City of Bad Axe Recreation Plan

Transcription

1 City of Bad Axe Recreation Plan

2 City of Bad Axe Recreation Plan Public Hearing held on January 4, 2011 Adopted on January 18, 2011 Resolution Bad Axe City Council James Hicks, Mayor William Cleland James Hall Kathleen Particka Richard Peterson David Rapson, Mayor Pro-Tem Nicholas Rochefort Dale VanDeVusse, City Manager With assistance from Spicer Group, Saginaw; Robert R. Eggers, AICP SG2010

3 Table of Contents Introduction... 1 Community Description... 3 Administrative Structure... 5 Recreation Inventory... 7 Community Input Goals and Objectives Action Program Summary and Adoption Appendix A SGMA 2008 Sports and Fitness Participation Report Appendix B Public Input Documentation Appendix C Potential Funding Sources for Parks and Recreation Projects Appendix D Adoption Documentation City of Bad Axe Recreation Plan i

4 Introduction A Recreation Plan for the City of Bad Axe The City of Bad Axe has developed a Recreation Plan to serve as a guideline to improve recreation facilities and develop new recreational opportunities. To that end, this document forms the basis to guide policy for implementation of improvements and new initiatives that will meet the recreational goals and interests of the Bad Axe community. The development of this plan was guided by the Bad Axe Parks Director Rich Barker and the Bad Axe City Council. Before any recreation plan is adopted and enacted, it is first important to understand what the needs of the residents are, what recreational opportunities already exist, and what sort of projects and programs are relevant for residents based on age, ability, population, density, and the availability of recreational opportunities in neighboring communities. This plan has carefully considered input and suggestions via active communication from area residents, officials, and other community stakeholders. This input is a critical component to this plan, and, together, the voices of the Bad Axe Community have united to develop a recreation plan to enhance the quality of life for everyone. The foundation for the development of the City of Bad Axe Recreation Plan was based on the following goals: Involve the community in the process to develop a five-year Recreation Plan, Inventory and map existing Bad Axe recreational facilities, City of Bad Axe Recreation Plan

5 Build common ground among Bad Axe area stakeholders in addressing the future recreational needs and priorities of the Community, Enable the City to be eligible for financial assistance based upon the Recreation Plan, Facilitate interagency collaboration in establishing recreation goals, objectives, and actions, Consistency with and expansion upon goals and objectives set forth in existing planning documents that deal partially or wholly with recreation. Broadly speaking, Bad Axe officials intend to use this plan to guide their work on all future recreational and parks projects within the City. Specifically, this plan is developed in accordance with the guidelines for Community Park, Recreation, Open Space, and Greenway Plans published by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment (MDNRE). A five-year, MDNRE-approved Recreation Plan is necessary for the governmental entities to pursue MDNRE-administered grants. This Recreation Plan is written for the City of Bad Axe and it covers all aspects of recreation within the City. City of Bad Axe Recreation Plan

6 Community Description About Bad Axe Bad Axe is a small city in the thumb region of Michigan that serves as the county seat for Huron County. The City encompasses 2.2 square miles and it serves as a commercial, employment, and medical hub for the region, which is rural and agricultural in nature. Because the area outside of Bad Axe is sparsely populated, the parks in Bad Axe also serve residents of the surrounding municipalities. Colfax Township is located directly west of Bad Axe and Verona Township is located to the east. State highways M-142, M- 19 and M-53 carry traffic to Bad Axe from across the thumb. Bad Axe City of Bad Axe Recreation Plan

7 According to the 2000 U.S. Census, the population of Bad Axe is 3,462. The 2008 Census estimate for the City shows a decrease of approximately 400 people to 3,069. Other selected demographic data regarding the City of Bad Axe is shown in the Figure below. One interesting piece of data is that Bad Axe s median age is 38.7 years which is more than 3 years higher than the State. In terms of recreation, this may indicate a need for more facilities and programs that are geared toward older adults. Figure 1 Selected Census Data for Comparison in Bad Axe and Michigan Bad Axe Michigan Population 2000 Census 3,462 9,938,444 Population 2008 Estimate 3,069 10,003,422 % of Population 65 & older % of Population under Median age % bachelor s degree or higher Median household income $32,125 $44,667 Per capita income $17,465 $22,168 Average household size Median housing value $70,800 $115,600 Source: 2000 U.S. Census Data City of Bad Axe Recreation Plan

8 Administrative Structure How Parks and Recreation Works in Bad Axe Bad Axe parks and recreation functions are handled by the Bad Axe Parks and Recreation Board. The Parks and Recreation Board serves as an advisory board to the Bad Axe City Council. The Parks and Recreation Board consists of 3 people who are appointed from the City Council. They serve 2-year terms. Day to day administrative functions of the Parks and Recreation Department are handled by Parks Director Richard Barker. The Parks Director is the only full time position in the Parks Department in Bad Axe. A seasonal maintenance person is hired for the summertime. Many other positions are filled with seasonal and temporary staff, such as a director and several seasonal staff for the summer day camp. City Park City of Bad Axe Recreation Plan

9 Budgets Sources of funding for parks and recreation functions in Bad Axe are from the City general fund, user fees, facility rentals, and local donations. Budgets for 2009 and 2010 are shown in Figure 2. Figure 2 Bad Axe Parks and Recreation Budgets Operations and Maintenance $64,802 $84,730 Programming $74,466 $76,245 Capital Expenditure 0 Open Relationships with School Districts and Other Public Agencies or Private Organizations The Parks and Recreation Department works closely with the Bad Axe School District to share facilities for programming. The City uses the school football fields for its youth tackle football program and it uses the Junior High Gymnasium for its men s basketball league. The Parks and Recreation Department also works with the Bad Axe Historical Society to coordinate usage of the Log Cabin Village. Lastly, the city works with a group of volunteer parents that organize and run the summer youth baseball program. The City provides the fields for this league. Volunteers The Parks and Recreation Department uses approximately volunteers each year to assist with all events and programs. Many volunteers work at the Bad Axe Hatchet Festival, which is organized by the City Parks and Recreation Department. Other volunteers serve as coaches and referees. Still others assist with maintenance, card nights, trips, community center activities, day camps, fund-raisers, and park cleanup. Grant History Bad Axe has not received any grants for park improvements from the MDNRE. City of Bad Axe Recreation Plan

10 Parks and Recreation Inventory Parks in Bad Axe In order to plan for parks and recreation in the future, one needs to examine the types of facilities that currently exist in Bad Axe. It is also helpful to compare these existing facilities to various standards as one measure of the adequacy of the parks and recreation facilities in the community. The inventory was completed by updating the inventory used in the previous plan. The consultant worked with the Parks Director to complete any updates or revisions. Aerial photo of Wilcox Park City Parks Bad Axe has two major parks and a small special use facility. They are shown in the aerial photo in Figure 3 on the following page. City Park is the oldest park in Bad Axe. It contains 12 acres and is centrally located near the downtown area. Its features include: 4 softball diamonds 2 baseball diamonds 10 basketball hoops 2 tennis courts Pioneer Log Village that includes a blacksmith shop, general store, country school, chapel, family home, and barn. The Pioneer Log Village area is also home to the Bad Axe farmer s market which is held one day a week during the summer and fall. The facility is owned and operated by the Bad Axe Historical Society. Accessibility grade = 2 (see Figure 4) City of Bad Axe Recreation Plan

11 City Park is a community gathering point for various events including the annual Bad Axe Hatchet festival and the summer farmer s market. Wilcox Park «53 «142 City Park Skate Rink Figure 3 Bad Axe Park Location Map The Bad Axe Skate Rink is an in-line outdoor skating rink that is located southeast of the City Park on City property. The 8-acre park contains undeveloped open space, a storage shed and the skating rink. The rink is used for in-line skating during warm months and it can be flooded as an ice rink during winter. Its accessibility is graded as 2 (see Figure 4). Wilcox Park is a newer park in Bad Axe that is located on the north side of the City. Its focus is more on passive recreation and it includes a woodland. Features of the 10-acre park include: City of Bad Axe Recreation Plan

