet County with the State of Michigan.
Emmet County 2013 Recreation Plan - 8 -
Table 1-5: Age Distribution of Emmet County, 2010 Emmet County State of Michigan Number Percent Percent Pre-school (Under 5 years) 1,705 5.2 6.0 School Age (5-14 years) 4,255 13.0 13.3 Young Adults and Secondary School Age (15- 3,871 11.8 14.3 24 years) Family Forming (25-44 years) 7,296 22.3 24.7 Mature Family (45-64 years) 10,130 31.0 27.9 Retirement Age (65 and over) 5,437 16.7 13.7
Total 32,694 100 100
Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2010 Census
Disability of Civilian Non-institutionalized Persons The information presented in Table 1-6 was taken from the 2010 U.S. Census and indicates disability status. Emmet County continues to consider all residents of the County when making a park improvement or when planning for the development of a newly acquired park. This effort will enable all park visitors to enjoy the County’s park and recreation environments. A small percentage of school age persons have a disability (0.37%). The percentage of the retirement community with limited mobility is also low at 3.8%. The two combined make up 4.2% of the total County population. A main focus of recreation opportunities should be to provide universal design recreation.
Table 1-6: Persons with Ambulatory Difficulty-2010 Population Percent of Population Percent of Population 65 Percent of 5-17 years Population 18-64 Years Population Years and Population Over Emmet 115 .37% 797 2.6% 1,158 3.8% County State of 11,993 .13% 360,804 3.9% 305,953 3.3% Michigan Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2008-2010 American Community Survey
Per-capita Personal Income History Per-capita personal income (PCPI) is income per person on an annual basis. In Emmet County PCPI remained slightly behind the nation since 2005, but has been ahead of the State for the same time period. This may be due to the poor economy in Michigan for the last several years and the decline of the automobile industry. The Emmet County PCPI has grown steadily since 2000. Table 1-7 (pg 10) lists the per-capita personal income for selected years for the County, State, and United States.
In 2010 Emmet County had a PCPI of $38,499. The PCPI for Michigan was $34,714, and the national average was $39,937. The 2010 PCPI reflected an increase of 10.2 percent from 2005. The 2005-2010 State change was 7.1 percent and the national change was 12.7 percent.
Emmet County 2013 Recreation Plan - 9 - Table 1-7: Per Capita Personal Income (PCPI) 2000-2010
2000 2005 2010
Emmet County $28,147 $34,939 $38,499
Michigan $29,400 $32,409 $34,714
United States $30,319 $35,452 $39,937 Data Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis
Employment Trends The low unemployment rates throughout the state shown in the 2000 Census do not accurately express the employment situation of today. In the year 2000 the state saw unemployment rates below 5 percent. During the preparation of this report year-to-date unemployment averages for Emmet County and the State of Michigan were 15.9 and 8.3 percent respectively. (Statistics not seasonally adjusted, Source: MI Dept. of Labor and Economic Growth; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) Table 1-8 shows the percent increase for the State has more than doubled since the 2000 Census and for Emmet County the rate is almost triple what it was at the time of the 2000 Census.
Table 1-8: Labor Force
2000 As of April 2012
Employment Unemployment Employment Unemployment
Total Total % Total Total %
Emmet County 17,077 980 5.4 15,162 2,857 15.9%
State of Michigan 4,953,421 190,495 3.7 4,269,890 388,853 8.3%
Data Source: U.S. Department of Labor; Bureau of Labor Statistics
Economic Impact of Recreation, Parks, and Open Space Parks and open space amenities can add many economic benefits to a community. According to the Michigan Tourism Industry Planning Council tourism in Michigan is a $17.5 billion industry that contributes to the economies of all 83 counties. Studies show maintaining high quality parks and open space can attract new business as well as retain current business, attract retirees to the area, attract tourists looking for outdoor recreation opportunities, and increase property values. Another contributing factor is the purchase and maintenance of equipment used for trail based activities. According to Economic Impact of Recreation Trail Use in Different Regions of Minnesota (2009) spending on snowmobile equipment was at $105 million, with ATV at $75 million, bicycle riding at $54 million, and running at $37 million. There also can be nonmarket benefits to parks and open space that are more difficult to accurately measure such as ecological and mental health benefits. Open space can safeguard drinking water, provide clean air, provide wildlife habitat protection, and other benefits.
The Economic Benefits of Land Conservation, The Trust for Public Land (2007) shows small business owners rank parks and open space at a high value when determining where to locate their business. CEOs of larger companies also consider the value of parks and open space when determining where to locate. This is particularly true of companies that focus on research and development or high technology.
Attracting retirees to a community may help stimulate the local economy. Their income is generally stable and comes from outside the community, but is spent locally. Retirees moving into the area can be considered a positive tax payer, since they tend to use fewer services than they pay for through taxes.
Increases to property values can be linked to the proximity of a park, according to Active Living Research (2010). The majority of properties located within 500 to 600 feet of the park appear to benefit the most. For some larger community parks the proximity benefit may extend up to 1,500 feet. Conversely proximity to a poorly maintained Emmet County 2013 Recreation Plan - 10 - park or a large high intensity use park that creates traffic congestion, noise problems, or other nuisances may decrease property values.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS Soils The soils of Emmet County are complex and varied. While it is not possible to determine specific soil characteristics on a given property from generalized maps, there are soil patterns in the county that can be identified for descriptive purposes. It is pertinent that about 70 percent of the area of Emmet County has soil conditions that are suited to urban development uses. This also implies a general suitability for forestry, agriculture, and recreation.
Some 85 to 95 percent of the soils in Resort and Bear Creek Townships are sandy loams and loamy sands. These are well adapted to agricultural uses and the farms in these areas could be threatened by urban growth pressures in the Petoskey area. The western half of the lower central areas of the county are also characterized by sands and loams, although some farming is present, most of this region is forested.
The Crooked- Pickerel Lakes area and the Crooked River Valley are positioned among soils that are poorly drained. Substantial areas of muck are found in northern Springvale Township and along the Crooked River. Other areas of muck, in significant concentration, are found in the Maple River Valley of Center Township and the northeastern areas of McKinley Township.
The Cross Village area is divided among several soil types: sandy loams, loose sands, and organic soils. The organic soils are generally in State ownership and may not be a development problem. However, the loose sands, which occur in dunes and ridges, have limitations in terms of drifting sand (wind and erosion) and difficulty in establishing and maintaining cover.
The Mackinaw City and Wawatam Township area contain limestone formations and cobble soils. These are generally unsuitable for urban development in their natural state. A large portion of the soils unsuited for development are in the northern areas of the County. Also, much of this land is currently in State of Michigan ownership, as part of the Hardwood State Forest and in Wilderness State Park.
GeologyGeologyGeology The geology of Emmet County is varied but primarily an example of 3 geologic periods of history: the Precambrian, Paleozoic, and the Cenozoic. The Precambrian occurred almost 600 million years ago and is responsible for the formation of the Canadian Shield. Igneous and metamorphic rocks as well as heavy minerals such as iron comprise the Shield.
The Paleozoic period was 220 to 400 million years ago and formed shallow seas responsible for coral and marine life appearing in the region. Petoskey is most famous for the Petoskey stone, or the hexacoral fossil, found throughout the County. Sedimentation of this large sea caused the massive limestone deposits that are mined for their cement making properties. The coral communities were trapped below the sediments and can be seen in abundance today as large fossil deposits.
The final time important to the area is the Cenozoic Period. The glaciers reached down through Michigan and into Ohio just 10,000 years ago, pushing and scouring rocks in their path. The receding glaciers then scraped and shaped our compressed landscape into outwash plains, kettle lakes, and moraines (parallel hills). The local ski areas took advantage of the height left by the receding glacial sediment that now gives the region a hilly somewhat “mountainous” feel.
Surface Water Water is an integral feature of the recreational economy of any area. Emmet County not only has 68 miles of Lake Michigan frontage, but also has a wide selection of rivers, streams, and inland lakes. There are some 10,400 acres of surface water in the County. Lake Michigan frontage is important as a factor in regional tourist drawing power. Land use policies along the lake shores should be designed to permit observation, allow public access, and retain the aesthetic image. Evening sunsets over Lake Michigan are particularly scenic natural phenomena. Inland lakes, rivers, and streams are secondary regional attraction forces; however, some inland lakes have become primary attractions. Additionally, there is the approximate 45 mile long Northern Michigan Inland Waterway connecting Pickerel, Crooked, Burt, and Mullet Lakes with Lake Huron and the rest of the world.
Emmet County 2013 Recreation Plan - 11 - All of the County’s water resources should be protected from pollution to retain their purity and environmental quality, whether for wildlife management purposes or for outdoor recreation activities. As the County’s development increases, efforts to protect water quality will become increasingly critical.
Fish and Wildlife Fish and Wildlife resources are abundant in Emmet County. As a recreational activity, as a sanctuary preserve, or as a business, fish and wildlife are an integral part of Emmet County’s environment. Hence, wildlife management practices have a direct bearing on recreation and tourism.
To be most effective, wildlife management practices should be extended to involve the vast acreage of private recreation land. The wildlife of the county includes the following species: deer, elk, bear, fox, coyote, rabbits and hares, bobcat, wild turkey, raccoon, grouse, woodcock, squirrel, migratory waterfowl, as well as numerous small mammals, reptiles, amphibians and more. Some major fish species include: varieties of trout, salmon, pike, panfish, walleye, and bass.
Vegetation Within Emmet County, state protected sensitive wetlands, federally protected flood plains, woodlands and vast regions of rolling terrain are evident. In addition to the aesthetic and recreational value of the natural features, these resources provide the residents with a clean water supply and an economic base for tourism, forestry, and agriculture.
Wetlands are generally identified by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality Wetland Inventory Map and can be found in many areas of the County. Of total wetlands, 86% are classified as forested (which includes wooded, shrub and scrub lands) and 15% non-forested wetlands. Large wetland systems are found in three major areas of Emmet County: 1) a large area extending across the northern end of Bliss Township, most of Wawatam Township, and the north area of McKinley Township; 2) in the central areas of the County; 3) in a corridor along the Crooked River and Crooked Lake. There are two smaller areas along the Bear River and at the north end of Walloon Lake. These areas are identified on the Natural Features Map (Map 1-1 pg 14).
Woodlands and forested areas make up nearly 60% of the total County land area according to MIRIS (Michigan Resources Inventory System) data. Deciduous forest land, made up of northern hardwood, central hardwood, aspen, white birch and lowland hardwoods accounts for 83% of total woodland and forested area while coniferous forests, made up of pine, upland conifers, lowland conifers, and Christmas tree plantations account for the remaining 17%.
Residents often cite the presence of woodlands as among the most desirable site amenity when seeking a place to live. Woodlands also provide a valuable recreation resource and make many outdoor activities popular in Emmet County. Some of these activities include: hiking, mountain biking, cross country skiing, camping and snowmobiling. The loss of woodlands to logging and development can greatly impact the rural environment and landscape which is what many recreationalists seek out in a northern Michigan outdoor experience.
Climate Emmet County’s climate can generally be compared to other areas of the temperate zone of North America. Specific climatological conditions are subject to the influence of the Great Lakes, and in that sense the local climate is best compared to the entire region of the Upper Midwest. Those areas of Emmet County which border Lake Michigan are somewhat cooler in the summer months than the inland areas. Conversely, the shoreline areas are warmer in the winter months. For the most part, the county’s climate is stable in that there are few periods of excessive drought or precipitation. The growing season is shorter than areas in the lower portion of Michigan.
From a recreation viewpoint, the climate is sufficiently diverse to support a variety of outdoor activities. Summer temperatures are warm and conducive to swimming, sunbathing, and boating. Cruising and sailing on Little Traverse Bay are very popular as evidenced from the users of the harbors in Petoskey and Harbor Springs. Winter brings annual snowfall depths ranging from 80 to 120 inches. This ideally compliments the regions popularity for skiing, snowmobiling, and other winter sports.
Topography In Emmet County there is a great deal of variety in land formation which includes: nearly level lands, gently rolling, and rolling to steep slopes. Elevation gradually increases from north to south with some of the highest hilltops in
Emmet County 2013 Recreation Plan - 12 - Pleasantview and Springvale Townships. In addition, high bluffs are found along the shoreline of Lake Michigan. The analysis of the County’s physiography is limited in respect to detail. At the present time, only U.S.G.S. data on a county wide scale is available as a general reference for slope data. These maps cannot illustrate site specific details.
