A 2018-2023 Parks and Recreation Master Plan Kochville ... · Parks and Recreation Master Plan 2018 - 2023 Summer 2018 Prepared by OHM Advisors. ... as well as an evaluation of opportunities

K o c h v i l l e T o w n s h i pParks and Recreation Master Plan

2018-2023

K o c h v i l l e T o w n s h i p P a r k s a n d R e c r e a t i o n C o m m i t t e e P a r k s a n d R e c r e a t i o n M a s t e r P l a n 2 0 1 8 - 2 0 2 3

S u m m e r 2 0 1 8

P r e p a r e d b y O H M A d v i s o r s

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A 2018-2023 PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN KOCHVILLE TOWNSHIP

Kochville Township

PARKS AND RECREATION

MASTER PLAN 2018-2023

Kochville Township Board of Trustees

Jim Loiacano Township Supervisor Kevin Machata Clerk

Sally Knowlton Treasurer

Rhonda Ferrell Trustee

Ed Thon Trustee

Kochville Township Park and Recreation Committee

Spencer Lindenberg Chair Kevin Machata Parks and Recreation Committee Liaison

Mary Breeden Secretary

Debra LaFond Member

Chuck Pappas Member Public Workshops: March 7 and April 4, 2018

Recommended by Parks and Recreation Committee: November 7, 2018

Public Hearing and Adoption by Township Board: December 17, 2018

T a b l e o f C o n t e n t s

K o c h v i l l e T o w n s h i p P a r k s a n d R e c r e a t i o n M a s t e r P l a n

Cover...........................................................................................................Page 1Title Sheet....................................................................................................Page 2Acknowledgment...........................................................................................Page 3Table of Contents...........................................................................................Page 4Chapter 1 - Community Description..................................................................Page 7Chapter 2 - Administrative Structure and Funding.............................................Page 15Chapter 3 - Parks and Recreation Inventory.....................................................Page 19Chapter 4 - Basis for Action................................................. ........................Page 34Chapter 5 - Action Plan................................................................................Page 39Appendix A - Public Involvement..........................................................................N/AAppendix B - Township Approvals and Resolutions..................................................N/A Appendix C - District Planning Commissions...........................................................N/A

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The 2018-2023 Kochville Township Parks and Recreation Master Plan was prepared

by the Kochville Township Parks and Recreation Committee and adopted by the

Kochville Township Board to serve as a guide and decision making document for

future recreation facilities and programs. The Plan presents an inventory of existing

facilities and programs within the community, as well as an evaluation of

opportunities and needs. The Plan considers the existing facilities in and around the

community, as well as the anticipated demand for additional or improved facilities

and programs. The Plan also includes goals, objectives and a 5-Year Action Plan.

The jurisdiction of this Recreation Master Plan includes Kochville Township solely.

Map 1 shows the Township locations.

The Plan is also intended to enable Kochville Township to apply for funding assistance

from various agencies to work toward implementing the documented

recommendations. This Plan provides five years of grant eligibility with the Michigan

Department of Natural Resources.

Plan Summary

Provided below is a general description of the planning and public input process used

for the preparation of this plan.

The necessary data to begin the creation of the plan was collected from various

sources including: current Township master plans, past Five Year Parks and

Recreation Plans, resident and staff input, and field observations.

The Community Description includes a brief introduction to the Kochville Township

area.

The Administrative Structure section describes how parks and recreation is

governed and operated within the Township. This includes information gathering,

staff responsibilities, the function of the Committee and the Board, and a fiscal

analysis (as it relates to recreation) of the last few years.

The Parks and Recreation Inventory provides an inventory of the recreational

facilities and programs provided for the residents of Kochville Township. This

information was collected in May 2018. The location of each facility is defined,

described, and mapped.

The Basis for Action section of the document analyzes factors inside and outside of

the community that may have an effect on the direction of the recreation over the

next five years. This portion of the plan provides the rationale for the goals,

guidelines and recommended capital improvements. Several factors were analyzed

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including current recreation trends, comparison of recreational opportunities to

acreage and facility standards, service area gaps, existing plans and reports, and

results of the community workshops, community survey, staff and Park and

Recreation Committee’s input. The draft Basis for Action was presented to the Parks

and Recreation Committee for their review on June 20, 2018.