12 Nature trail through the woods Picnic pavilion Horseshoes Playground Sand volleyball Community Center/multi-purpose building Accessibility grade = 3 (see Figure 4) City Park and Wilcox Park could be classified as Community Parks that serve the entire City of Bad Axe as well as the neighboring townships of Colfax and Verona. The Skate Rink is a Special Use Park that also serves the entire City as well as the neighboring townships. Accessibility A review for accessibility was also completed for each of the parks and its features. Creating a park system that is safe, accessible and usable to all individuals within the community, including those with disabilities, is essential. A grading system has been developed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment (MDNRE) to easily identify those parks and facilities which are most and least handicap accessible and usable, based on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines. The accessibility grading system uses a five point system ranging from one, none of the facilities/park areas meet accessibility guidelines, to five, the entire park was developed/renovated using the principals of universal design. An Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance assessment of Bad Axe Parks was conducted during the spring of The assessment consisted of a visual inspection of each park in regards to access, and circulation in relation to the park facilities. Figure 4 MDNR Accessibility Grading System for Parks and Recreational Facilities Accessibility Grade Definition 1 None of the facilities/park areas meet accessibility guidelines. 2 Some of the facilities/park areas meet accessibility guidelines. 3 Most of the facilities/park areas meet accessibility guidelines. 4 The entire park meets accessibility guidelines. 5 The entire park was developed/renovated using the principles of universal design. City of Bad Axe Recreation Plan

13 Bad Axe is dedicated to continuing its efforts towards improving accessibility at each of its parks when improvements are made. This includes accessible parking, paths, restrooms, activity areas, amenities and signage. Comparison to Standards General industry standards suggest a minimum of 5 to 10 acres of park land per 1,000 citizens. With an estimated 2009 population of 3,069, the recommended park acreage for Bad Axe would range from 15 to 30 acres. With approximately 30 acres of City Park Land, it would appear that Bad Axe has more than enough park land for its citizens. This is a very broad and general standard that simply looks at the total amount of park land, but doesn t consider other important factors as discussed below. As noted earlier, the Bad Axe parks serve the population of the surrounding townships of Verona and Colfax since those communities do not have parks of their own. The combined population of these two townships is approximately 3,200. With that Tennis Courts at City Park consideration, recommended park acreage would range from 31 to 62 acres. Further, more recent park guidelines indicate that one must also consider the Level of Service desired by the community. If Bad Axe residents needs are met with the existing amount of park land and facilities, then that amount is sufficient. However, there may be additional needs based upon the unique recreational demands of this community. For example, a community may have an abundance of acres of wooded park land but it may not have many sports fields or pavilions or playgrounds. Or, a particular area of a community may be deficient in park land or a specific kind of park. In Bad Axe, there are no neighborhood or mini parks that serve as close to home spaces for informal recreation. While it is recommended that urban communities have mini parks, it is unclear if they are needed in Bad Axe. The community is small and most City of Bad Axe Recreation Plan

14 residents can walk or bike to the existing parks. However, some citizens may wish to have park space within a block or two from home. This is why the community input portion of a recreation plan is so important. The Parks and Recreation Commission needs to understand the wishes of the community it serves in order to provide the Level of Service desired by the residents. Further, if the community is growing or if there are other significant demographic changes, it may need to plan for additional park land or changes in existing facilities. As the population ages and the baby boom generation reaches retirement age, many communities are seeing a need for recreational facilities and programs for senior citizens. As a supplement to the recommended standards for park acreage, data from the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association (SGMA) is another way to help understand recreation trends. It is important to be aware of national recreation trends to be able to anticipate activities which will Horseshoe Pits at City Park incorporate a large number of participants and those which show the greatest growth in popularity. The SGMA conducts an annual survey that analyzes the size of sports product markets in order to determine sports participation trends. Results of the 2008 Sports and Fitness Participation Report are given in the Appendix. Other significant recreational facilities in Bad Axe There are two other significant recreation facilities in Bad Axe. The first is the Bad Axe public school district s recreational facilities which include playgrounds, sports fields, gymnasiums, and a recreational soccer complex. The other facility is the Huron County Fairground which contains a racetrack and grandstand, several display and multipurpose buildings, and large areas of open space. Recreation programs in Bad Axe The Bad Axe Recreation department offers 3 major recreational programs each year: Youth football league Men s basketball league Summer day camp a seven week program City of Bad Axe Recreation Plan

15 As previously mentioned, the City Park ball diamonds are used by the youth baseball league that is run by a group of volunteer parents. Other special events are held in the park such as Bad Axe Hatchet days and the previously mentioned farmer s market. The market also includes local entertainment. Natural Resource Inventory The most significant natural resources in Bad Axe are the pockets of woodlands scattered across the City. Several of these contain wetlands, as well. Wilcox Park contains a stand of woodlands that is worth preserving for its natural beauty and the environmental benefits it provides. Small portions of the Bad Axe Drain run across the northern portion of the City, providing a water feature for the community. City of Bad Axe Recreation Plan

16 Community Input Listening to the Community To comply with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment s Guidelines for the Development of Community Park, Recreation Open Space and Greenway Plans, the City of Bad Axe offered two public input opportunities along with the required public meeting after the 30-day period for review and comment on the draft plan. A compilation of all of the input received is contained in Appendix B. What follows is a summary of the input and feedback received during the planning process for this Recreation Master Plan. Methods to obtain input from the community included a project website and blog ( and an online survey. The community was informed of the website/blog and survey on the City of Bad Axe s web site, a summer newsletter that was distributed to all property owners, a nixle community alert, and through an editorial published in the Huron Daily Tribune on July 28, Additional methods of getting the word out for completing the survey included blasts to community leaders and various citizens and a postcard sized flyer that was distributed in various locations around town. See Appendix B for copies of the newsletter, nixle alert, newspaper editorial, and the flyer. Online Survey Results The community input survey was available online from July 1, 2010 through September 9, One hundred-two responses were received. Reasons for Visiting Parks Question 2 asked respondents to check all of the reasons they visit parks in Bad Axe. The reason with the most responses was for community events (73%). The next top responses trailed by a fairly large percentage: children s playground equipment (52%), walking (40%), using the Wilcox Community Center (37%) and watching a sporting event (35%). A chart of all the responses is shown in Figure 2 on the following page. City of Bad Axe Recreation Plan

17 Why do you visit parks in the City of Bad Axe? (Check all that apply.) Jogging In-line skating Sledding Participate in a sports league Dog Walking Visit the Museum Informal sports participation Enjoy nature Farmer's Market Picnicking Watch a sporting event Use the Wilcox Community Center Walking Children's playground equipment Community events 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% Figure 5 Reasons for visiting parks in Bad Axe. Evaluating Parks and Recreation Question 3 asked respondents to evaluate 5 different aspects of parks and recreation in Bad Axe on a five step scale from very good to very poor. Don t know was included as a sixth choice. In general, all aspects scored very well with each having at least 50% of the respondents answering with very good or good. Maintenance and Appearance ranked the highest with over 77% responding very good or good. The item with the poorest score was Variety of Facilities/Amenities which had 17% of the respondents answering with poor or very poor. See Figure 6. Additional Facilities Needed Question 4 offered respondents nine different facilities or amenities that could be added to the parks in Bad Axe and asked them to choose which ones should be added. It also offered a fill in box for respondents to offer answers of their own. The most popular City of Bad Axe Recreation Plan

18 Please evaluate the following general aspects of parks and recreation in the City of Bad Axe. 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Quality of Programs Quality/Friendliness of Staff Variety of Facilities/Amenities Maintenance & Appearance Safety & Security Very Good Good Neutral Poor Very Poor Don't know Figure 6 Respondents generally provided very good evaluations of the parks and recreation facilities in Bad Axe. choices were restrooms (63%), paths (56%) and outdoor ice rink (40%). The least popular choice was skate park (9%). See Figure 7. Thirty-nine respondents wrote in other amenities that they wanted to see added to parks in Bad Axe. A frequent answer was a swimming pool. Another frequently mentioned item was biking paths. Additional Programs Needed Question 5 asked respondents which of eight types of recreational programs they would like to see added in Bad Axe. The most frequent responses were health and fitness classes at 58.5%, instructional classes at 36.6%, and adult softball league at 31.7%. Eighteen respondents wrote in other programs they wanted to see added in Bad Axe. Two of the more popular answers were a tennis program and bocce ball. City of Bad Axe Recreation Plan