Transportation Systems Automobiles are used as the main source of transportation for residents, businesses, and visitors within Emmet County. Passenger rail has virtually disappeared and inter-town bus service has declined significantly. The County’s transportation network, like others throughout the State, has been shaped by the fundamental need to access employers, recreation sites, schools, and shopping. The role of the resort/tourist industry has an impact on the transportation system and must be factored into plans for an efficient and safe system.
Emmet County and the City of Petoskey are finding it increasingly difficult to maintain the road network that is already in place and where necessary, expand that network to meet the growing demands. This is particularly challenging for a resort community which must satisfy the traffic surges that occur during the summer months of the year. The ability to accommodate both resident and visitor needs is influenced by a range of factors including shrinking construction revenues, physical constraints, sensitive natural environments, and the desires of citizens to preserve unique community qualities
Beyond vehicular means of transportation, the County and individual Townships are working to make available alternative ways to safely get to and from: work, shopping centers, and parks. Efforts to develop a network of Greenways accessible by connecting trails have been made. Not only, do these efforts reduce traffic congestion but they also prove to be an important tourist attraction improving an area’s sense of place.
Emmet County 2013 Recreation Plan - 13 - Emmet County 2013 Recreation Plan - 14 - Land Use Patterns and Zoning The Planning Commission in Emmet County was organized to deal with growth pressures that were felt in the mid to late 1960s. This precipitated a research effort that involved inventorying land uses, community facilities, and natural features. Population and economic trends were documented, analyzed, and projected into the future. A new Master Plan was adopted in January, 2009. Emmet County administers a county-wide zoning ordinance with a few exceptions. The Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, two cities, three villages, and four townships within Emmet County administer their zoning separate from the county. Few zoning actions are taken without consulting the township community affected.
Since 1970, residential uses have continued to develop throughout Emmet County, but most of the concentrations have been in those townships bordering Little Traverse Bay. Some of this concentration has extended landward to encompass major ski resorts, new golf courses, and the lake communities in the Crooked River watershed. Most of the County’s housing is single family detached dwellings. Because of the large amount of publicly owned land in the County, the overall amount of vacant land should remain relatively high. The Emmet County Recreation Areas & Lake Access Map (Map 1-2, pg 16) shows a concise picture of the type and distribution of all parks and recreation lands in the County. These lands are community resources that have a significant influence on the character of land use in the County, particularly as it relates to open space, forestry, production, and public services. Also included is the Existing Land Use Map (Map1-3 pg 17) for the County taken from a 2007 Emmet County Planning and Zoning Department in-field inventory. A breakdown of land use by category and acreage within the County is identified in Table 1-9.
Table 1-9: Land Use Acreage by Category, Emmet County 2007 Land Cover/Use Acres % of Total Vacant, Woodlands, 181,304.36 58.61% Farms Roads* 8,841.36 2.86% One-Family Residential 19,177.67 6.21 Multi-Family Residential 813 0.26 Public 67,492.22 21.83 Recreation 17,314.18 5.60 Commercial / 2,510.46 0.82 Industrial** Accessory / abandoned 454.66 0.15 building Railroads 75.01 0.02 Water *** 11,245.18 3.64 TOTAL 309,228.1 100.00% *Road surface measurements are determined by multiplying the linear distance of all minor and major roads by 66 feet. This calculation formulates a total measurement of actual road surface and road right-of-way areas. **Commercial / Industrial includes resource extraction operations. ***Surface water measurements represent total area of rivers, streams, and all minor lakes within Emmet County. River and stream calculations were determined by multiplying the total distance traveled by a buffered area of 20 feet, as an estimated average width. Data Source: Emmet County
Emmet County 2013 Recreation Plan - 15 - Emmet County 2013 Recreation Plan - 16 - Emmet County 2013 Recreation Plan - 17 - 2.0 Administrative Structure
Administration The Emmet County Board of Commissioners is empowered to operate a public recreation and playground system pursuant to Public Act 156 of 1917, (MCL 123.51 et seq.; MSA 5.2421 et seq.). The Emmet County Parks and Recreation Committee was created in 1997 to set policies and procedures for management of county owned recreation properties as well as prioritize and plan for the provision of future park and recreation areas. The membership of the committee consists of not less than 5 nor more than 7 members appointed by the Chairperson of the County Board of Commissioners. The Chairperson shall appoint not less than 2 members of the County Board of Commissioners and not less than 3 citizens of Emmet County. The Emmet County Parks and Recreation Committee mission statement is as follows:
To provide opportunities for public recreation, exploration, and education within and about Northwest Michigan’s environment; to protect, preserve, and promote the natural and historic resources of Emmet County.
The Committee meets monthly in the County Commissioners’ room and in the warmer months at various county parks. Staff includes a Parks & Recreation Director, Parks & Recreation assistant director, Parks & Recreation special events coordinator, Headlands caretaker, and 6-8 part-time seasonal staff. It should be stressed that each city and several of the townships have their own recreation board or department. Some are very active in the development of recreation opportunities.
In addition, planning assistance including grant writing, recreation plan development and park planning recommendations are undertaken by the County Planning, Zoning, and Construction Resources department.
County Staff Structure to Support Recreation Services
County Board of Commissioners Sheriff’s Department Safety & Security
Emmet County Planning County Controller County Parks and Recreation Commission Committee
Emmet County Parks and Recreation Planning Staff Director
Emmet County Parks & Recreation Staff
Volunteers The Emmet County Parks and Recreation Committee recognizes the valuable contribution that volunteers may make and encourages the participation of community groups, schools, and businesses in the County’s parks and recreation programs. Boy Scouts, Petoskey Lions Club, Petoskey Rotary, Top of Michigan Trails Council, United Way and other organizations have done volunteer projects for the Parks & Recreation Department. The Parks and Recreation Committee feels volunteer efforts increase public awareness of the importance of protecting our natural resources, generate pride in our park system, and demonstrate a commitment to the community.
Emmet County 2013 Recreation Plan - 18 - Volunteers have the opportunity to donate services to the community and enjoy the results of their work. Services may include enhancement and maintenance of the park through clean-up efforts, trail improvements/brushing, monitoring wildlife, and furthering the park system’s mission statement. Short term commitments are also welcome and these include: one time clean-up projects, plantings, and trail maintenance projects.
Financial Plan and Methods The financial plan is designed to guide the County and municipalities in the County in budgeting proposed recreation projects by listing potential funding sources.
Budget To finance the 2012 Parks and Recreation Department operations, maintenance, and capital development, the County Board of Commissioners designated a combination of general funds and bond proceeds. Total budget for The 2010 year is $666,000. The proposed 2013 Parks and Recreation Department budget is $823,158.00. Capital Improvements Municipalities are required to prepare a Capital Improvement Program which is a list of projects that are intended to be accomplished over a given period of years. If available, cost estimates are set forth for each year, and total estimated expenditures by improvement area are shown. Park developments and land acquisitions for parks or open space reserves are included in the total County Capital Improvement Program and the section of this report titled Recreation Action Program presents the five (5) year capital improvements for the Emmet County Parks and Recreation Department.
Funding Sources There are several principle means by which recreational facilities may be acquired and developed. Below is a list of possible funding sources.
General Obligation Bonds County General Fund Clean Michigan Bond Fund (MDEQ) Pay-As-You-Go Financing Special Assessments Revenue Bonding Land and Water Conservation Fund Programs (MDEQ) Community Development Block Grants Local Community Foundation Grants Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Transportation Enhancement Grants (MDOT) Tax Increment Finance Districts (TIFS) Donations Land Bank Authority MDEQ Coastal Zone Management Recreation Passport Grants Michigan Humanities Council Grant
Emmet County 2013 Recreation Plan - 19 - 3.0 Recreation Inventory Recreational assets of Emmet County are documented in the Public Park and Recreation Inventory (Table 3-1, pg 21) including county property, county road ends, township parks, village parks, municipal parks, conservancy property, and state and federal properties. An attempt was made to include all parks and recreation areas owned by agencies other than Emmet County. (Any omissions to this inventory are done so inadvertently, please contact the Office of Planning, Zoning, and Construction Resources for additional inclusions.) The inventory was compiled by Planning, Zoning, and Construction Resources staff using the 2009 Emmet County Recreation Plan as an initial platform for the inventory. Input was gathered from the public, township recreation plans, townships officials, and the Emmet County Recreation Committee. Ownership of individual parks is listed in Public Park and Recreation Inventory (Table 3-1) and the following abbreviations were used to show ownership:
ECRC Emmet County Road Commission LTC Little Traverse Conservancy MDNR Michigan Department of Natural Resources MDOT Michigan Department of Transportation WLC Walloon Lake Conservancy
The acreage listed in Table 3-1 does not include land in the road right of way and was derived from the Emmet County MapInfo Professional program. Acreage marked with a single asterisk (*) was received from other sources. The accessibility assessment system used in Table 3-1 was taken from “Guidelines for the Development of Community Park, Recreation, Open Space, and Greenway Plans.” There are five (5) possible accessibility categories. They are as follows:
1 = none of the facilities/park areas meet the accessibility guidelines 2 = some of the facilities/park areas meet the accessibility guidelines 3 = most of the facilities/park areas meet the accessibility guidelines 4 = the entire park meets guidelines 5 = the entire park was developed/renovated using the principals of universal design
Emmet County’s Parks and Recreation system is dominated by broad scale resource properties with emphasis on outdoor recreation. There are buildings included in the park system that are currently not barrier free; however, these structures existed on the properties when they were acquired by Emmet County. As improvements are made, barrier free design features will be incorporated.
Classification of Recreational Assets The “Recommended Classification System for Local and Regional Recreation, Open Space, and Trails” from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources defines 16 types of parks of which 10 apply to Emmet County. These ten are as follows:
Mini Park (MP)-used to address unique or isolated recreational needs. Typically the park is less than 1 acre in size and is located within ¼ mile of a residential setting.
Neighborhood Park (NP)-serves as a recreational and social focus for the neighborhood. It is usually 5 to 10 acres in size and less than ½ mile from a residential setting.
Connector Trails (CT)-multipurpose trail that provides safe travel for pedestrians to and from parks and around the community. It is usually a single purpose hard-surfaced trail for pedestrians or bicyclists / in-line skaters and is typically located within railroad-right-of-ways.
School Park (SP)-park combined with a school site. The location is dependent upon the school property and size can vary depending on the function of the park.
Natural Resource Area (NRA)-land set aside for preservation of significant natural resources, open space, and visual aesthetics/buffering. There are no size requirements and location is variable.
Special Use (SU)-usually a single purpose recreation facility. The size and location will vary depending on the use.
Emmet County 2013 Recreation Plan - 20 - Community Park (CP)-serves a broader purpose than a neighborhood park. The focus is on meeting community-based recreation needs, as well as preserving unique landscapes and open spaces. It usually serves 2 or more neighborhoods and is within ½ mile to 3 mile distance of the neighborhood. The size is usually between 30 and 50 acres.
On-Street Bikeways (BW)-paved segments of roadway that serve as a way to safely separate bicyclists from vehicular traffic. This can be a bike route with designated portions of the roadway for preferential use of bicyclists or bike lane with shared portions of the roadway providing separation between vehicles and bicyclists, such as paved shoulders.
Greenways (G)-tie park system components together to form a continuous park environment. There is no size requirement and location is dependent on availability.
Sports Complex (SC)-consolidation of programmed athletic fields and associated facilities strategically located throughout the community. There is usually a minimum of 25 acres.