Two Public Workshops were held to gain public input. These were held March 7

and April 4, 2018 at the Kochville Veterans Hall. Residents were notified about the

workshop through a variety of methods including flyers in resident’s water bill, a

notice in the local newspaper, Township webpage, electronic sign at the Township

Hall, Facebook Page, and announcements made at Township meetings. Input from

these meetings are found within the Appendix, including advertising details.

The Draft Five Year Parks and Recreation Plan was made available for public

review between July 12 and August 12, 2018 at the Township Hall. A notice of the

plan being available for review was advertised in the local newspaper.

The Action Plan outlines the direction that Kochville Township would like to take

over the next five years in order to maintain and improve recreational opportunities

within the community. The Action Plan includes goals and objectives, as well as a

Capital Improvement schedule. The draft Action Plan was presented to the

Kochville Parks and Recreation Committee on June 20, 2018 for review, discussion

and consensus.

Public Hearing and Adoption by Township Board December 17, 2018

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Community DescriptionKochville Township Parks

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Community Description

OVERVIEW

Kochville Township encompasses 18.0 square miles or 12,032 acres and is located

in northern Saginaw County. The Township is bordered on the east by Zilwaukee

and Zilwaukee Township, Carrollton Township and the City of Saginaw to the south,

Saginaw Township to the west, and Tittabawassee Township to the north. Kochville

Township is located within 10 miles of the City of Bay City and Saginaw Bay, which

is a part of Lake Huron.

The Township is home to Saginaw Valley State University, which lies along the

northern border and is the only public university in Saginaw County. The

Tittabawassee Road Corridor is the region’s major commercial artery, which lies

along the Township’s southern border. The remainder of the Township is mostly

rural or agricultural in land use. The Green Point Environmental Learning Center and

the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge are just two of the numerous regional

recreational facilities nearby.

KochvilleTownship

City ofZilwaukee

SaginawCharter

Township

TittabawasseTownship

N * Not to Scale

Location of the Kochville TownshipSaginaw County, MI

Map 1

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PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

1. Environmental Features

The Township is relatively flat. The land has been modified from its natural

state as the Township was developed. Kochville Township lies in the Great

Lakes Bay Region of Mid-Michigan. The Township lies 604 feet above sea

level. The soil survey for the Township indicates the presence of Tappan loam

soils. As a result of the Tappan loam complex deposits, the soils do not

typically drain well when wet.

2. Climate

The climate of the region is characterized by cool and humid weather

conditions. During the winter, the average low temperature is 15 degrees

Fahrenheit while the average summer high temperature is 83 degrees. Annual

rainfall is approximately 31 inches with the heaviest occurrences during the

months of May, June and July. The areas annual snowfall is 44 inches.

Snowfall is sporadic, which makes it difficult to sustain outdoor winter

activities that require adequate snowfall. Prevailing winds are from the

southwest, and tornados, while known to occur occasionally, are not frequent.

The climate in the Township is affected by the numerous large bodies of water

in the immediate vicinity. Area water resources include the Saginaw Bay of

Lake Huron, the Saginaw River, and the Tittabawassee River. In addition,

there are 0.23 square miles of inland water areas within the Township.

3. Existing Land Use Characteristics and Zoning

The Township is a mix of land uses. Higher intensity commercial uses are

located on the southeastern border of the Township and a smaller area of

industrial uses along the eastern border near Interstate 675. Agricultural uses

compose the majority of the interior portion of the Township, along with

residential and vacant land. Public, semi‐public, and institutional uses can be

found in the northeastern area of the Township. Within the residential area,

particularly in the eastern half of the Township, there are a number of vacant

parcels of land which are targeted for low density transitional residential in

the future. This may lead to the greater need for trail connectivity to parks

in the eastern portion of the Township.