19 What additional facilities/amenities would you like to see added to the parks in Bad Axe? (Check all that apply.) 70.0% 60.0% 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 20.0% 10.0% 0.0% Paths Restrooms Pavilions/Shelters Benches Dog Park Disc Golf Playground Outdoor Ice Rink Skate Park Figure 7 Respondents would like to see more restrooms, paths, and an outdoor ice rink in the parks in Bad Axe. Priorities for the Future Question 6 asked respondents to prioritize various activities of the Bad Axe Parks and Recreation Department over the next 5 years. Respondents felt most strongly about maintaining existing parks. Over 90% felt this was a top priority or very important. Following closely behind was upgrade/add amenities to exiting parks where 36.4% felt this was a top priority and another 43.4% felt it was very important. Respondents did not give such a high priority to acquiring additional park land where approximately 35% thought this was not important and 22% felt it was somewhat important. See Figure 8. Addressing the Needs of the Disabled Question 8 asked respondents if they had someone with a disability in the family and what types of amenities would make the parks more user friendly. The most common response was paved trails. The second most common response was accessible restrooms. City of Bad Axe Recreation Plan

20 How would you prioritize the following activities for the City of Bad Axe Parks and Recreation Department over the next five years? Add New Recreational Programs Maintain Existing Programs Acquire Additional Park Land Upgrade/Add Amenities to Existing Parks Maintain Existing Parks 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% A Top Priority Very Important Somewhat Important Not Important No Opinion Figure 8 Respondents feel strongly about maintaining existing parks in Bad Axe. Overall Satisfaction with Bad Axe Parks Overall satisfaction with Bad Axe parks was positive. Question 11 asked respondents to give their overall opinion of the Bad Axe parks system. Over 73% responded that they were satisfied or very satisfied. Twenty-two percent were neutral and 5% were disappointed or very disappointed. See Figure 9. Overall, what is your opinion of the City of Bad Axe parks system? 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Very Satisfied Satisfied Neutral Disappointed Very Disappointed Figure 9 Respondents were generally satisfied with the Bad Axe parks system. City of Bad Axe Recreation Plan

21 Open Ended Questions Questions 9 and 10 allowed respondents to write in their own responses when asked whey they liked best about parks and recreation in Bad Axe and what they would do to improve parks and recreation in Bad Axe. Sixty-one respondents offered opinions about what they like best. Some of the more frequent responses were: Safety Shade/mature trees Playground/playscape Summer youth program Well maintained/clean Sixty-three respondents offered a variety of opinions about what they would do to improve parks and recreation in Bad Axe. Some of the more common responses were: Adding a dog park Add bike paths/walking paths/trails Improved playground equipment at Wilcox Park Add a swimming pool Add restrooms in City Park About the Respondents Survey respondents were, in general, park users. Ninety-five percent of them had used a city park in the past year. Nearly one-third of the respondents were heavy park users, having used a park more than 10 times in the past year. The respondents came from households of varying sizes, with the largest percentage (44%) coming from 2-person households. Twenty-four percent came from 4-person households and 20% came from 3-person households. The respondents represented a variety of ages as well. Forty-two percent were between 35 and 49. Twenty-seven percent were between 50 and 64 and twenty-three percent were between 18 and 34. City of Bad Axe Recreation Plan

22 Goals and Objectives Introduction Developing goals and objectives is an important part of the recreation planning process. The overall goal of a parks and recreation department is, obviously, to provide recreation opportunities for the community and/or region it serves. More specific goals must be based on the demographic characteristics of the population served, the physical and environmental characteristics of the area, and the input of the community. Wilcox Park Goals are the broadest level. They are overreaching and general. Objectives carry out the purpose of the goal. The Action Program is the last level and it identifies specific projects and programs. The Action Program can include organizational, staffing, programming, public information, and operation and maintenance actions. The City of Bad Axe formulated the following goals and objectives based upon the characteristics of the overall community, the input received at the community input session and the on-line survey. The goals and objectives below are considered to be consistent with and reflective of the vision, goals, objectives and policies of the 1999 City of Bad Axe Master Plan. City of Bad Axe Recreation Plan

23 Goals and Objectives Goal 1: Continue to provide and improve recreational and support facilities that inspire community pride and are functional for a variety of uses. The citizens are proud of their existing park facilities. The City wishes to continue to maintain and improve these facilities so as to improve the quality of life for residents. Objectives Develop a long range improvement and maintenance plan for each of the City s parks. Explore partnerships, grants, foundations and other funding opportunities. Continue to add amenities to Bad Axe park facilities based upon community input and need. Provide recreational opportunities for people with disabilities. Insure that improvements and upgrades to park facilities are handicappedaccessible, where feasible. Goal 2: Provide quality leisure time activities with special consideration given to activities improving health and fitness. Health and well-being are an important component of one s quality of life. Bad Axe can use its parks and recreation facilities and staff resources to offer activities and programs that will improve the health and fitness of its citizens. Objectives Provide both passive and active programming for a variety of ages and abilities of the population. Continue to work with existing recreation partners in the community to provide programs, leagues, and special events. Explore options for new and expanded partnerships to provide additional recreational opportunities. Goal 3: Provide non-motorized pathways and bicycle routes for recreational and transportation use. Pathways and bike routes were mentioned frequently by survey respondents as an improvement they would like added to the City. This is a component of a parks system that can by used by people of all ages and abilities. Objectives Develop a biking trail network across the City. City of Bad Axe Recreation Plan

24 Add walking and multi-use paths within existing parks. Goal 4: Retain public land and conserve natural resources for future generations. The citizens of Bad Axe wish to see their current parks maintained and kept for the future. Additional parkland may be needed in the future to accommodate the recreational needs of the community. The 1999 City of Bad Axe Master Plan suggests that a wide range of recreational opportunities will be available from neighborhood pocket parks to semi-public commercial recreational facilities. As of 2010, the City does not yet have any pocket parks. Objectives Retain existing parkland and acquire new public lands to meet the recreational needs of the community. Preserve and protect open space and other important natural features in Bad Axe. Goal 5: Create community awareness of Bad Axe recreational opportunities and promote them to citizens and visitors. Communicating with the public is an important component of any municipal parks and recreation organization. As our population increasingly relies on the internet for information, the City needs to take advantage of online opportunities to communicate and interact with citizens. Objectives Work with local arts and culture organizations to provide unique programming opportunities at the City s recreational sites and other venues. Work on web site and develop other online opportunities to communicate with the public about Bad Axe park facilities and events. City of Bad Axe Recreation Plan

25 Action Program With goals and objectives in place, the City of Bad Axe was able to develop a 5-year action program to work toward accomplishing the goals and objectives. The Action Program details the direction the community wishes to take over the next five years in order to maintain and improve the quality and diversity of area park and recreation opportunities. Projects were assigned a priority of one through five with one being most important and five being least important. Each action item relates to one or more of the numbered goals from the Goals and Objectives section. Potential capital improvements described in this Plan have been established not only to provide a framework for decision makers but also to enable the City to apply for grant funding for these proposed projects. The project list in not a fixed element and is neither all inclusive nor exclusive. The schedule reflects the results of the input received from the online survey, blog comments, and City staff and officials. Future circumstances, especially availability of funding, may change priorities or require reprioritization of items. The action plan is shown in Figure 10. City Park City of Bad Axe Recreation Plan

