Brandon Twp.- A universally accessible playground, concession stands, softball fields and more parking at the township community park are all part of a 5-year master recreation plan approved by the township board Wednesday night.
The recreation plan, which covers 2009-2014, details development for the community park and goals of the department as a whole and will also allow the township to apply for grants.
‘It’s definitely a doable plan,? said Parks and Recreation Director Fred Waybrant. ‘How far we go depends on how much the community wants it. We need volunteers, donations, and in-kind services. It truly is a community park.?
The current master recreation plan ends in December, and while it established the new community park at Oakwood and Hadley roads, with four multi-purpose fields, parking, fencing, landscaping and more, the plan did not accomplish everything.
The new plan already has spring projects planned, including installation of a playground and lift equipment for the sledding hill which opens this winter. Also available this winter are two skating rinks.
‘We’re ahead of ourselves a little bit,? Waybrant said. ‘The first two years of the plan will be implemented in spring 2009. The planning commission said this is one of the best park action plans they’ve seen.?
The park is also winning praise from the DNR. Waybrant said a grant analyst said the township park is exactly the type of park they are looking for.
Grants are exactly what the township park committee is hoping for. A Land and Water Conservation Grant the township received this summer in the amount of $75,000, which they matched and also allocated an additional $25,000, is being used for the sledding hill lift, the boundless playground,1500 lineal feet of connecting trailways and sports lighting for the sledding hills, rinks, and playground.
The township also recently learned they will receive a forestry grant in the amount of $5,285, which will be matched by the recreation department and used for tree description plaques and stands in the tree library.
The tree library is part of phase III of the park, described as the passive side of the park, which can be used for educational school trips, library functions, reunions, church picnics and more.
Besides grants, development of the park depends on cell tower revenue (currently between $50,000-$55,000 per year) and donations, including membership in the Build-a-Park Club.