Table 3-1: Public Park and Recreation Area InventoryInventoryInventory Communities Name of Park/ OwnershipOwnershipOwnership AcreageAcreageAcreage ******Park *********Accessibility Service Area FacilityFacilityFacility TypeTypeType Emmet Bear River area townships County 18.7 CP 1 County (McDougal Rd) Camp Petosega County 274.2 SU 3 regional Cecil Bay Park County 907.7 NRA 1 regional Community NRA/ regional County 29.5 5 Center/fairgrounds CP Headlands Park County 511.2 NRA 1 regional Krause Rd. County 43.9 NRA 1 township Maple River Forest County 315.7 CP 1 area townships McGulpin Point SU/ regional County 9.6 1 NRA North Conway Road NRA/ county County 116.4 1 SU Pellston parcel County 38.4 NRA 1 county Resort Bluffs NRA/ regional County 4.3 1 CT Watson (M-119) County 24.8 NRA 3 regional Wycamp Lake Public township County 3.1 NRA 1 Access Bear Creek Bay View Association Bay View *16.6 NRA 1 Township Open Space Association neighborhood Petoskey State park MDNR *318.7 NRA 2 regional Round Lake Public MDNR 4.4 SU 1 Access: Powell Road county Walloon Lake Township *0.3 SU 1 Access: Gruler Road county Jones Landing Township 3.1 NRA 4 county Spring Lake Park Surrounding Township 12.3 NRA 4 townships Click Road Soccer Petoskey Fields Youth 43.1 SC 1 Soccer regional Roadside Park MDOT *<1 SU 1 (US131) regional Clark LTC *5.0 NRA 1 township Fochtman LTC *243.2 NRA 1 township Orchis Fen LTC *38.0 NRA 1 township Round Lake LTC *40.0 NRA 1 township Round Lake, Add. #1 LTC *3.5 NRA 1 township Emmet County 2013 Recreation Plan - 21 - Table 3-1: Public Park and Recreation Area InventoryInventoryInventory Communities Name of Park/ OwnershipOwnershipOwnership AcreageAcreageAcreage ******Park *********Accessibility Service Area FacilityFacilityFacility TypeTypeType Bear Creek Round Lake, Add. #2 LTC *14.0 NRA 1 township Township Sharkey, Reginald & LTC *2.2 NRA 1 township Vivian South Round Lake 1 LTC *6.0 NRA 1 township South Round Lake 2 LTC *3.9 NRA 1 township Little Traverse MDNR/ 7.8 CT 4 regional Wheelway MDOT Northwestern State MDNR 23.0 CT 1 regional trail State forest land MDNR *1,679.7 NRA 1 county Bliss Wilderness State MDNR *10,697.0 NRA 2 regional Township Park (part) Bliss Township Park Township 35.2 NRA 1 township Bliss Township Township 7.8 1 township State Forest Land MDNR 2,671.9 NRA 1 county Carp Lake Paradise Lake Public surrounding MDNR 1.7 SU 1 Township Access townships Village of Mackinaw Village of 400.3 NRA 1 township City forest Mackinaw Grange Hall Park Township 3.3 MP 1 township Paradise Lake Township 12.5 NP 1 township Recreation Area Lincoln Park Township 50.4 NRA 1 township Paradise Lake Public surrounding ECRC *0.2 SU 1 Access: Dekruif Road townships Paradise Lake Public surrounding Access: Sommers ECRC *0.2 SU 1 townships Road Paradise Lake Public surrounding ECRC *0.2 SU 1 Access: Pachy Road townships Stony Point LTC 46.5 NRA 1 township Northwestern State MDNR 86.1 CT 1 regional trail State Forest Land MDNR 6,002.0 NRA 1 county Center Larks Lake Pioneer Township 20.4 CP 1 township Township Park Center Township Township 35.7 NRA 1 township forest Township Hall/Park Township 12.6 CP 1 township Sims-Moffat LTC *70.0 NRA 1 township State Forest Land MDNR 6,240.2 NRA 1 county Cross Village The Port of Cross Township 7.6 CP 2 local Township Village “Port/Park” Cross Village Community Township 0.7 SU 1 local Center/Township Hall Original Township Township 0.2 SU 1 local Hall Wilderness State CP/ MDNR *74.1 2 regional Park (part) NRA Township Forest Township 14.5 NRA 1 regional Enje Nkweshdat Wat LTC *35.0 NRA 1 township Cranmer LTC *4.5 NRA 1 township Ryan LTC *50.0 NRA 1 township Shurtleff LTC *0.4 NRA 1 township Emmet County 2013 Recreation Plan - 22 - Table 3-1: Public Park and Recreation Area InventoryInventoryInventory Communities Name of Park/ OwnershipOwnershipOwnership AcreageAcreageAcreage ******Park *********Accessibility Service Area FacilityFacilityFacility TypeTypeType Cross Village Fisher, Walter W. LTC *41.1 NRA 1 township Township Family Village Cross LTC *0.25 NRA 1 township State Forest Land MDNR 1455.6 NRA 1 township Friendship Township Hall Township 1.3 SU 1 township Township Township Forest Township 36.6 NRA 1 township Township Forest Township 80.7 NRA 1 township John LTC *11.0 NRA 1 township Stutsmanville Bog LTC *64.5 NRA 1 area townships State Forest Land MDNR 4,972.9 NRA 1 regional Little Township Hall Township *4.6 NRA 2 local Traverse Former Township Township 1 township Township Hall (M-119) 0.8 MP Little Traverse Beach Township *0.7 MP/SU 1 township Little Traverse Boat Township 2.0 SU 1 county Launch Little Traverse Township 0.5 NRA 4 local Community Center Harbor Hills (lot 23) Township *.1 NRA 1 local Liegl Park Drive Township 0.4 NRA 1 neighborhood M-119/W Conway Township 0.8 NRA 1 neighborhood Rd/ (open space) Duvernay/ Pleasantview Rd. Township *2.7 NRA 1 neighborhood (open space) Harbor Springs School (Athletic School 18.0 SP 1 neighborhood Field) Harbor Light School School 7.3 SP 1 neighborhood Soccer field Harbor Light School School 8.0 SP 1 neighborhood Mill Street Public Township *0.1 SU 1 neighborhood Access Warren Street Public Township *0.1 SU 1 neighborhood Access Roaring Brook Public ECRC *0.1 SU 1 neighborhood Access Little Traverse MDNR/ CT 4 regional Wheelway MDOT 4.2 Bartley LTC *1.9 NRA 1 township Bissell LTC *9.5 NRA 1 township Black Forest Hall LTC *23.0 NRA 1 township Burley LTC *3.0 NRA 1 township Davis Family LTC *3.0 NRA 1 township Fairbairn LTC *5.3 NRA 1 township Fischer, A.C. LTC *42.0 NRA 1 township Fisk LTC *5.1 NRA 1 township Gateway LTC *40.0 NRA 1 township Goldman LTC *3.0 NRA 1 township Hailand, Sally & Art LTC *50.0 NRA 1 township James LTC *1.8 NRA 1 township James Addition LTC *1.4 NRA 1 township Kalman LTC *58.0 NRA 1 township Kramer LTC *2.0 NRA 1 township
Emmet County 2013 Recreation Plan - 23 - Table 3-1: Public Park and Recreation Area InventoryInventoryInventory Communities Name of Park/ OwnershipOwnershipOwnership AcreageAcreageAcreage ******Park *********Accessibility Service Area FacilityFacilityFacility TypeTypeType Kuebler-Trippe LTC *34.0 NRA 1 township Little MacDonald LTC *14.0 NRA 1 township Traverse Meadowgate LTC *9.9 NRA 1 township Township Meadowgate Addition LTC *1.3 NRA 1 township Menonaqua Woods LTC *102.0 NRA 1 township LTC Recreation Area LTC *10.2 1 township North Country Trail *4.5 1 regional Menonaqua Woods LTC *1.5 NRA 1 township Add. Morley LTC *3.0 NRA 1 township Pleasantview Woods LTC *9.0 NRA 1 township Ponshewaing LTC *21.0 NRA 1 township Renker LTC *0.5 NRA 1 township Roaring Brook LTC *20.0 NRA 1 township Rockwell LTC *6.1 NRA 1 township Sandford LTC *1.0 NRA 1 township Saviano LTC *0.6 NRA 1 township Schachinger LTC *3.0 NRA 1 township Schachinger II LTC *1.0 NRA 1 township Shumway LTC *4.0 NRA 1 township Watson LTC 23.7 NRA 1 township West Wequetonsing LTC *14.0 NRA 1 township Northwestern State MDNR 1.2 NRA trail 1 regional State Forest Land MDNR *895.2 NRA 1 county Littlefield Alanson Public Alanson Township School Public 98.3 SP 2 neighborhood and Village of School Alanson Alanson Public Alanson School forest Public 117.1 NRA 1 township School School Ball Fields Alanson and Track Public *20.57 NP 1 village School Alanson Village Park Village of *1.4 NP 1 village Alanson Bass Street Property Village of 0.4 MP 1 village Alanson Island Sanctuary Village of *1.44 NP 4 Village Park Alanson Memorial Park Village of *0.7 MP 1 Village Alanson Hillside Garden Alanson Beautificati *1.3 MP 1 village on Center Littlefield Township Littlefield *7.67 1 Fire Department Walter Dow Roadside Littlefield 0.3 SU 1 township Park Powers Road Littlefield 19.5 NRA 1 township property Moore Road property Littlefield 37.8 NRA 1 township Oden Community Oden Com. Association Park *5.71 NP 1 neighborhood Association Emmet County 2013 Recreation Plan - 24 - Table 3-1: Public Park and Recreation Area InventoryInventoryInventory Communities Name of Park/ OwnershipOwnershipOwnership AcreageAcreageAcreage ******Park *********Accessibility Service Area FacilityFacilityFacility TypeTypeType Littlefield Oden Community Oden Com. *.27 MP 1 neighborhood Township Association Gazebo Association and Village of Pickerel Lake Public surrounding ECRC *0.3 SU 1 Alanson Access: Mission Rd. townships Woodruff Park State of Michigan 0.8 MP 1 neighborhood (MDOT) Black Hole LTC *5.5 NRA 1 township Clements LTC *16 NRA 1 township Drayton LTC 40.0 NRA 1 township Kreag LTC *5.0 NRA 1 township Lossing-Harrington LTC *8.4 NRA 1 township Oden Island LTC 53.6 NRA 1 township Ponshewaing LTC 21 NRA 1 township Preserve Williams LTC *5.1 NRA 1 township Area surrounding MDNR 11.9 NRA 1 township Crooked River locks Pickerel Lake access surrounding MDNR 1.6 SU 1 townships Northwestern State MDNR *6.9 CT 1 regional trail Oden Fish Hatchery MDNR 140.5 NRA 3 regional State Forest Land MDNR *910.7 NRA 1 county McKinley McKinley Township Township 8.0 NP 1 township Township Park and Village of McKinley Township Township 4.1 NP 1 township Pellston Hall (part) Pellston Public School 21.7 SP 2 neighborhood School University of University 2,848.8 NRA 1 regional Michigan Regents of Michigan Pellston Memorial Village 1.7 MP 1 village Park Bryan Wildlife LTC 77.3 NRA 1 township Bryan Wildlife LTC 37.6 NRA 1 township Addition Claes LTC 8.8 NRA 1 township Roberts LTC 8.8 NRA 1 township Arbaugh LTC 39.5 NRA 1 township Northwestern State MDNR & 72.0 CT 1 regional trail County State Forest Land MDNR 6,970.6 NRA 1 county Maple River Township Hall Township 0.6 SU 2 township Township Township Forest Township 40.3 NRA 1 township and Village of (Tower Road) Pellston Township Forest Township 77.2 NRA 1 township (part) (Section 21) S.A. McClutchey Pellston Memorial Field Public 14.9 SP 1 village School Maple River access Village of .002 1 village Pellston Pioneer Park Village of 46.1 CP 1 village Pellston Emmet County 2013 Recreation Plan - 25 - Table 3-1: Public Park and Recreation Area InventoryInventoryInventory Communities Name of Park/ OwnershipOwnershipOwnership AcreageAcreageAcreage ******Park *********Accessibility Service Area FacilityFacilityFacility TypeTypeType Maple River Philip J. Braun Nature LTC *125 NRA 1 regional Township Preserve and Village of University of University 309.8 NRA 1 regional Pellston Michigan Regents of Michigan (part) Pellston Public Pellston School Forest Public 159.6 NRA 1 township School Northwestern State MDNR 69.8 CT 1 regional trail State Forest Land MDNR 1,827.5 NRA 1 county Pleasantview State Forest Land MDNR 9,937.3 NRA 1 county Township Harbor Springs School 159.1 NRA 1 township Schools forest Readmond Readmond Township Township 26.4 NRA 1 township Township Hall Wormwood Rd. Middle Village Park Township 4.1 CP 1 area townships Readmond Township Township 41.0 NRA 1 township Park Preserve Goodhart Farms LTC *557.2 NRA 1 township Goodhart Farms LTC *38.5 NRA 1 township addition Johnston, Elmer LTC *220.0 NRA 1 township State Forest Land MDNR 5,564.0 NRA 1 county Resort Eppler property Township 20.5 NRA 1 township Township Doernenberg Township 15.1 NRA 1 township property Resort Pike Park Township 0.7 MP 2 township Morford Park Township 0.2 MP 1 township Parcel between Resort Pike and Lake Township 43.8 NRA 1 township Grove West Park Township 34.8 CP 2 township East Park Township 36.7 CP 4 regional Townsend Road ECRC *0.2 SU 1 township Access Stolt Road End ECRC *0.2 SU 1 township Access Reycraft