26 Financing Potential Improvements Funding for parks and recreation capital improvements can come from a myriad of local, state, and federal programs. Grant funding is available for parks and recreation projects. However, applicants need to target potential funding agencies and programs very carefully so as to meet the specific criteria required. Appendix C contains a current listing of programs and agencies that can provide funding for parks and recreation projects. Figure 10 CITY OF BAD AXE RECREA TION PLAN ACTION PLAN Relates to Improvement Park Goal Priority Add walking/running trail Unknown 1, 2, 3 1 Add restroom facility City Park 1 2 Add handicap accessible playground equipment City Park 1, 2 2 Disc golf course Wilcox Park 1, 2 4 Feasibility study for campground Unknown 1 3 Add ice skating City Park 1, 2 4 Add band shell City Park 1 3 Add spray park City Park 1,2 3 Add large pavilion City Park 1 3 Add dog park Wilcox 1 2 Improve Parks Department website N/A 5 5 Consider adding additional park land to meet demand N/A 4 5 City of Bad Axe Recreation Plan

27 Summary and Adoption In its continuing effort to provide quality recreational opportunities for its citizens, Bad Axe has developed a Community Parks and Recreation Master Plan as a tool to guide the development of community park and recreational facilities and locations over the next five years. It is an update of the Recreation Plan that was last completed in This plan is the latest effort by the City of Bad Axe to establish recreational goals and objectives for the community. The plan will also provide the City eligibility for grants from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment (MDNRE) to assist the community in reaching its recreational goals. The City of Bad Axe contracted with Spicer Group of Saginaw, Michigan, to assist them with completion of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan. The consultant met with city staff and officials several times during the development of the plan. Data was collected about the participating community including maps, demographics, park information and an inventory of existing facilities. This data was collected from a number of resources such as: city staff, the existing Bad Axe Recreation Plan, various web sites (census, city and school district) and through field observations. Community input was collected via an on-line survey conducted during the summer of Based upon the existing information and the community input, the City Wilcox Park developed goals and objectives for parks and recreation in Bad Axe. The City also developed an action program to accomplish the goals and objectives of the plan. City of Bad Axe Recreation Plan

28 The consultant completed the draft Parks and Recreation Master Plan document and it was made available for review at Bad Axe City Hall, the project web site ( and on the City of Bad Axe s web site for at least 30 days beginning on November 20, This reviewing opportunity was advertised in the Huron Daily Tribune. The final opportunity for community input occurred at the advertised public meeting held prior to adoption of the plan. This meeting was held on January 4, After the public meeting, the City Council adopted the Recreation Plan by resolution on January 18, Copies of the advertisements and the resolution are included in Appendix D. City of Bad Axe Recreation Plan

29 Appendix A SGMA 2008 Sports and Fitness Participation Report City of Bad Axe Recreation Plan

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31 US Sports Participation Study 2008 Edition Methodology During late January 2008/early February a total of 40,794 online interviews were carried out with a nationwide sample of individuals and households from the US Online Panel operated by Synovate. A total of 15,013 individual and 25,781 household surveys were completed. The total panel has over 1 million members and is maintained to be representative of the US population. Over sampling of ethnic groups took place to boost response from typically under responding groups. A weighting technique was used to balance the data to reflect the total US population aged 6 and above. The following variables were used: gender, age, income, household size, region and population density. The total population figure used was 276,796,000 people aged 6 and above. We have focused on CORE participants who are typically the main purchasers of equipment, services and user fees. We ve also shown the numbers in the two frequency groups that make up the CORE participants: Regular and Frequent. So Regular + Frequent = CORE. The actual definition of CORE in terms of the number of play occasions varies by sport so there is a definition column. Using Running/Jogging as an example: RUNNING/JOGGING PARTICIPANTS 2007 Participants (000s) Definition "Casual" participants 16,824 1~49 times "Regular" Participants 8,237 50~99 times "Frequent" Participants 16, times or more "Core" Participants 24, times or more Total Participants 41,064 Playing once or more

32 AEROBIC ACTIVITIES Core Participants Core Participants Definition 2007 Core Participants include: Frequent Participants Definition Regular Participants Definition Casual Participants Core Participants - Trend Casual Participants Definition Total Participants Trend 1 year change ( ) year change ( ) 7 year change ( ) Aerobics (High impact) 6, , ,156 50~99 5,004 1~49 6,283 6, % 11,287 10,934 11, % -4.3% Aerobics (Low impact) 13, , ,523 50~99 9,341 1~49 13,056 12, % 22,397 21,952 21, % 4.7% Aerobics (Step) 4, , ,647 50~99 4,454 1~49 4,074 3, % 8,528 8,676 10, % -21.5% Aquatic Exercise 3, , ,789 50~99 5,993 1~49 3,764 3, % 9,757 9,528 9, % 4.9% Cardio Kickboxing 1, ~99 2,987 1~49 1,825 1, % 4,812 4,952 8, % -45.1% Cross-Country Ski Machine 1, , ~99 1,857 1~49 1,839 2, % 3,696 4,168 6, % -43.5% Elliptical Motion Trainer 12, , ,968 50~99 10,972 1~49 12,614 13, % 23,586 24,548 7, % 220.0% Other Exercise to Music 12, , ,560 50~99 9,661 1~49 12,633 12, % 22,294 21,749 16, % 38.8% Running/Jogging 24, , ,237 50~99 16,824 1~49 24,240 23, % 41,064 38,559 31, % 30.8% Stair Climbing Machine 6, , ,651 50~99 7,107 1~49 6,414 7, % 13,521 14,978 15, % -11.5% Stationary Cycling (Recumbent) 5, , ,331 50~99 5,261 1~49 5,557 5, % 10,818 11,694 8, % 22.8% Stationary Cycling (Spinning) 2, , ,221 50~99 3,371 1~49 2,943 2, % 6,314 6,610 4, % 34.1% Stationary Cycling (Upright) 12, , ,210 50~99 11,581 1~49 12,950 14, % 24,531 26,954 27, % -9.7% Swimming (Fitness/Competition) 7, , ,946 50~99 11,131 1~49 7,237 7, % 18,368 18,220 16, % 13.8% Treadmill 29, , ,728 50~99 20,891 1~49 29,182 29, % 50,073 52,161 37, % 34.3% Walking for Fitness 76, , ,045 50~99 31,903 1~49 76,837 70, % 108, ,229 90, % 19.5% CONDITIONING ACTIVITIES Abdominal Machine/Device 12, , ,319 50~99 7,625 1~49 12,801 15, % 20,426 23,656 21, % -4.3% Calisthenics 5, , ,372 50~99 2,503 1~49 5,059 5, % 7,562 7,120 7, % -2.5% Pilates Training 4, , ,920 50~99 5,085 1~49 4,107 4, % 9,192 10,925 1, % 490.9% Rowing Machine 4, , ,609 50~99 4,451 1~49 4,331 4, % 8,782 9,500 9, % -6.6% Stretching 28, , ,906 50~99 7,863 1~49 28,318 25, % 36,181 32,858 24, % 47.0% Yoga/Tai Chi 6, , ,527 50~99 7,629 1~49 6,443 6, % 14,072 14,737 6, % 125.2% STRENGTH ACTIVITIES Free Weights (Barbells) 17, , ,950 50~99 8,181 1~49 17,318 19, % 25,499 28,887 24, % 2.8% Free Weights (Dumbells) 21, , ,594 50~99 10,797 1~49 21,574 23, % 32,371 35,462 27, % 17.8% Free Weights (Hand Weights) 28, , ,819 50~99 15,635 1~49 28,186 30, % 43,821 46,627 33, % 29.7% Home Gym Exercise 16, , ,313 50~99 9,577 1~49 16,246 16, % 25,823 26,687 20, % 25.2% Weight/Resistance Machines 24, , ,012 50~99 14,555 1~49 24,735 27, % 39,290 43,651 32, % 22.2% INDIVIDUAL SPORTS Adventure Racing ~ % % Archery 1, ~51 4,839 1~24 1,111 1, % 5,950 7,215 6, % -5.3% Billiards/Pool 20, , ,824 13~24 30,795 1~12 20,294 20, % 51,089 47,953 46, % 10.3% Bowling 15, , ,225 13~24 44,762 1~12 15,422 14, % 60,184 54,421 51, % 15.9% Boxing 1, ~24 1,169 1~12 1,110 1, % 2,279 2,040 4, % -44.2% Darts 8, , ,951 13~24 16,106 1~12 8,603 8, % 24,709 22, % Horseback Riding 3, , ,029 13~24 8,330 1~12 3,768 3, % 12,098 11, % Ice Skating 1, , ~24 9,514 1~12 1,916 1, % 11,430 9,653 11, % -3.4% Martial Arts 5, , ~24 1,366 1~12 5,499 4, % 6,865 5,998 6, % 11.4% Roller Skating (2x2 wheels) 1, , ~24 7,004 1~12 1,917 1, % 8,921 7,553 7, % 15.2% Roller Skating (Inline wheels) 4, , ,365 13~24 6,094 1~12 4,720 6, % 10,814 12,314 21, % -50.6% Scooter Riding (Non-motorized) 4, , ,085 13~24 2,322 1~12 4,460 5, % 6,782 7,653 9, % -32.0% Skateboarding 3, , ,491 25~51 4,589 1~24 3,840 5, % 8,429 10,130 9, % -14.5% Trail Running 1, ~51 2,943 1~24 1,273 1, % 4,216 4,558 4, % 1.2% Triathlon (Non-Traditional/Off Road) ~ % % Triathlon (Traditional/Road) ~ % % RACQUET SPORTS Badminton 2, , ~24 4,785 1~12 2,272 2, % 7,057 5,981 8, % -19.5% Racquetball 1, , ~24 2,292 1~12 1,937 1, % 4,229 3,559 4, % -5.5% Squash ~ ~ % % Table Tennis 5, , ,792 13~24 10,864 1~12 5,091 4, % 15,955 15,091 12, % 25.5% Tennis 7, , ,835 11~20 9,015 1~12 7,925 6, % 16,940 14,563 12, % 30.6%

