A local municipality has set its parks plan for the next few years.
After sending out a community survey earlier this year and a public hearing Monday, the St. Joseph Charter Township Board of Trustees approved a five-year parks plan for 2023-2027.
Abonmarche Grant Administrator Joelle Regovich presented details from the plan during the public hearing.
“Basically, the plan sets out some goals,” Regovich said. “These are flexible, they can change over time, but [it] kind of lets the community think about where the township wants to spend their dollars.”
In the 163-page document, the township set six goals:
Goal 1: Continue efforts to increase connectivity between users and recreation opportunities.
- Add and improve non-motorized trails where possible.
- Continue to develop township trail network plan and work collaboratively with regional trail network planning efforts.
- Add sidewalks when possible, on road reconstruction projects.
Goal 2: Increase access to public recreation for all mobility levels
- Add access pathways and amenities at parks that support a wide range of user abilities.
- Seek input from a variety of user groups on how to best serve mobility levels.
- Promote the benefits of an active lifestyle.
Goal 3: Continue to add to or improve recreation opportunities within the Township.
- Acquire new land for public recreation when available or feasible.
- Add features and recreation opportunities that are in high demand by the community, such as pickleball and non-motorized trails.
- Add more ways to recreate or passively enjoy natural areas.
- Increase recreation opportunities along the St. Joseph River.
- Collaborate with surrounding municipalities and county to provide cost effective, non-duplicative recreation opportunities.
Goal 4: Raise awareness of recreation opportunities in the Township.
- Reach out to user groups that reflect the needs of a diverse population representing many ages, racial, ethnic and cultural backgrounds
- Share more parks and recreation information via Township channels (website, newsletters).
Goal 5: Maintain green space and natural landscape.
- Provide increased recreational and transportation opportunities.
- Provide habitat for wildlife viewing.
- Provide natural flood control.
- Providing people with a better connection to nature and sense of place.
Goal 6: Continue to seek additional funding to support recreation activities
- Apply for grant funds
- Seek donors and volunteers for improvement project
Regovich said the majority of residents agreed the most important was the need for the township to increase ADA accessibility, and increase non-motorized paths and trails through the township – including ones which connect to the rest of the county.
“Our goal is to keep people healthy,” said Township Supervisor Roger Seely, adding the township would like to connect the incoming athletic complex at Maiden Lane and Hollywood Road to Eden Park.
“Trying to get to open recreation in any other way than a car can be very difficult,” Regovich said. “It’s in the best interest of everybody to have more than one way to get there.”