Preserve Private/ 37.9 NRA 1 township com. forest Multiple Walloon Lake Conservancy WLC 491.0 NRA 1 township properties Kinglet LTC *40.0 NRA 1 township Kinglet Addition LTC *13.0 NRA 1 township Little Traverse City of Wheelway Petoskey/ 4.7 CT 5 regional MDOT/ Bay Harbor Springvale Township Park Rd. Township 2.0 MP 2 township Township Park Channel Rd. Park Township 0.8 NP 2 township Township Hall area Township 38.1 NP 1 township Graham Rd. Township 0.12 MP 1 township Crooked Lake Public Township 0.1 MP 1 township Access: Glenn Rd. Emmet County 2013 Recreation Plan - 26 - Table 3-1: Public Park and Recreation Area InventoryInventoryInventory Communities Name of Park/ OwnershipOwnershipOwnership AcreageAcreageAcreage ******Park *********Accessibility Service Area FacilityFacilityFacility TypeTypeType Springvale Crooked Lake Public Township 0.1 MP 1 township Township Access: Birch Rd. Crooked Lake Public Township 0.1 MP 1 township Access: Elizabeth St. Pickerel Lake Public ECRC .12 MP 1 township Access: Artesian Ln Pickerel Lake Public ECRC *0.1 MP 1 township Access: Botsford Rd. Crooked Lake Public ECRC .12 MP 1 township Access: Graham Rd Johnston, Ray LTC *52.3 CP 1 township Laughbaum LTC *2.0 CP 1 township McCune, Allan and LTC *168.0 NP 1 Virginia township Rocky Point LTC *27.0 MP 1 township Channel Road Park MDNR 1.6 NP 1 county State Forest Land MDNR 10,574.6 NRA 1 county Wawatam (Beach 1) Township 1.4 NP 2 township Township & Recreation Complex Village *13.1 SC 4 village, region Mackinaw Fort Michilimackinac State of village, region, *27.9 SU 3 City (Parks in Michigan State Emmet French Farm Lake ECRC *0.2 NRA 1 county County) Public Access Heritage Village Village *44.0 CP 3 region Wind Turbine Park Village *3.0 CP 1 village Indian Pathways Village *1.8 MP 3 village Park Township Forest Township *117.2 NRA 1 township Mackinaw City Public school 62.4 NRA 1 township School Forest Northwestern State MDNR *53.5 CT 2 regional trail and trailhead State Forest Land MDNR *4,648.5 NRA 1 county West Cook Property Township 9.9 CP 1 township Traverse Ridge Road “80” Township 81.6 NRA 1 township Township Forty Acres on Township 40.2 NRA 1 township Hughston Road Edwards LTC *3.2 NRA 1 township Five Mile Creek LTC *27.0 NRA 1 township Swamp I Five Mile Creek LTC *24.0 NRA 1 township Swamp II Five Mile Creek LTC *9.5 NRA 1 township Swamp III Five Mile Creek LTC *30.0 NRA 1 township Swamp-Horner Add. Raunecker, Nass and LTC *40.0 NRA 1 township Mauger Weimer’s Lake LTC *12.2 NRA 1 township Winston Charles S.Jr. LTC *50.0 NRA 1 township Thorne Swift Nature LTC *30.0 NRA 2 township Preserve Commons area of State of Middle Road Michigan 1.9 MP 1 neighborhood
Emmet County 2013 Recreation Plan - 27 - Table 3-1: Public Park and Recreation Area InventoryInventoryInventory Communities Name of Park/ OwnershipOwnershipOwnership AcreageAcreageAcreage ******Park *********Accessibility Service Area FacilityFacilityFacility TypeTypeType City of Bates Park City *7.0 CP 5 Regional Petoskey Bayfront Park City *25.0 CP 3 regional Bear River Valley City *36.0 CP 4 Recreation Area regional Curtis Park City *7.8 NP 1 neighborhood Curtis Stadium School *6.0 CP 3 regional Library Courtyard City *0.5 MP 5 Park neighborhood Little Traverse City *8.0 CT 4 Wheelway regional Lockwood Park City *2.8 NP 3 neighborhood Magnus Park City *21.2 SU 3 regional McLauglin Field School *3 SU 2 regional Memorial Park City *0.5 MP 4 neighborhood Mineral Well Park City *1.5 2 neighborhood Pennsylvania Park City *2.7 CP 2 regional Quarry Park City *2.5 MP 4 neighborhood Riverbend Park City *2.5 CP 4 regional River Road Sports City of *91.0 CP 3 regional Complex Petoskey Skyline Trail City *865.0 CP 1 regional Solanus Mission City *1.0 MP 2 neighborhood Beach Sunset Park City *1.0 MP 1 neighborhood Triangle Park City *0.25 MP 1 neighborhood Turcott Park City *3.0 CP 1 regional Veterans Park City *0.25 MP 1 neighborhood Washington Park City *5.0 NP 2 neighborhood Winter Sports Park City *30.0 CP 5 regional North Central NCMC *265.0 NRA 5 county Community College Central School School *1.7 SP 2 neighborhood Lincoln School School *2.0 SP 2 neighborhood Ottawa Elementary School *9.5 SP 2 neighborhood School Petoskey H.S.-Middle School/City *15.0 CP 2 regional School Rec. Complex St. Francis Xavier School 3.0 SP 2 neighborhood Sheridan Elementary School *5.0 SP 2 neighborhood School City of Public Marina City *2.0 NP 1 city Harbor Ford Park City *2.3 NP 1 neighborhood Springs Zoll Street Beach City *0.3 MP 1 neighborhood Deer Park City *15.0 NP 1 neighborhood Ottawa Indian City *7.0 SC neighborhood Stadium 1 Tourist Park City *2.0 NP 1 neighborhood Municipal Park City *15.0 SC 1 city Zorn Park City *3.0 NP 1 neighborhood Kiwanis Park Kiwanis 19.4 NP 1 neighborhood Harbor Springs Public School *50.5 SP 2 neighborhood Leslie LTC *5.0 NRA 1 neighborhood Leslie Addition LTC *0.5 NRA 1 neighborhood Data Source: Emmet County Office of Planning, Zoning, and Construction Resources
Emmet County 2013 Recreation Plan - 28 -
*Acreage was received from sources other than Emmet County MapInfo Professional program. **MP = Mini Park; NP = Neighborhood Park; SP = School-Park; CP = Community Park; SC = Sports Complex; NRA = Natural Resource Area; CT = Connector Trail; SU = Special Use; BW = On-Street Bikeway; G = Greenway ***1 = none of the facilities/park areas meet the accessibility guidelines; 2 = some of the facilities/park areas meet the accessibility guidelines; 3 = most of the facilities/park areas meet the accessibility guidelines; 4 = the entire park meets guidelines; 5 = the entire park was developed/renovated using the principals of universal design
County Properties Bear River (McDougal Rd.) Currently this 17.6 acre parcel is undeveloped. It serves as part of a greenway along the Bear River corridor.
Camp PetosegPetosegaaaa Camp Petosega is located on the shores of Pickerel Lake and is part of the Inland Waterway. It was established in the 1930s by Jim Templin as a camp for boys and young men. The camp offered a variety of activities ranging from athletics, archery, riflery, and aviation. In 1992 through State grants and County contributions, it was turned into a County park. Since its purchase, modern amenities have been added while the historic charm and atmosphere have been preserved. The property encompasses 275 acres and offers many year-round recreation opportunities for its visitors. It boasts 90 campsites with electricity, seven rental cabins, modern restrooms and shower facilities, a beach, canoe/kayak launch, hiking trails, playground equipment, and game areas. During the summer months free movies are shown in the pavilion and park programs are offered throughout the year. The cabins are heated and available for use in the winter. During the winter months there is also opportunity for cross country skiing, snow shoeing, and ice fishing. Map 3- 1 (pg 30) shows the current trail system at Camp Petosega. In recent years the park has been used to host multiple local cross country track meets as well as the annual regional cross country track meet. The park also offers a multiuse recreation hall that can accommodate group events, reunions, receptions, and meetings. Camp Petosega has been supported by the local community through the donation of many structures and playground equipment. Currently two of the rental cabins, two garages, and the check in station booth are all buildings that have been donated to the County for use at Camp Petosega.
TF89-208 Camp Petosega- property acquisition See Table 3-2 (pg 33) CM00—37 Camp Petosega Bathhouse See Table 3-2 TF01-029 Camp Petosega Campground Development See Table 3-2 TF06-077 Camp Petosega Campground Facilities See Table 3-2
Krause Rd. Emmet County received this undeveloped 43.9 acre parcel in 2008 through a land swap with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
Maple River Forest This 315 acre parcel was obtained from the State of Michigan in 1945. The Maple River traverses through the property providing opportunities for fishing and wildlife enjoyment. The property has been maintained in its natural state.
Pellston parcel Emmet County obtained this forested 38.4 acre parcel through a land swap with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources in 2007. The parcel is undeveloped and currently serves as a natural resource area.
Emmet County 2013 Recreation Plan - 29 - Emmet County 2013 Recreation Plan - 30 - Cecil Bay Cecil Bay Park is located at the mouth of the Carp River and offers nearly a mile of shoreline on Lake Michigan. Purchased in 1984, this undeveloped land is open to fishing, and personal exploration. There is a beach that offers swimming where the Carp River empties into Lake Michigan. In 1990 Emmet County acquired a neighboring piece of land, increasing the park size to approximately 900 acres. In order to make the park more visitor friendly, the County has added a picnic shelter, parking area for day visitors, and steps to the river to protect the banks from erosion.
TF589 Cecil Bay property acquisition See Table 3-2 (pg 33) TF87-080 Cecil Bay property acquisition See Table 3-2
Emmet County Community Center/ Fairgrounds Since 1921, the annual Emmet/Charlevoix County Fair has been held at its current location at the west end of the City of Petoskey along US-31. Emmet County owns approximately 29 acres of land at this location, due in part to the acquisition of property from Hodgkiss & Douma, Inc., in January of 2000. In 2004 major renovations and construction began, improving and creating new facilities for the public. The buildings include an 11,000 square foot community center, 10,000 square foot exhibit barn, a 2,500 seat covered grandstand, large restroom and shower facility, and a pedestrian entrance plaza.
Today the fairground facilities are used for numerous functions throughout the year, including the Emmet/Charlevoix County Fair, horse and livestock shows, antique shows, animal clinics, concerts, plays, parties and receptions, and various other civic, government, and private events.
A portion of this property is on the north side of the highway and serves the purpose of protecting approximately 440 feet of Lake Michigan shoreline as well as providing a natural view shed of Lake Michigan. A portion of the Little Traverse Wheelway Bike trail goes through this parcel.
TF98-037 Little Traverse Bay View Park- property acquisition See Table 3-2 (pg 33)
HeadlandsHeadlandsHeadlands The Headlands was established in the late 1950s when Roger McCormick purchased the land for private use. On May 6, 1996, Emmet County acquired the Headlands property and transformed it into a County park. The park consists of approximately 511 acres of pristine woodlands, with more than two miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. Marked trails guide hikers, bicyclists, cross- country skiers, and other outdoor enthusiasts throughout the scenic property. Map 3-2 on the following page shows the current trail system. The Guest House at the Headlands accommodates 22 people and is available for rent by the public. A full time caretaker resides on site. Various groups, agencies, and units of government such as The Village of Mackinaw City, Emmet County, The Little Traverse Conservancy, The Schott Foundation, The McCormick Foundation, and The Michigan Department of Natural Resources, worked together to bring the property to public ownership.