33 Core Participants Core Participants 2007 Core Participants - Trend Total Participants Trend Core Participants include: Casual Participants Frequent Participants Regular Participants Casual Participants Definition year change ( ) year change ( ) 7 year change ( ) Definition Definition Definition TEAM SPORTS Baseball 11, , ,780 13~24 4,493 1~12 11,565 10, % 16,058 14,586 15, % 1.3% Basketball 18, , ,279 13~24 7,956 1~12 18,005 17, % 25,961 23,680 26, % -1.0% Cheerleading 2, , ~51 1,145 1~24 2,134 1, % 3,279 2,931 2, % 24.5% Field Hockey ~ ~ % 1, % Football (Tackle) 4, , ,578 25~51 3,700 1~24 4,239 4, % 7,939 8,404 8, % -3.5% Football (Touch) 6, , ,292 13~24 6,543 1~12 6,445 6, % 12,988 12,344 12, % 7.8% Gymnastics 1, ~99 2,262 1~49 1,804 1, % 4,066 3,630 4, % -16.6% Ice Hockey 1, , ~ ~12 1,282 1, % 1,840 1,717 2, % -24.3% Lacrosse ~ ~ % 1, % 104.2% Paintball 2, , ~14 3,195 1~7 2,281 2, % 5,476 4,547 3, % 51.5% Roller Hockey ~24 1,044 1~ % 1,847 1,383 3, % -52.5% Rugby ~ ~ % % Soccer (Indoor) 2, , ~24 1,866 1~12 2,371 2, % 4,237 4, % Soccer (Outdoor) 6, , ,536 25~51 7,342 1~24 6,366 7, % 13,708 13, % Softball (Fast Pitch) 1, ~51 1,013 1~24 1,332 1, % 2,345 1,759 2, % -12.9% Softball (Slow-Pitch) 6, , ,121 13~24 3,415 1~12 6,070 6, % 9,485 9,518 13, % -30.1% Track and Field 2, , ,152 25~51 1,977 1~24 2,714 2, % 4,691 4, % Ultimate Frisbee 1, ~24 2,720 1~12 1,318 1, % 4,038 3, % Volleyball (Beach) 1, ~24 2,549 1~12 1, % 3,878 3,315 5, % -26.1% Volleyball (Court) 4, , ,182 13~24 2,930 1~12 4,056 3, % 6,986 6, % Volleyball (Grass) 1, ~24 3,282 1~12 1,658 1, % 4,940 4, % Wrestling 1, ~51 1,855 1~24 1,458 1, % 3,313 2,914 3, % -11.5%

34 Core Participants Core Participants 2007 Core Participants - Trend Total Participants Trend Core Participants include: Casual Participants Frequent Participants Regular Participants Casual Participants Definition year change ( ) year change ( ) 7 year change ( ) Definition Definition Definition OUTDOOR SPORTS Backpacking Overnight - More Than 1/4 Mile From Vehicle/Home 6,637 7, % Bicycling - BMX 1, ~ ~12 1,137 1, % 1,887 1,655 3, % -41.3% Bicycling (Mountain/Non-Paved Surface) 3, , ,003 13~24 3,051 1~12 3,841 3, % 6,892 6, % Bicycling (Road/paved surface) 21, , ,669 25~51 17,789 1~24 21,151 22, % 38,940 38, % Birdwatching More Than 1/4 Mile From Home/Vehicle 11,783 11, % Camping (Recreational vehicle) 8, , ,032 8~14 7,942 1~7 8,226-16,168 16,946 17, % -9.6% Camping Within 1/4 Mile of Vehicle/Home 31,375 35, % Climbing (Sport/Indoor/Boulder) 4,514 4, % Climbing (Traditional/Ice/Mountaineering) 2,062 1, % Fishing (Fly) 2, , ~14 2,923 1~7 2,833 3, % 5,756 6,071 6, % -14.3% Fishing (Freshwater-Other) 23, , ,262 8~14 20,145 1~7 23,714 23, % 43,859 43,100 43, % 0.4% Fishing (Saltwater) 5, , ,169 8~14 8,460 1~7 5,977 5, % 14,437 12,466 14, % -2.1% Hiking (Day) 29,965 29,863 30, % -0.3% Hunting (Bow) ~14 2,997 1~ , % 3,818 3,875 4, % -17.6% Hunting (Handgun) 1, ~14 1,572 1~7 1,023 1, % 2,595 2, % Hunting (Rifle) 3, , ,742 13~24 6,960 1~12 3,675 3, % 10,635 11, % Hunting (Shotgun) 4, , ,797 8~14 4,171 1~7 4,374 4, % 8,545 8, % Shooting (Sport Clays) 1, ~14 2,596 1~7 1,519 2, % 4,115 4,062 4, % -7.3% Shooting (Trap/Skeet) 1, ~14 2,051 1~7 1,325 1, % 3,376 3,013 3, % -1.2% Target Shooting (Handgun) 5, , ,090 8~14 6,222 1~7 5,514 4, % 11,736 9, % Target Shooting (Rifle) 5, , ,097 8~14 6,743 1~7 5,693 5, % 12,436 11,803 10, % 24.1% Wildlife Viewing More Than 1/4 Mile From Home/Vehicle 22,974 20, % WINTER SPORTS 2006/2007 Skiing (Alpine/Downhill) 2, , ,420 8~14 7,450 1~7 10,362 Skiing (Cross-country) 1, ~14 2,287 1~7 3,530 Skiing (Freestyle) ~14 1,930 1~7 2,817 Snowboarding 2, , ,054 8~14 4,522 1~7 6,841 Snowmobiling 1, , ~14 2,810 1~7 4,811 Snowshoeing ~14 1,774 1~7 2,400 Telemarking (Downhill) ~ ~7 1,173 WATER SPORTS Boardsailing/Windsurfing ~ ~ % 1, , % -35.7% Canoeing 2,109 1,044 9,797 9,154 10, % -10.0% Jet Skiing 2, , ,058 8~14 5,328 1~7 2,727 2, % 8,055 6,918 9, % -15.0% Kayaking (Recreational) 1, ,702 4, % Kayaking (Sea/Touring) ,485 1, % Kayaking (White Water) , % Rafting ,340 3,609 5, % -17.5% Sailing 1, ~14 2,365 1~7 1,421 1, % 3,786 3,390 4, % -14.1% Scuba Diving 1, ~14 1,947 1~7 1, % 2,965 2,965 4, % -31.1% Snorkeling 1, ,031 8~14 7,374 1~7 1,919 1, % 9,294 8,395 10, % -9.8% Surfing ~14 1,256 1~ % 2,206 2,170 2, % 0.7% Wakeboarding 1, ~14 2,405 1~7 1,116 1, % 3,521 3,046 4, % -22.8% Water Skiing 2, , ~14 3,808 1~7 2,110 1, % 5,918 5,273 8, % -32.5%

35 Appendix B Public Input Documentation City of Bad Axe Recreation Plan

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42 Bad Axe Parks and Recreation Survey 1. How many times did you use a City of Bad Axe park in the past year? Response Percent Response Count Never 5.0% 5 Once 11.9% 12 2 to 5 times 36.6% 37 6 to 10 times 14.9% 15 More than 10 times 31.7% 32 answered question 101 skipped question 1 1 of 10

43 2. Why do you visit parks in the City of Bad Axe? (Check all that apply.) Response Percent Response Count Walking 39.6% 40 Enjoy nature 26.7% 27 Children's playground equipment 51.5% 52 Picnicking 29.7% 30 Sledding 7.9% 8 Informal sports participation (tennis, pick-up basketball, etc.) 24.8% 25 Participate in a sports league 15.8% 16 Watch a sporting event 34.7% 35 Jogging 5.9% 6 Cross-country skiing 0.0% 0 In-line skating 7.9% 8 Community events (Hatchet Festival, concerts, etc.) 73.3% 74 Dog Walking 19.8% 20 Visit the Museum 20.8% 21 To use the Wilcox Community Center 36.6% 37 Farmer's Market 29.7% 30 answered question 101 skipped question 1 2 of 10

44 3. Please evaluate the following general aspects of parks and recreation in the City of Bad Axe. Very Good Good Neutral Poor Very Poor Don't know Response Count Quality of Programs 12.9% (13) 37.6% (38) 23.8% (24) 5.9% (6) 1.0% (1) 18.8% (19) 101 Quality/Friendliness of Staff 21.6% (22) 36.3% (37) 17.6% (18) 2.9% (3) 0.0% (0) 21.6% (22) 102 Variety of Facilities/Amenities 8.9% (9) 44.6% (45) 26.7% (27) 13.9% (14) 3.0% (3) 3.0% (3) 101 Maintenance and Appearance 15.7% (16) 61.8% (63) 13.7% (14) 7.8% (8) 0.0% (0) 1.0% (1) 102 Safety and Security 16.8% (17) 56.4% (57) 17.8% (18) 4.0% (4) 2.0% (2) 3.0% (3) 101 answered question 102 skipped question 0 3 of 10

45 4. What additional facilities/amenities would you like to see added to the parks in Bad Axe? (Check all that apply.) Response Percent Response Count Paths 56.1% 55 Restrooms 63.3% 62 Pavilions/Shelters 16.3% 16 Benches 36.7% 36 Dog Park 27.6% 27 Disc Golf 20.4% 20 Playground 19.4% 19 Outdoor Ice Rink 39.8% 39 Skate Park with ramps, rails, etc. 9.2% 9 Other (please specify): 39 answered question 98 skipped question 4 4 of 10

46 5. What additional recreation programs would you like to see added in Bad Axe? Response Percent Response Count Health/fitness classes 58.5% 48 Adult softball league 31.7% 26 Sand volleyball league 24.4% 20 Adult indoor volleyball league 23.2% 19 Horseshoe league 22.0% 18 Roller hockey league 4.9% 4 Instructional classes (golf, gymnastics, boater safety, hunter safety, etc.) 36.6% 30 Dodgeball league 13.4% 11 Other (please specify) 18 answered question 82 skipped question 20 5 of 10

47 6. How would you prioritize the following activities for the City of Bad Axe Parks and Recreation Department over the next five years? A Top Priority Very Important Somewhat Important Not Important No Opinion Rating Average Response Count Maintain Existing Parks 41.2% (42) 50.0% (51) 7.8% (8) 0.0% (0) 1.0% (1) Upgrade/Add Amenities to Existing Parks 36.4% (36) 43.4% (43) 20.2% (20) 0.0% (0) 0.0% (0) Acquire Additional Park Land 17.3% (17) 19.4% (19) 22.4% (22) 34.7% (34) 6.1% (6) Maintain Existing Programs 27.3% (27) 52.5% (52) 17.2% (17) 0.0% (0) 3.0% (3) Add New Recreational Programs 32.7% (32) 39.8% (39) 20.4% (20) 5.1% (5) 2.0% (2) answered question 102 skipped question 0 7. What is your opinion regarding the following statements about the Pioneer Log Cabin Village? Strongly agree Agree Neutral Disagree Response Count It is an important part of our community and it should be preserved. 41.0% (41) 39.0% (39) 19.0% (19) 1.0% (1) 100 I would like to see the Pioneer Log Cabin Village facilities open more days of the week. 31.7% (32) 26.7% (27) 37.6% (38) 4.0% (4) 101 answered question 102 skipped question 0 6 of 10

48 8. If there is a person with a disability in your family, please indicate which of the following would make Bad Axe parks more user-friendly for you and your family member. (Check all that apply.) Response Percent Response Count No one with a disability in my family 86.5% 64 Flatter, easier grades 6.8% 5 Accessible playgrounds 4.1% 3 Accessible parking 6.8% 5 Accessible restrooms 10.8% 8 Paved trails 17.6% 13 Other (please specify) 6 answered question 74 skipped question What do you like best about parks and recreation in the City of Bad Axe? Response Count 61 answered question 61 skipped question 41 7 of 10

49 10. What is one thing you would do to improve parks and recreation in the City of Bad Axe? Response Count 63 answered question 63 skipped question Overall, what is your opinion of the City of Bad Axe parks system? Response Percent Response Count Very Satisfied 14.9% 15 Satisfied 58.4% 59 Neutral 21.8% 22 Disappointed 4.0% 4 Very Disappointed 1.0% 1 answered question 101 skipped question Where do you live? Response Percent Response Count City of Bad Axe 65.7% 67 Colfax Township 8.8% 9 Verona Township 9.8% 10 Elsewhere 15.7% 16 answered question 102 skipped question 0 8 of 10

50 13. For how many years have you lived in the community that you selected above in Question #12? Response Percent Response Count Less than 1 4.0% 4 1 to 4 5.9% 6 5 to % to % 24 Over % 49 answered question 101 skipped question How many people live in your household? Response Percent Response Count 1 1.0% % % % 24 5 or more 11.9% 12 answered question 101 skipped question 1 9 of 10

51 15. What is your age? Response Percent Response Count under % % % % and older 7.9% 8 answered question 101 skipped question 1 10 of 10

52 QUESTION 4 - What additional facilities/amenities would you like to see added to the parks in Bad Axe? Filled-in responses 1. Fence along the sewer ditch 2. "Pool for rec and swim instructions! Sprinker park" 3. walking paths, bike paths (it is unsafe to bike and even walk in many areas) 4. Biking and running paths 5. Bike/running trails 6. Swimming Pool 7. "Would love to see updates to the Wilcox playground equipment. Would love to see walk/bike paths." 8. I would like to see a route around the town for runners and bikers to be able to use. This is something I have seen traveling around Michigan and one thing BA doesn't have. Have you ever been up at 530am to see and the runners and walkers out? Clean restrooms 9. Bike paths connecting parks, BMX bike area, Archery or shooting range somewhere, driving range, small waterpark, camping, pond, fishing, fitness trail, more woods, groomed x-country ski trail, allow beer, 10. Bicycle path would be great...like they have in Harbor Beach 11. Pool, kids water/sprinkler park, would still like to see a Rex center built!! 12. swimming pool, showers, lifeguard, bath house. (a large pool)! 13. Spray Water Park, Bike Path 14. POOL 15. Camping facilities along with bike and walking paths. 16. a little kids playground for people that are under BIKE PATH 18. Maintain baseball fields better, lots of grass getting inot infields 19. Additional Parking or stager games to reduce vehicle traffic during kids ball events on the South side road 20. the porta johns are gross 21. A nice playscape like the one in cass city or sebewaing. Also the restrooms are in terrible condition, could use some serious updating. 22. fountains 23. Bike paths not just pedestrian (walk/jog) paths. 24. SWIMMING POOL 25. Improved Kitchen in Wilcox Park. Better Folding Chairs/Tables in Wilcox Park 26. bike path through/around the city limits 27. WIlcox needs to be updated and made safer, especially the bridge it is in needed repair.