The Headlands was awarded the International Dark Sky Park designation in May 2011. When it was established it was the sixth park in the United States with this designation and the ninth in the world. Dark Sky programs offered monthly are open to the public as well as a self guided cell phone tour. If you choose to view the dark sky on your own, there is a designated dark sky trail and viewing area along the lakeshore for the public to utilize TF94-124 Headlands- property acquisition See Table 3-2 (pg 33)
North Conway Rd This 116.4 acre parcel came under County ownership in 1971. There are no trails on the property; however it is open to the public for hunting, bird watching, other wildlife enjoyment, and is used for model airplane flying. The parcel has been maintained in its natural state.
Emmet County 2013 Recreation Plan - 31 -
Emmet County 2013 Recreation Plan - 32 - McGulpin Point Lighthouse The lighthouse is situated on 11.5 acres located off Headlands Rd. This acreage includes 336 feet of shoreline on Lake Michigan. McGulpin Point lighthouse was built in 1869 to help guide ships through the straits. It was decommissioned in 1906 when it was no longer needed as a lighthouse, at which time it went into private ownership. Emmet County purchased the property in 2008 due to its historical value for Emmet County residents. The lighthouse and surrounding property is being renovated and now open to the public. A caretaker’s residence is also located on the property. A self guided cell phone tour, detailing points of interest, is available as well as public programs.
Resort Bluffs This undeveloped 4.3 acre parcel along Little Traverse Bay protects and provides a viewshed of Lake Michigan for the residents of Emmet County. A portion of the Little Traverse Wheelway Bike trail goes through this parcel. Approximately 610 feet of shoreline is protected.
TF02-026 Resort Bluffs- acquisition See Table 3-2
Watson Preserve Emmet County and the Little Traverse Conservancy were given the 82.6 acre piece located on M-119 halfway between Harbor Springs and Petoskey. Presently the parcel contains public administrative buildings and offices which include the Sheriff’s Department, Planning, Zoning, & Construction Resources Department, Health Department, and others. This site also has a covered hockey arena with one sheet of ice known as the Griffen Arena. Through a private/public arrangement, the property is owned by the County and the building is a privately owned and operated facility. The main activities during fall, winter, and spring are figure skating, speed skating, and hockey. Griffen Arena is the home arena of the Petoskey High School Varsity Hockey team and hosts some 300 participants of the Char-Em Adult Hockey Association and the Petoskey Area Hockey Association, ranging in age from 4 to 74.
Table 3Table 3-3---2:2: Status Report on GrantGrant---- Assisted Recreation Acquisitions & Development Grant #Grant # Park NameNameName Scope Item and Current Condition StatusStatusStatus TF589 Cecil Bay 850 acres purchased. Property is open for fishing, bird watching, Completed and hiking. TF87-080 Cecil Bay 4.5 acres purchased. Property is open for fishing, bird watching, Completed and hiking. TF89-208 Camp Petosega 284 acres purchased. Property was converted to a public Completed campground with a day use area with access to Pickerel Lake. TF94-124 Headlands 511.2 acres purchased. There is one facility available for rent to the Completed public. Marked trails are available for hikers, bicyclists, and cross- country skiers. TF98-037 Little Traverse 1.8 acres purchased. No improvements have been made to the Completed Bay View Park property. It is being maintained for its scenic view. CM00-037 Camp Petosega Barrier free bathhouse constructed for use by campers. Completed Bathhouse TF01-029 Camp Petosega An additional 29 site loop was developed with electric and water Completed Campground service, picnic tables, fire rings and site marker posts. Three of the Dvlp. twenty-nine are barrier free sites. TF02-026 Resort Bluffs 4.3 acres purchased. Residence removed. Property maintained for Completed scenic view shed of Little Traverse Bay. TF06-077 Camp Petosega Development of the 3rd and 4th campground loops totaling 26 sites, Completed Campground day use parking lot, restroom/shower building for day use area, Facilities small boat access, and non-motorized trails. Seven of the sites are barrier free. TF11-051 Petoskey to Trail improvements to 10 foot wide multi-use recreational trail Open Alanson Rail – connecting communities of Conway, Oden, and Alanson to Trail Petoskey and Harbor Springs Data Source: Grants Management Department of Natural Resources 2011 Emmet County 2013 Recreation Plan - 33 - DDarkark Sky Coast
Governor Rick Snyder signed HB 5414 the “Dark Sky Coast” bill, Public Act 251 into law July 2, 2012. This bill protects the night sky above nearly 21,000 contiguous acres of land in Northwest Emmet County from the effects of light pollution and light trespass. Figure 3-1 below, shows the outline of the newly designated dark coast. The bill encompasses the state land around the Headlands and the county’s Cecil Bay Park. It adds Wilderness State Park and certain state forest land within Bliss, Cross Village, and Wawatam Townships to a law that originally designated a park in Lenawee County for dark sky status in 1993.
The bill was introduced by 107th District State Rep. Frank Foster, who serves as the chairman of the House Natural Resources, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation Committee. After approval from the state House the bill was moved to the Senate for consideration and it was passed with support from 37th District State Sen. Walker. It builds upon the tremendous public interest following designation of the Headlands as an International Dark Sky Park in May 2011. Public Act 251 does not place any requirements on land owner; it simply requires that any lighting on the included public lands be directed downward and where practical be on sensor fixtures so as not to interfere with the view of the night sky.
This legislation reiterates the importance of preserving our dark sky natural resources. It provides not only natural resource benefits, but it also benefits the economy of Emmet County and Michigan.
Figure 3-1: Dark Sky Coast
Emmet County 2013 Recreation Plan - 34 - Springvale Township Properties TownshTownshTownshipTownship Park Road This 2 acre parcel provides public access to Pickerel Lake. There is a small boat launch, mowed picnic area, and gravel parking maintained by the township. In 2004 the park was upgraded with picnic tables, trash receptacle, and port-a-john.
Channel Road Park Channel Road Park protects scenic views of Crooked Lake and provides public access to the lake. There is a paved parking area and a small boat launch. Improvements to the park were made in 2004 with the addition of a park bench, picnic tables, grill, and a portable toilet.
Artesian Lane Road EndRoad End This road end owned by the Emmet County Road Commission provides public access to Pickerel Lake. Currently, on the site there is a seasonal dock, small boat launch, trash receptacle, and a port-a-john provided and maintained by Springvale Township in cooperation with the Road Commission. Further proposed improvements for late 2009 are a new boat launch and seasonal dock. These improvements will be installed and maintained by Springvale Township in cooperation with the Road Commission.
TownshipTownshipTownship Hall areaHall area The Springvale township hall and fire station are located on this 38.1 acre parcel along the north end next to Mitchell Road. The remainder of the parcel is undeveloped forest land and provides a natural resource area.
Glenn Road This is a township easement off Graham Road providing public access to Crooked Lake. This easement is maintained in its natural vegetative state. The easement location is marked with a sign.
Birch RoadBirch Road This is a township easement off Graham Road providing public access to Crooked Lake. This easement is maintained in its natural vegetative state. The easement location is marked with a sign.
Elizabeth Street This is a township easement off Graham Road providing public access to Crooked Lake. This easement is maintained in its natural vegetative state. The easement location is marked with a sign.
Emmet County 2013 Recreation Plan - 35 -
Emmet County 2013 Recreation Plan - 36 - TTrailsrailsTrails Outdoor recreational opportunities are growing rapidly, and among the most popular are trail-based activities. According to the National Association of Homebuilders (2008) “Trails consistently remain the number one community amenity sought by prospective homeowners.” The 2008/2009 Emmet County Recreation Survey results on pages 40-44 support this statement, as does the Sports Participation Survey on pages 44-45 Some examples of trail based activities include, but are not limited to walking/hiking, running, bicycling, horseback riding, cross country skiing, and snowmobiling. Ultimately trails provide alternative transportation, recreational opportunities, economic benefits, and increased quality of life. With that in mind, entities seeking easements for future trails may also wish to consider obtaining utility easements such as broadband, at the same time to provide an additional benefit. Trails are desirable destinations that contribute to the increasing number of visitors to Emmet County.
Emmet County has trails for year round activity. Currently there are 101 miles of snowmobile trails and multiple miles of trails for cross country skiing or snow shoeing in the winter. For the rest of the year there are 16 miles of non motorized trails for biking and walking on the Little Traverse Wheelway, 35 miles of rail to trail from M-119 to Mackinaw City, and 46 completed trail miles of the North County Trail passes through Emmet County. Several of the trails are centered beyond the boundaries of Emmet County into Cheboygan and Charlevoix Counties. Trail development is highly active and ongoing. To view locations of existing and proposed trails in Emmet County See Emmet County Trails (Map 3-3 pg 36). There are numerous trails in the County, for more detailed maps and information of trails in Emmet County and the region please see the county website www.emmetcounty.org or www.michigantrailmaps.com.
Non Motorized Trails
North Country TrailTrailTrail The North Country trail with 4,600 miles is the longest national scenic trail. It was created in 1980 by Congress. The route starting in New York and ending in North Dakota passes through seven (7) states. Forty-six miles of the trail pass through Emmet County. This trail is open for both hiking and bicycling.
In July 2012, for the first time 3 trail races, marathon, half marathon, and 5K, were organized to help promote the beauty of the North Country Trail in Emmet County. There were a total of 285 participants, of which 33.7% were from out of state, 50.9% from Michigan, but out of the area, 9.8% were local, and 5.6% unknown. This is a direct example of economic benefit because of the trail, considering 85% of the participants were not from the area and would need lodging, gas, and other amenities while visiting.
Little Traverse Wheelway The Wheelway is 26 miles long running from Charlevoix to Harbor Springs. It is somewhat parallel to M-119 and US 31, a non-motorized paved trail, mostly separated from the roadway offering spectacular views of Little Traverse Bay and Lake Michigan. The trail is managed and maintained by multiple government entities and organizations.
USBR 35 BBBicycleBicycle RRRouteRouteouteoute On page 40 is a map showing the new USBR 35 bicycle route intended for experienced long distance touring bicyclists. It is not a trail per se, but is a mapped route meant to be a recommendation as the best way to ride a bicycle long distance along the coast. Approval of USBR 35 designates it as a nationally recognized route, designated by the same organization that numbered the US interstate highway system.
Michigan’s U.S. Bicycle Route 35 will attract bicycle tourists from near and far, providing economic, social, and health benefits to the communities that the route intersects. The route approximately 500 miles in length runs from New Buffalo, on the border with Indiana, to Sault Ste. Marie, Canada. USBR 35 is comprised of a network of state highways, county and local roads, and regionally significant multi-use trails. Once complete, USBR 35 will continue south through Indiana and eventually down to Mississippi.
Within Emmet County USBR 35 follows both existing trails and roadways. Entering Emmet County from the west the route will follow the Little Traverse Wheelway into Harbor Springs. The route turns to follow State Rd. north to Cross Village. After reaching Cross Village the route turns east along Levering Rd. USBR 35 continues along the following roads; Canby, Gill, Cecil Bay, East Wilderness and Trails End, until it connects with the Northwestern State Trail. Northwestern State Trail takes the route into Mackinaw City where the route follows Nicolet Street and Central Avenue to the ferries.
Emmet County 2013 Recreation Plan - 37 - Equestrian Trails Currently in Emmet County designated trails for riding are limited to, two Little Traverse Conservancy properties; Good Hart Farm and Elmer Johnston preserve. Riding is also allowed on State Forest roads and State Forest lands that are not posted closed to horse use. Horseback riding is growing in popularity. According to a 2007 survey conducted by the Michigan Field Office of the US Dept of Agriculture Statistics Service the number of equines in Michigan has increased by over 20% from 1996. More than a third of those are used for recreation/pleasure. The equine industry contributes annually over $1billion to Michigan’s economy.
Motorized TraiTraiTrailsTrailslsls
TTomahawkomahawk Trail The Tomahawk Trail consists of three (3) loops totaling 94 miles of motorized trails for motorcycles. The loops cross over Emmet, Charlevoix, and Cheboygan County properties. Part of loop B containing 40 miles crosses into the southern part of Emmet County. The trail is managed and maintained by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
Snowmobile trails There are over 100 miles of groomed interconnecting snowmobile trails in Emmet County. These trails pass through many towns and connect neighboring counties. They are groomed and maintained by Michigan Department of Natural Resources and local snowmobile clubs.
NorthNorthNorthwNorthwwwesternestern State Trail This 35 mile long trail follows the old railroad corridor from M-119 to Mackinaw City. Currently the trail surface is mostly dirt and cinder, with trail improvements planned for the future. The 7 mile section from M-119 to Alanson is scheduled to be paved with a 10 foot wide asphalt surface in 2013. This new trail segment will intersect directly with the Little Traverse Wheelway near Spring Lake Park connecting the communities of Conway, Oden, and Alanson to Petoskey and Harbor Springs. This is a multiuse trail with horses allowed in the summer months and snowmobiles in the winter.
Water Trails
Northern Michigan IIInInnnlandland Waterway This waterway, 38.2 miles, is Michigan’s longest chain of lakes and rivers. It starts in Pickerel Lake and winds its way through three lakes, three rivers and two counties ending in Lake Huron. The route also passes through two locks and one Swing Bridge for a truly unique recreational adventure. There are multiple boat launches along the way providing convenient access.
CrookedCrooked River LockRiver Lock In 2012 the Crooked River Lock came under the management of Emmet County. The County signed a 5 year lease with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for the operation and management of the Lock. This new arrangement allows for the extending of the operating season and lowering of passage fees. The Lock will be open mid – April to near the end of October.
Bear RiverBear River Valley Recreation Area White Water Park The Bear River provides one of the best whitewater recreation areas in the Midwest. This section of the river is 1.5 miles long, providing 11-14 drops or waves and up to class III level of difficulty. The course flows through what once was home to multiple dams and various industries. The Bear River has more fall than any other river in the lower peninsula of Michigan.
Emmet County 2013 Recreation Plan - 38 - PPublicublic Swimming Beaches / Water Access A parks and recreation use survey was conducted by the county in 2009. The results show swimming ranks in the top five (5) recreational activities of residents along with boating, hiking/walking, bicycling, and camping. Results also showed over half of respondents felt there was insufficient waterfront parks and water access available to the public. More detailed results of the survey are a shown in Chapter 4.0. Clearly access to public water ways is important to the residents of Emmet County. Public swimming beaches are distributed fairly evenly throughout the county as shown below in Table 3-3 with eleven (11) of the sixteen (16) townships having at least one public beach. A recent national sports participation survey conducted by the National Sporting Goods Association also ranks swimming in the type five (5) sports participated in during 2010. In addition to the swim beaches listed below, Map 1-2 on page 16 highlights areas that provide public water access points. All public roads that end at the water also can provide access to the water. Not all road ends are shown on the map.
Table 3Table 3-3---3:3: Public Swimming Beaches Township/City Body of Water Beach Name LocationLocationLocation LocationLocationLocation Bear Creek Lake Michigan Petoskey State Park M-119 Walloon Lake Jones Landing West Gruler Rd. Bliss Lake Michigan Sturgeon Bay (MDNR) N. Lakeshore Dr. Lake Michigan Wilderness State Park Wilderness Park Dr. Carp Lake Paradise Lake End of Blake Dr. Center Lark’s Lake Lark’s Lake Pioneer Park Latocha Rd. Cross Village Lake Michigan The Port of Cross Waterfront Dr. Wycamp Lake Wycamp Lake (MDNR) Wycamp Rd. Harbor Springs Lake Michigan Zoll Street Park End of Zoll St. Lake Michigan City Beach W. Bay St. Little Traverse Crooked Lake Little Traverse Beach US 31 Littlefield Pickerel Lake Camp Petosega Crooked Lake Walter Dow Roadside Park Oden Rd. Petoskey Lake Michigan Magnus City Park W. Lake St. Readmond Lake Michigan Park Preserve N. Lamkin Dr. Lake Michigan Middle Village Park S. Lamkin Dr. (Readmond/Friendship Twn.) Resort Walloon Lake Resort Pike Park Resort Pike Rd. Walloon Lake Morford Park Lake Grove Rd. Springvale Crooked Lake Channel Road Park Channel Rd. Pickerel Lake Township Park Road Park Township Park Rd. Crooked Lake Channel Road Park (MDNR) Channel Rd. West Traverse Lake Michigan Thorne Swift Nature Preserve Lower Shore Dr. Wawatam Lake Michigan Cecil Bay (Emmet County) Pointe Dr. Lake Michigan Headlands (Emmet County) E. Wilderness Park Dr. Lake Michigan Beach 1(managed by Village of Corner of Esther Land and Mackinaw City) E. Wilderness Park Dr. Lake Michigan Beach 2 (managed by the Village of Approximately 1 mile west Mackinaw City) of Beach1 on E. Wilderness Park Dr. Data Source: Office of Planning, Zoning, & Construction Resources, 2012
Emmet County 2013 Recreation Plan - 39 - Map 3-4: Bicycle Route 35
Emmet County 2013 Recreation Plan - 40 - Private/Semi-private Recreation Private and semi-private recreation uses also contribute to the inventory of recreational facilities that are available to community residents. In Emmet County there are a variety of private facilities that encompass a substantial area of land. The following Table 3-4 summarizes the dominant private and semi-private uses including those considered to be commercial amusement.
Table 3Table 3-3---4444 Private and SemiSemi----PrivatePrivate Recreational Facilities Facility Location by Township or Reference Approximate Use-Acreage Alanson Marinas Village of Alanson 1.5 El Rancho Campground/ Resort Village of Alanson 40.0 Crooked River RV Park Village of Alanson 1.7 American Adventure Bear Creek 42.2 Bear River Canoe Livery Bear Creek 5.0 Petoskey Snowmobile Club Bear Creek 2.1 Pirates Cove Adventure Golf Bear Creek 3.3 KOA- Campground Bear Creek 26.4 Bliss Polo Club Bliss 81.0 Marina (Jordan) Carp Lake 0.3 Irish Boatworks City of Harbor Springs 5.7 Walstrom Marina City of Harbor Springs 3.1 Crooked Lake Yacht Club Littlefield 0.5 Ryde Marina Littlefield 0.5 Windjammer Marine Littlefield 2.5 Crooked Lake Outboard Club Little Traverse 1.3 Bay Tennis & Fitness Little Traverse 2.7 Griffen Arena Little Traverse 3.4 Northern Lights Recreation Center Little Traverse 6.0 Morgan Trout Ponds Maple River 20.0 Boyne Highlands Ski Resort Pleasantview 1,780.0 Nubs Nob Ski Resort Pleasantview 200.0 Sogonosh Riding Stable Readmond 80.0 Bay Harbor Equestrian Club Resort 35.5 Bay Harbor Yacht Club Resort 9.8 KOA- Campground Wawatam 45 Trout Ponds Wawatam 0.5 Birchwood Farm and Country Club West Traverse 540.0 (part) Five Mile Creek Community Center West Traverse 2.0 Data Source: Emmet County Office of Planning, Zoning, & Construction Resources, 2012
Emmet County 2013 Recreation Plan - 41 - The most significant private uses are the major resorts Boyne Highlands, Bay Harbor, Nubs Nob, and Birchwood Farms. Combined with golf courses shown in Table 3-4, these facilities provide extensive outdoor recreational services.
Table 3Table 3-3---5555:: Golf Course Inventory, Emmet County
Identifying Name Approx. Acreage Township Location Bay Harbor 280 Resort Birchwood Farms 390 West Traverse Boyne Highlands 620 Pleasantview Chestnut Valley 100 Pleasantview Crooked Tree 160 Resort Harbor Point 100 West Traverse Hidden River 220 Maple River Little Traverse Bay 200 Little Traverse Mackinaw Club 180 Carp Lake Petoskey-Bay View (P) 120 Bear Creek True North (P) 212 Friendship Maple Ridge 160 Maple River Wequetonsing (P) 150 Little Traverse Wilderness 90 Carp Lake TOTALSTOTALSTOTALS 3,305 Data Source: Emmet County Office of Planning, Zoning, & Construction Resources, 2008 (P) Private Club
Indoor Recreation While the majority of the public recreation is outdoor recreation, there are a significant number of indoor recreational opportunities for citizens and visitors of Emmet County. In the public sector, North Central Michigan College offers a Community Resource Center including a walking track, fitness facility, and gymnasium. Several schools offer their hallways for walking and gymnasiums for recreational opportunities, and Harbor Springs Schools offers a swimming pool for some recreational use. Many private recreational facilities are available usually through memberships -- these include indoor tennis and racquetball, fitness machines, free-weight lifting, organized sports, yoga classes, Pilates, dance, bowling, and more. Opportunities abound for both individual and team sports through private and semi-private organizations.
One indoor sport growing in popularity in Emmet County is ice hockey. As noted in Table 4-3, according to the National Sporting Goods Association, hockey has seen a positive change in participation of 50.5% from 2000 to 2010. One indoor ice hockey facility, Griffen Arena, located in Little Traverse Township hosts participants from Emmet and surrounding counties. The local hockey associations sponsor free clinics for beginner skaters, as well as clinics for intermediate and advanced players. They also host tournaments which enhance the economic development of the county.
Emmet County 2013 Recreation Plan - 42 - 44.0.0 Planning and Public Input Process
Planning Methods A systems approach to planning was used in the development of the recreation plan. The Park, Recreation, Open Space and Greenway Guidelines, by James D. Mertes and James R. Hall was used as a reference in guiding the formation of the plan.
Public Input ProcessProcessProcess A variety of approaches were used to generate public input in the development of the County Recreation Plan. Involving the public in the recreation planning process is always the favorable way to better meet the recreational needs of the County’s changing and growing population as well as to anticipate forthcoming recreation trends.
Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting, September 2008 The recreation planning process and MDNR requirements were presented by planning staff to the Committee at a regular meeting in September 2008. This provided an overview of the project to the Committee and also to the attending general public.
Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting, March 2012 Planning staff presented to the Committee at a regular meeting in March 2012 that the current recreation plan needed to be updated ahead of schedule in order to include the new designation of the Headlands as a Dark Sky Park.
Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting, monthly meetings The Parks and Recreation Plan was a work in progress during the months of April 2012 thru July 2012. During that time draft segments of the plan were distributed to Committee members for review and comment as they were available. These draft sections were also made available to the general public to view and comment on at the Emmet County website as well as the County Planning, Zoning, and Construction Resources Office.
Community Forums, August 10, 2011, January 20, 2012, and June 14, 2012 To gain input from the “general public” regarding recreation in Emmet County three community forums were held. Several forms of communication were used in the attempt to notify as many residents as possible. These included notices in township halls, articles in the Petoskey News Review and Harbor Light papers, notices on the County website, notices to each Township Supervisor and City Manager, notices sent to township & city planners, and email notices sent to Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council, Little Traverse Conservancy, and Northwestern Michigan Council of Governments with the request they be forwarded to general membership and/or interested parties. The forums were held at three different locations throughout the county (Mackinaw City, Pellston, and Springvale Township hall) in order to reach a greater number of citizens.
All three forums proved to be valuable in providing information at the community-wide level. Attendees overwhelmingly expressed the need for improvements to existing trails, such as trailhead parking areas and the need for more trails. A summary of the comments and suggestions provided during the forums can be obtained from the Office of Planning, Zoning, and Construction Resources.
Public Hearings Two public hearings were held once the plan was ready for adoption and all public input had been considered in development of the plan. The first public hearing was held, January 3, 2013 and took place at a regular Emmet County Planning Commission meeting. The second was held at an Emmet County Board of Commission meeting January 17, 2013. Public comment was taken through open discussion between staff, committee/commission members, and residents. Minutes from these meetings are included within the appendix of this plan.
Results of Recreation Resources Surveys Emmet County Parks and Recreation Survey, 2009 The Planning, Zoning, and Construction Resources Office conducted a parks and recreation survey of county residents. The survey was made available to participants on the county website December, 2008 through March, 2009, at both community forums, and the local chapter of Michigan Township Association meeting. The department received154 completed the surveys. A copy of the survey questionnaire is included in Appendix A (pg 57-58). The results of the survey are shown in the following graphics.
Emmet County 2013 Recreation Plan - 43 - In Waterfront Parks (Figure 4-1) over half of the respondents to the survey think there are not enough waterfront parks and in Public Lake Access (Figure 4-2) over 60% feel there is a need for more water access. Clearly water access is important to the respondents of this survey.