53 28. please put in an 18 hole disc golf course---you cant go wrong Community Pool 30. Pool 31. "Bicycle path Indoor sports complex for baseball/softball/football for year round use." 32. indoor ice rink 33. community pool 34. Swimming pool 35. Music in the park at least once a week during summer - no need for farmers market. 36. Walking Trail, Cross Country Skiing Trail 37. I liked the idea about an inground pool. Also, it would be nice to update the playground equipment at Wilcox Park. 38. Cross Country Ski and Bike Paths 39. Extra sheltered seating for grandparents to watch grandkids play on playground equipment. Sand boxes. Swimming pool. QUESTION 5 - What additional recreational programs would you like to see added in Bad Axe? Filled-in responses 1. Tennis Club 2. Years ago they had shuffle board courts, and leagues with two man teams for Sr.citizens. It might be nice if you tried it again. 3. Kid sport instruction, more like a pick up vs. scheduled 4. Need a place for teenagers to hangout so they have choices other than drinking and smoking 5. bocce ball 6. American Red Cross certified Swimming Program (similar to Cass City). 7. PET EVENTS SWIM LEAGUE 8. WiFi at the park. 9. Dog park 10. You nee martial arts and even the poor people whould be able to afford it. 11. "High School age summer baseball/softball Indoor sports winter time" 12. Tennis league, Disc Golf 13. Swim classes 14. coed softball league as there is none in Huron County at this time 15. tennis programs for kids 16. "Bocce Ball League/ Outdoor Volleyball League More Runs/ Walks Bike Trail- WOULD BE WONDERFUL!"

54 17. jogging / running club 18. "- Build horseshoe pits - Build bocce ball courts" QUESTION 8 - If there is a person with a disability in your family, please indicate which of the following would make Bad Axe parks more user-friendly for you and your family member. Filled-in responses (other) 1. na 2. However I think all of the above would be important 3. ramps 4. better seating 5. drinking fountains 6. Seating. QUESTION 9 - What do you like best about parks and recreation in the City of Bad Axe? 1. Tennis Courts 2. close,safe,clean 3. Shade 4. It's clean and near downtown, so a sense of community and safety. 5. Winter basketball league. 6. Clean and well taken care of. 7. Accessibility to residents. 8. The new playscape was a wonderful addition to the park near the library. It's wonderful having picnic tables for picnics, too. The shade trees in the park are a treasure also. 9. Well maintained and clean 10. The summer program. I just wish there was something to do with the kids when it rained so the program wasn't cancelled. That makes it hard for parents to do last minute plans. 11. hummmmmmmmmmm I will get back to you! 12. Friendly staff 13. I really think our parks and rec summer program for children has done a fantastic job. It is such a nice program for children to attend during the summer! 14. I would like to use the park more. It's nice but does't offer much. 15. We have a great director who tries to keep improving the parks and programs. 16. Love the parks and recreation program in the summer for kids. Consider expanding it until 3 p.m. Improvements made at the City Park (playground equipment) was great. 17. Cleanliness

55 18. The park and rec summer program is wonderful! Very impressed with everything that they are doing for the kids! Also, love the new playground equipment--the old stuff was a little scary! Thank you. 19. nothing, not progressive/up to date anmenities. city park, congested area, to small in size, limited in use, 20. New playground equipment at City Park. 21. they are very clean and well maintained. provides a safe environment for my family to enjoy the outdoors 22. Clean and well-maintained. 23. ball fields - pioneer village 24. Availability 25. people go there and trash it!!!!! It is rude 26. PLAYGROUND 27. Lots of trees 28. Location is great for all, walkers and people with cars 29. it's nice and shady. 30. It's in a great location. 31. central location 32. Teen rec program this year was great! I would like to see this continued next year! 33. Local flavor. 34. THAT IT EXISTS AND IT WANTS TO IMPROVE ITSELF. IN TIMES OF RECESSION, IT IS ESSENTIAL FOR PEOPLE TO HAVE SOME PLACE TO GO TO RELEASE PENT-UP STRESSORS AND TO CONNECT WITH OTHERS AND NATURE 35. Clean,and a nice place to relax 36. convience/proximity 37. Location 38. The plan to put in a dog park 39. It helps to keep the children out of mischief, and helps to provide structure, direction, and instill good morals as they grow up. 40. The park it self. 41. I love the park and rec day program in the summer. i am very excited about the newly added teen group. These teenagers need entertainment, keeps them occupied and out of trouble. Thank you 42. They are attractive 43. maintained well 44. baseball/softball fields & tennis courts 45. Location, Variety 46. Accessibility

56 47. Summer day camp program 48. Close to our house. Central location in Bad Axe. 49. Music in the park. The Pioneer Log Village. (It's not the Pioneer Log CABIN Village or LOG CABINS - the city seldom gets the name right! How much does the city care about them if they almost never get the name right!!) 50. The summer program for the children has improved alot in recent years. The new program for the older group that meets twice a week is wonderful. 51. AS FAR AS I KNEW ALL THEY DID WAS THE SUMMER DAY CARE FOR THE KIDS. 52. Location 53. Area to picnic 54. Its programs 55. Mature trees 56. Well maintained; safety; peaceful place to visit. Tables could be kept cleaner. 57. I like the playground equipment at the park by the library. 58. location of the park in town 59. Summer program for kids. 60. "- Pioneer Log Cabin Village - peaceful, well landscaped with trees" 61. Shaded area by library, accessibility of library near the park. Wilcox air conditioning for events! QUESTION 10 - What is one thing you would do to improve parks and recreation in the City of Bad Axe? 1. Add a dog park 2. Put play equipment for the very little - that way you'll get adults rather than 8-10 year olds cut loose. 3. More land used for bike and running paths. More open green space. 4. Additional programs and amenities. 5. Would like to see improvements to the play equipment at Wilcox park. Would like to see added security/ police presence at park. 6. A couple new things to keep kids intrest 7. Nice for the kids. We need bathrooms that are opened. 8. The programs offered. More games...ie: Tigers and Wings. You offer casino trips but what about the younger generation??? Park use to offer Halloween parties for kid's it is no longer. What about a community clean up with the kids involved?? Let's get everyone involved! 9. Bathrooms additional parking 10. It would be nice to add paved trails for people to run / bike on.

57 11. Parking is difficult around city park. Too congested. It would be nice to move the parks entirely to a different location so things could be more spread out yet still accessable. I like Cass City's park and ballfield area. More police presence is needed in the park areas. Allow dogs/install dog doo disposal stations. 12. More activities for seniors. 13. Include walking/bicycle paths as there are a lot of walker/joggers/bicyclists in the city, and this could provide them a safe area. 14. Offer more programs 15. Maybe a little more lighting throughout the back of the park--maybe just some lower voltage lighting-solar maybe? 16. develope a new large park on donated Buschlen land, put in a large pool, move log cabins on it, (would be a appropriate setting for the cabins). add a paved bike/walk paths through out. having lots of space, can have all recreations! plus a parking area/restrooms, pavelions etc. the city park is small, can't do much else with it and in city congestion area, old boring. 17. Bike/Walking Path away from traffic for kids/adults would be an excellent addition. Many people, myself included, travel to the schools facility so that they may bike with their children in a safer environment. Although my family does use the inline skating rink from time to time, it does seem like it could be put to better use in some way. It would also be nice to have somewhere for the teen population to go away from where children/toddlers like to play- I have avoided the city park in the evenings because of the older kids hanging around there. Playground equipment at Wilcox is outdated and I question the safety of the slide/climbing area. 18. add more pavilions and outdoor grills. maybe put in a disc golf course 19. We need to bring more vendors into our Farmer's Market. People like the Music in the Park, but the Farmer's Market has gotten to be quite a negative blemish for the City of Bad Axe. Why were Grants not sought after like other Cities and Municipalities around the State of Michigan? 20. cleaner - drinking water - swimming pool 21. A pool has been needed for years. There needs to be more for young people to do that is legal. 22. Work on the development of camp sites. 23. make a little kids playground 24. Hiking trails. Dog park. 25. WOULD LIKE TO SEE BIKE PATH 26. Wilcox park needs some improved play ground equipment. 27. The restrooms, 28. The playground equipment at Wilcox Park needs to be updated. It's dangerous. 29. get rid of the porta johns...