Figure 4-1: Waterfront Parks
30%
Yes Undecided 56% No
14%
Do you think there are enough waterfront parks in Emmet County?
Data Source: Emmet County Department of Planning, Zoning and Construction Resources (2009)
Figure 4-2: Public Lake Access
25%
Yes Undecided No
63% 12%
Do you think there are enough public lake accesses in Emmet County?
Data Source: Emmet County Department of Planning, Zoning and Construction Resources (2009)
Emmet County 2013 Recreation Plan - 44 - This matches with Importance of Recreational Uses (Figure 4-3) showing that boating and swimming rank in the top five most important recreational activities. Hiking, camping, and bicycling were the other activities ranked in the top 5. It is clear that recreation is important to the residents of Emmet County, throughout the last two decades as the respondents to this survey do not vary from the opinions in the 1990 Land Use Survey. This is reinforced by the top 10 recreation uses being the same as those in 1990.
Figure 4-3: Importance of Recreational Uses Boating Swimming Bicycling Camping Fishing HikingWalking Hunting Photography IceSkating Soccer Golfing SkiingDownhill WatchingWildlife SkiingCrossCountry BaseballSoftball SnowmobileATV HorsebackRiding
Recreation Uses
Data Source: Emmet County Department of Planning, Zoning and Construction Resources (2009)
Most respondents to the survey took part in recreational activities a few times a week. All respondents participated in outdoor recreation at least a few times a year as shown in Frequency of Participation in Recreation (Figure 4-4).
Figure 4-4: Frequency of Participation in Recreation
80
70 Every Day 60 A Couple of Times a 50 Week A Few Times a Month 40
30 A few Times a Year
20 Never
10
0 Participation Totals
Data Source: Emmet County Department of Planning, Zoning and Construction Resources (2009) Emmet County 2013 Recreation Plan - 45 - Frequency of park use does not vary much even when broken out by age categories as shown in Figure 4-5 below. In all age categories the highest percentage of recreation falls within the categories everyday and a couple of times a week.
Figure 4-5: Frequency of Park Use by Age CategoryCategoryCategory 100% Never 80% 60% A few Times a Year 40% A Few Times a Month 20% Respondents Percentage of Percentage 0% A Couple of Times a <18 18- 30- 40- 50- 60+ Week 29 39 49 59 Every Day Age
Data Source: Emmet County Department of Planning, Zoning and Construction Resources (2009)
Distance traveled to participate in recreational activities is almost evenly split over 5 categories as can be seen in Figure 4-6 below.
Figure 4-6: Distance Traveled to Recreational FacilitiesFacilitiesFacilities
17% 29%
0-5 miles 6-10 miles 17% 11-15 miles 16-20 miles 21+ miles
18% 19%
Data Source: Emmet County Department of Planning, Zoning and Construction Resources (2009)
Emmet County 2013 Recreation Plan - 46 - Distance Traveled by Age (Figure 4-7) shows all age categories are willing to travel to reach their recreation destination, however at the fifty (50) and above age categories the percentage that drive 0-5 miles increases.
Figure 4-7: Distance Traveled by Age
100% 80% 21+ miles 16-20 miles 60% 11-15 miles 40%
Category 6-10 miles 20% 0-5 miles
Percentage of Age of Age Percentage 0% <18 18-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60+ Age
Data Source: Emmet County Department of Planning, Zoning and Construction Resources (2009)
Sports Participation National Survey, 2010 The National Sporting Goods Association conducted a national survey of households for sports participation. The top ten sports people participated in are shown below in Table 4-2. Participation is based on the person being seven (7) years or older and must have participated in the sport more than once. Although this is a national survey it compares well with the county. Four (4) of the top five (5) recreation uses from the Emmet County survey in 2009 are within the ranked top ten (10) sports participation.
Table 4Table 4-4---2222:::: 2010 Sports ParticipationParticipation---- Ranked by Total Participation Sport Total Percent Change (Millions) from 2009 1 Exercise Walking 95.8 2.6 2 Exercising with Equipment 55.3 -3.4 3 Swimming 51.9 3.4 4 Camping 44.7 -12.0 5 Bicycle Riding 39.8 4.3 6 Bowling 39.0 -13.3 7 Aerobic Exercising 38.5 16.3 8 Hiking 37.7 10.9 9 Workout at Club 36.3 -5.3 10 Running/Jogging 35.5 10.3 Data source: National Sporting Goods Association 2011
The National Sporting Goods Association also conducted a survey on the change in sports participation over a 10 year period. Only those sports that showed a minimum of 15% change up or down in participation are shown. Target shooting, aerobic exercising and kayaking are the top fastest growing sports while dart throwing, scooter riding and in-line roller skating are the fastest declining in participation over 10 years. Further results of the survey can be seen in Table 4-3.
Emmet County 2013 Recreation Plan - 47 - TTableable 4-4Table 4---3333:: 201020102010-2010---20012001 Sports with over 15% Change in Participation (participated more than once (in millions) and seven (7) years of age or older) SportSportSport 2010 Total2010 Total 2000 Total2000 Total Percent Change Target Shooting – air gun 5.3 2.9 80.9% Aerobic Exercising 38.5 24.3 58.8% Kayaking 5.6 3.5 58.6% Table Tennis 12.8 8.4 52.9% Hockey (ice) 3.3 2.2 50.5% Weight Lifting 31.5 21.2 48.4% Running/Jogging 35.5 24.5 44.7% Hiking 37.7 26.1 44.4% Archery (target) 6.5 4.7 38.1% Workout at Club 36.3 26.5 37.1% Exercise Walking 95.8 71.2 34.5% Exercising with Equipment 55.3 43.0 28.5% Target Shooting (net) 19.8 15.9 24.4% Baseball 12.5 14.9 -15.9% Wrestling 2.9 3.5 -17.2% Golf 21.9 26.6 -17.8% Softball 10.8 13.2 -18.3% Skateboarding 7.7 9.6 -20.0% Backpack/Wilderness 11.1 14.5 -23.5% Camp Billiards/Pool 24.0 32.7 -26.6% Dart Throwing 10.5 16.9 -38.0% Scooter Riding 7.4 12.7 -41.6% In-Line Roller Skating 7.5 19.2 -61.0% Data Source: National Sporting Goods Association 2011
Attitudes Toward Tourism in Emmet County, 2008 Michigan State University in collaboration with the Emmet County planning officials and tourism industry, studied the impacts of visitors who stay with homeowners in Emmet County and homeowners’ perceptions of tourism impacts and attitudes toward future development in Emmet County. The data was collected in May and June 2007. In the survey over 50% of homeowners indicated the following to be very important to Emmet County: natural landscapes and views (71.7%), opportunities for outdoor recreation (61.3%), and presence of wildlife (53.4%).
Northwest Michigan Regional Non-Motorized Strategy, 2008 The Northwest Michigan Council of Governments together with the Michigan Department of Transportation developed a comprehensive, regional, non-motorized transportation facilities strategy for thirteen counties in the northwest Lower Michigan region. The thirteen counties included Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Lake, Leelanau, Manistee, Mason, Missaukee, Osceola, and Wexford. Individual maps were created for each county that illustrate existing infrastructure assets and natural features information. Maps were also created for proposed non-motorized transportation facilities. Multiple non-motorized transportation facilities routes were identified in Emmet County. These routes were based on connecting existing non-motorized transportation facilities, population centers, recreational and tourist areas, and points of interest. Priority routes for Emmet County are shown on Map 4-1 (pg 49) highlighted in yellow.
Emmet County 2013 Recreation Plan - 48 - Map 4-1: Emmet County Priority Trail Routes
Data Source: Northwest Michigan Regional Non-Motorized Strategy, 2008
Emmet County 2013 Recreation Plan - 49 - 55.0.0 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The Parks and Recreation Committee formulated the following goals and objectives based upon input received at recreation community forums, the recreation survey, Emmet County Master Plan, existing natural resources, analysis of accessibility, and trends. A goal is the purpose toward which an endeavor is directed. It is the most general level of recommendations and sets the broad framework for more specific Objectives. An objective is one of the mileposts which measures progress along the route by which the goal (destination) is reached. Objectives are intermediate or short-term targets which must be attained in order to reach the ultimate goal. They are more specific than goals and are susceptible to modification due to changing political, economic, and organizational forces in the community. Strategies are discussed in section 6.0 Action Program.
The order in which these goals and objectives appear does not represent a ranking of their importance or priority.
GoalsGoalsGoals
1) Continue to improve parks, meet recreation facility needs, and provide diverse recreational opportunities for all age and ability groups.
2) Preserve, maintain, and enhance public lands for recreation.
3) Ensure pace of growth of parks and access to natural areas meets or exceeds the needs of Emmet County.
4) Protect, maintain and enhance the quality of natural resources within the County.
5) Create a healthy community by providing spaces for outdoor activities.
6) Protect and preserve historic property resources.
7) Expand a variety of recreational trails for enjoyment and alternate transportation.
8) Provide access to information identifying available recreational opportunities.
9) Support acquisition of land for passive and active recreation.
10) Continue to strive to provide ADA accessibility to all facilities.
11) Expand programs and interpretive activities to more parks.
12) Develop partnerships linking agencies and organizations promoting programming across multiple jurisdictions.
13) Support and promote development of dark sky coast.
14) Recognize economic benefits of recreation.
ObjectivesObjectivesObjectives
1) Continue to maintain and improve the water travel system in Emmet County.
2) Continue to maintain, improve, and expand existing trails in Emmet County.
3) Identify opportunities for new or expanded public facilities which can enhance the overall recreational options within Emmet County.
4) Encourage school districts to allow for shared access of facilities for recreational or other public purposes.
Emmet County 2013 Recreation Plan - 50 - 5) Educate the community about the benefits of historic preservation to the community’s quality of life, economic development, and tourism.
6) Support trail connectors to schools and other community resources.
7) Maintain public land for hunting/gathering and other recreational uses.
8) Secure wilderness areas for wildlife corridors and/or preserves.
9) Provide and promote recreational areas for passive and active recreation.
10) Support facilities and programs that encourage those living in this community to want to be outside, engaging in physical, healthful, and educational activities that enhance their lives.
11) Maintain and expand recreational opportunities for residents and tourists.
12) Preserve, protect, and support acquisition of shorelines and streams for public access.
13) Identify and encourage accessibility improvements by incorporating Universal Design in new facilities and when upgrading existing amenities.
14) Create community awareness of countywide recreation opportunities.
15) Educate the public on the value the natural world.
16) Support intergovernmental cooperation to enhance recreational opportunities for the entire community.
17) Support the development of walkable communities.
18) Promote Emmet County as an eco-tourist destination.
19) Encourage nature based, low impact tourist attractions, such as eco-tourism, agri-tourism, and tourist based on local history.
20) Promote alternative methods for land preservation/ open space.
21) Develop invasive plant species management plan for all county owned property.
22) Develop management plan for improved wildlife habitat on county property.
23) Maintain and improve recreation facilities.
24) All development conducted following local, State, and Federal regulations.
25) Continue to protect and promote the benefits of the Dark Sky Park at the Headlands.
26) Continue to improve access to bathing beaches.
27) Continue to improve quality of bathing beaches.
28) Encourage collaboration and communication between different organizations and agencies.
29) Continue to maintain and improve parks.
Emmet County 2013 Recreation Plan - 51 - 666.06.0 ACTION PROGRAM The following strategies were developed based on information gathered from public forums, public meetings and the recreation survey. They are grouped in Table 6-1 into one of four possible categories; Trails, Water Access, Parks, or Miscellaneous. Each strategy is linked to one or more goals and are not listed in any order of priority. The following abbreviations were used for Responsible County Entity or Potential Community Partners;
BOC Emmet County Board of Commissioners CRA Conservation Resource Alliance ECRC Emmet County Road Commission GIS Emmet County Geographic Information System LTC Little Traverse Conservancy MDNR Michigan Department of Natural Resources MDOT Michigan Department of Transportation MSUE Michigan State University Extension 4-H Michigan State University Extension 4-H NCMC North Central Michigan College TOMWC Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council PC Emmet County Planning Commission PZCR Emmet County Planning, Zoning, and Construction Resources Department TOMTC Top of Michigan Trails Council YMCA Young Man’s Christian Association IDA International Dark Skies Association
Identification numbers (ID#) are not assigned as a form of priority. They are meant only to be used as a reference number.