58 30. "It would be nice to have some walking or biking trails. I have been past the park at night and there has been some loitering by suspicious looking people. I believe some people with small children may be afraid to go there and some parents may be apprehensive to let their older children go alone. It would be nice if the Parks and Rec would organize a bus trip to cedar point a couple times throughout the summer. I know there a Tigers trips and Casino trips but I really think the younger people would go for the Cedar Point trip (or Michigans Adventure)" 31. increase the size of the parks, maybe add another smaller park elsewhere. 32. Enclosed dog park. 33. Dog Park 34. Modern clean look with the goal of preserving the local flavor. 35. HIRE KATHLEEN LAIGNEL AS THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF PARKS AND RECREATIONS; SHE IS A CMU GRADUATE ( ) WITH A BACHELOR'S IN COMMERCIAL RECREATION AND FACILITY MANAGEMENT WITH MINORS IN MARKETING AND SPANISH. CURRENTLY, SHE IS THE ASST DIRECTOR FOR PARISI TRAINING/SALES AS WELL AS A FITNESS INSTRUCTOR, CERTIFIED ZUMBA INSTRUCTOR, AND EVENTS PLANNER FOR THE MID- ATLANTIC ATHLETIC CLUB IN KINGSTON, NY. SHE IS A HURON COUNTY NATIVE AND WOULD LOVE TO RETURN TO HURON COUNTY. SHE CAN BE REACHED AT FIREWORKS 37. buy more land ( empty lot at Watkins & Cleveland) could be a dog park 38. Safety of Play ground equipment. 39. Dog Park 40. Not sure at this time 41. You need to stop having programs that cater to the people with money, poor people use the park also. 42. install a 18 hole--or even bigger--discgolf course Make restrooms available 44. Add bicycle/jogging/fitness trails & a dog park where (friendly) dogs could run loose and be fenced in. 45. work on the girls baseball teams...better management!!!! and score boards working for there games also 46. add a disc golf course 47. Repair and Clean Main Bath rooms. Improve acces to inline rink. Devlop area around inline rink. 48. add a pool and restrooms at the city park rather than having to go to the library. there are times that the library isnt open that the park is in use

59 49. Extend the length of the day camp hours. 50. Have adult leagues of some sport in the summer 51. Make better use of Pioneer Log Village. It is a city asset and could be used to promote the city. 52. Consider building a large wooden playscape like some of the other Michigan cities have. 53. DO MORE FOR THE ADULTS 54. Have more programs for kids who don't have enough to do. It would be best if the programs were free (grants would be needed), because the most at-risk kids in town also seem to be from financially strapped families. A youth center with activities would be great. 55. Add more equipment to the play ground area. Sign that includes names of the people and organizations that made monetary donations and volunteered time to the existing playscape. 56. "Pioneer Log Cabins! Seriously needs some improvement- should be open at least the Weekends for people to view & learn about! Historical Society- What is happening with that! That should also be available on the Weekends at least for peoples viewing! Not just open during special events like: Pioneer Log Cabin Days or the Hatchet Festival!" 57. Add more parks 58. better lighting drinking fountains comfortable seating 59. More activities for kids; miss the outdoor skating rink. 60. update playground equipment at Wilcox park. That stuff is ancient. 61. need more paths to get to the park from all areas Old City Hall Apply for grant funds to restore the Old City Hall; move the Bad Axe Historical Museum from upstairs to lower floor level for public access; promote the history of the City of Bad Axe by featuring City Hall one of the FEW remaining Bad Axe landmarks. There are numerous historical items let them be seen by the public. 63. Swimming pool to offer classes locally.

60 Appendix C Potential Funding Sources for Parks and Recreation Projects City of Bad Axe Recreation Plan

61 SOURCES OF RECREATION GRANT FUNDING IN MICHIGAN Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) Match requirement minimum of 25% Development grants Minimum Grant Request $15,000 Maximum Grant Request $500,000 Acquisition grants No minimum or maximum Goals of MNRTF Board Resource Protection very important Water Access Community Recreation Urban Recreation Economic Development Due annually on April 1 (secondary application for acquisition only in August) Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Administered by MNRTF 50% match required Minimum grant request $30,000 ($60,000 project total) Maximum grant request $100,000 ($200,000 project total) Funds a wide variety of outdoor recreation projects Applications due annually on April 1 Michigan Department of Transportation - Transportation Enhancement Funds For non-motorized transportation (paths) and rehabilitation and operation of historic transportation buildings, structures, or facilities (bridges, railroad depot, etc.) 20% minimum match required, 40% recommended Eligible applicants include county road commissions, cities, and villages. Other organizations may sponsor applications (i.e. County Road Commission or local MDOT office sponsors a township application) Rolling on-line application process Go to Projects and Programs. Great Lakes Fisheries Trust (GLFT) Objective improve or create shore-based Great Lakes recreational access. Must be located on the Great lakes or lower portions of major tributaries Matching funds not required but projects with local funding will be favored. Relatively simple application form and requirements Due in early September 1

62 Michigan Coastal Zone Management (CZM) Objectives - Protect, manage and restore coastal communities and habitats - Restore historic structures - Revitalize urban waterfronts - Increase recreational opportunities along Michigan s Great Lakes coast Applicant must be a coastal unit of government Maximium grant request - $50,000 Match requirements 50% (some flexibility in match for non-construction projects that result in changes to local master plans or zoning ordinances, regional greenways, or include conservation planning) Eligible projects o Studies, Designs and Land Use Plans must have a direct connection to coastal planning and/or resource protection. o Construction boardwalks, trails, lighthouse preservation, habitat restoration, scenic overlook, etc. Due annually on May 1 Other grant programs to consider: Saginaw Bay Watershed Initiative Network (WIN) Five focus areas: o Agriculture and Pollution Prevention o Communication / Regional Marketing o Land Use o Water Resources o Wildlife Stewardship Coastal Program Great Lakes US Fish and Wildlife Service Grants to conserve fish and wildlife and their habitats and to support healthy coastal ecosystems Rolling application process Specific sports and sports foundations United States Tennis Association (USTA) - funding for tennis courts and programs - Major League Baseball - Baseball Tomorrow Fund - United States Soccer - 2

63 Safe Routes to School For projects near elementary and middle schools: - Sidewalks - Traffic calming and speed reduction - Pedestrian and bicycle crossing improvements - On-street and off-street bicycle facilities - Off-street pedestrian facilities - Traffic diversion improvements in the vicinity of schools Need to complete the safe routes planning process to apply Trust for Public Land (TPL) Conservation Transactions TPL helps structure, negotiate, and complete land transactions that create parks, playgrounds, and protected natural areas. TPL serves as an independent agent, buying land from willing landowners and then transferring it to public agencies, land trusts, or other groups for protection. In some instances, TPL will protect land through conservation easements, which restrict development but permit traditional uses such as farming and ranching. Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) Nonpoint Source Pollution Control Grants Must be part of a watershed management plan Projects aimed at reducing nonpoint source pollution (streambank and shoreline stabilization, rain gardens, erosion control, conservation easements) - Go to Surface Water and then to Non-point Source Pollution. Community Foundations Private Foundations and Endowments Wickes Foundation Strosacker Foundation Gerstacker Foundations KEEP IN MIND Match requirements can usually be in-kind services, donations, or cash, Most grants are provided on a reimbursable basis. Barrier free accessibility is usually required for improvement projects, Multiple partners, multiple jurisdictions can be viewed favorably think regional projects. Grant applications can be complicated, detailed and competitive. Make sure your grant writer is familiar with the grant and funding source. Learn as much as possible ahead of time to know if your project has potential for funding. 3

64 Appendix D Adoption Documentation City of Bad Axe Recreation Plan

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