666-6---1:1: IMPLEMENTATION WATER ACCESS ID #ID # GoalsGoalsGoals StrategiesStrategiesStrategies Responsible County Potential EntityEntityEntity Community PartnersPartnersPartners Acquire Great Lakes waterfront property as BOC, PZCR Townships, LTC, 1 1,2,3,4,6 it becomes available Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council Acquire inland lakes, rivers, & streams Parks & Rec., PZCR Townships, Cities, 2 1,2,3,4,6 waterfront property as it becomes available Villages, MDNR Create public boat launch on Pickerel Lake Parks & Rec. Township, MDNR 3 1,3 PZCR Acquire Black hole property on west shore Springvale Twn, 4 2,4 of Pickerel/Crooked Lake Littlefield Twn, LTC Maintain and enhance facilities for Parks and Rec. Townships, ECRC, 5 1,3 recreational boating MDNR Develop fish cleaning stations throughout Parks & Rec. Townships, MDNR 6 1 the county
Maintain and enhance existing beach areas Parks & Rec. Townships, Cities, 7 1,2,3,4,5, Villages, MDNR Identify and promote water trail routes Parks & Rec., PZCR Townships, Cities, 8 8,14 Villages, MDNR 1,5,10, Provide universal fishing access to great Parks & Rec., PZCR Townships, Cities, 9 14 lakes Villages, MDNR 1,5,10, Provide universal fishing access to inland Parks & Rec., PZCR Townships, Cities, 10 14 lakes, rivers, and streams. Villages, MDNR 1,2,3,4,5, Maintain and improve existing water access Parks & Rec Townships, Cities, 11 10, Villages, MDNR Create action plan for invasive species PZCR, Parks & Rec. TOMWC, MDNR 12 2,4 control
Emmet County 2013 Recreation Plan - 52 - WATER ACCESS cont. ID #ID # GoalsGoalsGoals StrategiesStrategiesStrategies Responsible County Potential EntityEntityEntity Community PartnersPartnersPartners Continue monitoring and control of BOC, Parks & Rec. TOMWC, MDNR 13 2,4 phragmites Acquire overnight parking facilities at boat Parks & Rec., PZCR Townships, Cities, 14 1,2.3,9 launches MDNR TRAILSTRAILSTRAILS ID #ID # GoalsGoalsGoals StrategiesStrategiesStrategies Responsible County Potential EntityEntityEntity Community PartnersPartnersPartners Create loop trail in Bear Creek Township Parks & Rec., Bear Creek Twn, 1 1,7 connecting multiple public properties PZCR, TOMTC Develop bike trail from Alanson to Camp Trail Authority Littlefield Twn, 2 1,2,3,5,7 Petosega Springvale Twn 3 1,7 Develop 10K trail at Camp Petosega Parks & Rec., Develop a non-motorized trail from Harbor Parks & Rec., HARBOR Inc., 4 1,2,3,5,7 Springs to Cross Village PZCR, TOMTC, ECRC 5 1,7 Develop designated ATV/ORV trails BOC all townships 6 1,5,7 Develop designated horse riding trails TOMTC, LTC, 4-H Develop trail from Petoskey waterfront to Parks & Rec. City of Petoskey, 7 1,2,3,5,7 Click Rd./ Bear River Trail Bear Creek Twn., TOMTC 8 1,3 Document park/trail use Trail Authority TOMTC Encourage MDOT and Emmet County Road Parks & Rec., HARBOR Inc., 9 1,2,3,5,7 Commission to support trails PZCR, TOMTC Develop county maintained cross country Trail Authority TOMTC 10 1,2,3,5,7 ski trails Make improvements to Tannery Creek PZCR TOMTC, Bear 11 1-8 trailhead Creek Twn, TOMWC, MDNR Install trailhead parking lot and restroom PZCR City of Petoskey, facilities along Krause Road for North Bear Creek Twn, 12 1,2,3,7 Country Trail North Country Trail Association Install trailhead parking off Crump Road for Littlefield Twn 13 1,2,3,7 snowmobile trail Develop Cemetery Road trail Parks & Rec., LTBB, ECRC 15 1,3,5,7 PZCR Promote existing trails for bird watching Communications & LTC, Audubon 16 1,3,5,7 areas Website Dvpl. Society Create a non-motorized connector trail from PZCR Bear Creek Twn., 17 1,7 Mitchell Road to US 31 TOMTC Install trailhead restroom facilities at Maple PZCR Maple River Twn, 18 1,2,7 River Township Hall MDNR, snowmobile club Produce trail maps and promote existing GIS, LTTB 19 3,8,9 trails Communications & Web Dvlp. Connect Anderson Road trail to other trails PZCR City of Petoskey, Bear Creek Twn, 20 1,2,3,5,7 ECRC, private property owners Market and promote the North Country Trail Communications & TOMTC 21 8,14 Web Dvlp. Link existing trails with Safe Route to Schools, Cities, 22 1,7,9 School routes Villages, TOMTC Emmet County 2013 Recreation Plan - 53 - TRAILS cont. ID #ID # GoalsGoalsGoals StrategiesStrategiesStrategies Responsible County Potential EntityEntityEntity Community PartnersPartnersPartners Develop a regional east west connector trail PZCR, Parks & Rec., TOMTC, McKinley between the North Central State Trail and PC, BOC, Twn, Maple River 1,2,3,5,7, 23 the Northwestern State Trail Twn, Village of 9 Pellston, ECRC, MDNR Coordinate with local tribes to connect tribal Parks & Rec. LTTB, TOMTC 24 1,7,9,12 trails to other existing trails Enhance existing trails with way finding Parks & Rec. TOMTC 25 1,2,8 signage Identify and promote water trails Parks & Rec., TOMTC 26 1,5,8,14 Communications Web Dvlp Maintain and improve existing trails Parks & Rec., PZCR TOMTC, LTC, 27 7 Townships, Cities, Villages Connect McGulpin Point to Village of Parks & Rec., PZCR TOMTC, Wawatam 28 1,3,5,7 Mackinaw City trail system Township, Village of Mackinaw City Connect McGulpin Point to Headlands with Parks & Rec., PZCR TOMTC, Wawatam 29 1,3,5,7 a trail Township, Village of Mackinaw City Develop a horse trail separate but parallel to Parks & Rec., PZCR TOMTC, Little the Northwestern State Trail within the Traverse, Littlefield, railroad right of way Maple River, 30 1,3,5,7 McKinley, Carp Lake, & Wawatam Townships Pursue locations for horseback riding trails Parks & Rec., PZCR TOMTC, 31 1,3,5,7 within Emmet County Townships PARKSPARKSPARKS ID #ID # GoalsGoalsGoals StrategiesStrategiesStrategies Responsible County Potential EntityEntityEntity Community PartnersPartnersPartners 1,2,3,4,5, Develop a nature center/park in central area Parks & Rec., PZCR 1 6 of the county Develop a supervised campground at PC, BOC, Parks & Cross Village Twn, 2 1,2,3 Wycamp Lake Rec., Sheriff’s Dept. MDNR Annually update and maintain inventory of PZCR, GIS, existing facilities and recreation resources Communications & 3 1,8 by creating maps showing locations, use, Web Dvlp. and capacities. 1,2,3,5, Install telescope pads at Headlands and Parks & Rec. IDA 4 10,11,13, Cecil Bay for Dark Sky viewing 14 1,3,5,6, Implement Headlands park plan Parks & Rec. 5 10, 13 Coordinate with other park agencies to Parks & Rec, PZCR, Townships, Cities, 1,5,8,11, 6 promote programming Communications & Villages, MDNR, 14 Web Dvlp 1,2,3,4,5, Maintain and improve existing parks Parks & Rec. Townships, Cities, 7 6,8,9,10, Villages, MDNR 14 8 11,12 Hire interpretive program coordinator BOC, Parks & Rec. 9 1,3,5 Develop camping area for horseback riders Parks & Rec. MDNR, Townships Emmet County 2013 Recreation Plan - 54 - MISC.MISC.MISC. ID#ID#ID# GoalsGoalsGoals StrategiesStrategiesStrategies Responsible County Potential EntityEntityEntity Community PartnersPartnersPartners Start a community garden Parks & Rec. MSU Extension, NCMC, Petoskey 1 1,3,5 Schools, City of Petoskey Change or create an ordinance for methods PZCR LTC 2 2,4,6 of land preservation. Work with organizations to identify potential PZCR Townships, Cities, 3 1,3,5,8 facility locations that best serve the Villages, HARBOR community. Inc., LTC Create maps clearly identifying historic sites GIS, PZCR, Historical Societies and locations in Emmet County in order to Communications & 4 6,8 promote informed citizenry and tourism. Web Dvlp, Historical Authority Coordinate with local agencies, school YMCA, private districts, and units of government in the property owners 5 1 visioning and creation of a community pool.
Hire a County recreation/environmental BOC, PZCR 6 1-8 planner. Promote, develop, and maintain both PZCR, Parks & Rec., Chamber of 7 1,2,3,8 seasonal and year-round recreational Communications & Commerce activities. Web Dvlp. Educate and assist schools in adopting the HARBOR, Inc., 8 1,7,8 Safe Routes to Schools program area schools Provide adequate staffing as needed at BOC 9 1,2,3 facilities Identify and protect wilderness areas for PZCR CRA 10 2,4,8 wildlife corridors and wildlife habitat. Create web portal for recreational Communications & Chamber of 11 3,8 opportunities. Web Dvlp. Commerce Coordinate between recreation PZCR, Chamber of 12 3,8,12 organizations-share & disseminate Communications & Commerce, MDNR, information Web Dvlp. Townships, Cities Improve recreational facilities at the Parks & Rec. IDA 13 1,2,3 Headlands for better viewing of the Dark Sky Park 14 11 Expand interpretive programs county wide Parks & Rec. Conduct a study on the economic benefits PZCR, Chamber of 15 14 of parks, trails, and open space in Emmet Communications & Commerce, MDNR, County Web Dvlp. TOMTC, Develop public/private partnerships within Communications & 16 12, 14 recreation to enhance economic Web Dvlp., Parks & development Rec., BOC, Partner with U of M Biological Station and Parks & Rec., PZCR U of M Biological 17 12 MSU Extension for educational Station, MSUE programming Cross promote recreational opportunities at Communications & Cities, Townships, 18 1,8,11,12 the State, County, and Municipal parks Web Dvlp, PZCR, MDNR, Chamber of Parks & Rec. Commerce Look into the establishment of a recreation BOC, Parks & Rec., 20 12 authority. PZCR,
Emmet County 2013 Recreation Plan - 55 -
APPENDIX A
Emmet County 2013 Recreation Plan - 56 - Emmet County Parks and Recreation Survey, 2009
1. Do you think there are enough waterfront parks in Emmet County? □ Yes □ Undecided □ No
2. Do you think there are enough public lake accesses in Emmet County? □ Yes □ Undecided □ No
3. Please identify how important the following recreational activities are to you.
Somewhat Not Somewhat Very Very Important Important Important Unimportant Unimportant horseback riding golfing ice skating fishing boating watching wildlife/birds swimming snowmobile/atv skiing downhill skiing cross country photography hunting hiking/walking camping bicycling soccer baseball/softball
4. How often do you participate in outdoor recreation activities in Emmet County? □ every day □ a couple of times a week □ a few times a month □ a few times a year □ never
5. How far do you travel to use recreational facilities in Emmet County? □ 0-5 miles □ 6-10miles □ 11-15 miles □ 16-20 miles □ 21+ miles
6. In terms of Emmet County, please indicate the level of importance of the following aspects.
Very Important Somewhat Not important Somewhat Very important Unimportant Unimportant Natural landscapes/views Presence of wildlife Opportunities for outdoor recreation
7. Which of the following best describes your residential status in Emmet County?
□ Homeowner (year round) □ Renter □ Seasonal homeowner □ Other (please specify) ______Emmet County 2013 Recreation Plan - 57 - 8. What is your age? □ <18 □ 18-29 □ 30-39 □ 40-49 □ 50-59 □ 60+
9. In which city, village or township do you live? ______
10. Are there recreational activities that you would like to participate in that are not available in Emmet County? □ Yes □ No
11. If yes, what are those activities? ______
Emmet County 2013 Recreation Plan - 58 -
APPENDIX B
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