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4. Transportation

Roads

Located in between Bay City and Saginaw, the Township is served by a

developed street network. Freeland Road, a major east/west route, not only

serves as the Township’s northern boundary, but is also a physical boundary

between Saginaw County and Bay County. Bay Road is the major north/south connector that traverses through the Township. This four lane boulevard, two

lanes in each direction, carries approximately 70,000 vehicular trips per day.

Tittabawassee Road serves as the southern boundary of the Township and

a major east/west route that is home to a regional commercial corridor. In

addition to this transportation network, Interstate 675 travels north/south through the Township with an on/off exit serving Tittabawassee Road.

The street network of the Township is laid out on the grid system which allows

efficient access to internal Township streets as well as the regional street network. There are seven major north/south streets that extend through

the Township from Freeland to Tittabawassee Roads and four major east/west

streets that extend from N Michigan to Hospital Roads.

Buses The Township is serviced by two public bus agencies. The Saginaw Transit

Authority Regional Services (STARS) operates two routes, Monday-Friday,

near the Bay Road/Tittabawassee Road area, with one route extending north

on Bay Road to Saginaw Valley State University. The STARS bus route

connects with a bus route provided by the Bay Metropolitan Transportation

Authority (BMTA) which provides bus service from Bay City to Saginaw Valley State University, Monday-Friday.

Railroads

Two freight‐only railroads travel through the Township. The CSX Railroad

travels through the extreme southwest portion of the Township and the CM

Railroad travels through the northeastern portion of the township, both in the

north/south direction. Neither railroad provides passenger service.

Airports

MBS International Airport, located 1.5 miles west of Kochville Township

provides passenger airline service by two major airlines.

Pedestrian Circulation

The Township, being largely rural in nature, does not have an extensive

sidewalk system. However, sidewalks are provided in some commercial and

residential areas, and on the Saginaw Valley State University Campus, and the Non-Motorized Trail connects the commercial area to the University.

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5. Historic and Cultural Features

Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum The Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum is located on the campus of

Saginaw Valley State University. The Museum celebrates the life and works

of Detroit based sculptor Marshall M. Fredericks. The Museum is open to

the public.

Demographic Characteristics

The following is a demographic report of Kochville Township, which reveals some

unique characteristics of the community. Age, household, ethnicity and disability

statistics for the Township are included. The demographic makeup of the community

helps determine the quality and quantity of the Township’s facilities and programs

necessary to serve Kochville residents.

Population. The data indicates that the Township’s population is increasing and

estimates have the population of Kochville remaining at and around mark from the

2010 census. This trend can be explained through the natural births and deaths but

can also be affected from people moving into the Township. The population has

steadily increased based on data from more recent censuses as is shown in Table

1.1. Kochville Township has seen a population increase of 1,837 people between the

years of 2000 and 2010.

Table 1.1: Change in Community Population 2000-2010

Kochville Township, Michigan - Overview 2010 Census 2000 Census 2000-2010 Change

Counts Percentage Counts Percentage Change Percentage

Total Population 5,078 100.00% 3,241 100.00% 1,837 56.68% Source: U.S. Census Bureau

As shown in Table 1.2, since 2000, most of the surrounding communities have begun

to increase in population while some of the communities and the County and the

State themselves are on the decline. This is attributed to the slow economic and job

recovery, attraction of residents from the City of Detroit, as well as an overall

decrease in household size. Looking at recent estimates, the positive or negative

change at the local, county, and state level is marginally different from the 2010

Census.

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Table 1.2: Population Trends 2000-2010

Area 2016 (Estimate) 2010 Census 2000 Census

2000-2010

Change

Location Count Change Count Percentage Count Percentage Count Change

Kochville

Township 5,030 -0.95% 5,078 100% 3,241 100% 1,837 56.88%

Saginaw

Township 40,053 -1.93% 40,840 100% 39,657 100% 1,183 2.98%

Tittabawassee

Township 9,804 0.80% 9,726 100% 7,706 100% 2,020 26.21%

City of Saginaw 49,892 -3.14% 51,508 100% 61,799 100% -10291 -16.65%

Saginaw County 195,201 -2.48% 200,169 100% 210,039 100% -9,870 -4.7%

Michigan 9,909,600 0.26% 9,883,640 100% 9,938,444 100% -54,804 -0.55%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau

Housing. Households are defined as a person or group of people occupying a

housing unit. The number of households in Kochville is expected to increase as

indicated in Table 1.3. Average household size, defined as the number of persons

per household, has been varied and this trend is expected to continue. The Township’s growth has slowed but remained consistent as evidenced by the

population projections. The constant in population and the increase in households

will mean additional demands for current residents and increased maintenance for

aging facilities as well as the potential for those in the market moving into the

township. The leveling of household size will create a more dispersed population if housing densities do not increase accordingly. Future parks and facilities will need to be dispersed accordingly.

Table 1.3: Housing Distribution

Population 2000 Census 2010 Census 2016 (Estimate)

Total 3,241 5,078 5,030

Households 2000 Census 2010 Census 2016 (Estimate)

Total 990 1,059 1,285

Household Size 2000 Census 2010 Census 2017 (Estimate)

Size 2.46 2.51 2.4 Source: U.S. Census Bureau

Households are classified as Families with Children, Families without Children, and Non-families, which include persons living alone and two or more non-related

persons living in the same home. In Kochville, 61.4% of households are classified

as Family households and 38.6% as Non-Families. Roughly 94% of households range

from 1 to 4 person households. The composition of households in Kochville Township

is important to help plan the facilities and programs in a manner that is consistent with these characteristics and include all age groups.

Age Distribution. An understanding of the age distribution in the Township is

essential in planning for future recreational needs. As we pass through the various

stages of life, our activity requirements change resulting in the need for different facilities and programs. Each of these groups requires different facilities and

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programs. The Parks and Recreation Committee and the Township Board should

adapt to address the different needs of an aging population while at the same time account for the youth and adults in the community. Healthy living, recreational, and

cultural opportunities play a major role in where people choose to live, raise families, and retire.

Table 1.4: Community Age Distribution 2000-2010

Kochville, Michigan - Overview 2000 Census 2010 Census 2000-2010 Change

Counts Percentages Counts Percentages Change Percentages

Population by Age

Persons 0 to 4 years 143 4.4% 102 2.0% -41 -28.67%

Persons 5 to 19 years 983 29% 1963 38.7% 980 99.7%

Persons 20 to 64 years 1,885 58.2% 2668 52.3% 783 41.53%

Persons 65 years and over 400 8.5% 345 6.7% -55 -13.75% Source: U.S. Census Bureau

Community Ethnicity. Kochville Township population is predominantly white,

accounting for 86.4%. While the number of minorities makes up only a small

percentage of the population, there has been an increase in the minority population in the last ten years.

Table 1.5: Race Distribution 2000-2010

Kochville, Michigan - Overview 2000 Census 2010 Census 2000-2010 Change

Counts Percentages Counts Percentages Change Percentages

Population by Race

American Indian and Alaska native alone 7 .2% 28 0.60% 21 300%

Asian alone 67 2.1% 143 2.8% 76 113.43%

Black or African American alone 207 6.4 404 8.0% 197 95.17%

Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific native alone 1 0.01% 0 0.00% -1 -0.01%

Some other race alone 44 1.4% 34 0.70% -10 -22.73%

Two or more races 49 1.5% 83 1.6% 34 69.39%

White alone 2,866 88.4% 4,386 86.4% 1,520 53.04% Source: U.S. Census Bureau

Economic Characteristics. Persons over the age of 16 within the Township are

estimated to be 4,707. In the labor force there are 2,783 people and 298

unemployed. This leaves 1,924 people over 16 not in the labor force. In recent

census estimates, families below the poverty level are projected to be around 7.5% and all people estimated at 23.7%. This suggests that access to regional recreational

facilities, services, and programs is limited. Thus, the need for accessible quality

public recreation facilities is important. The median family income of Kochville is roughly 65,000 while the mean is 72,500.

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Administrative Structure & FundingKochville Township Parks

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Administrative Structure

The Parks and Recreation Committee operates under the Kochville Township Board

of Trustees. In Kochville Township, voters elect the Township Board of Trustees.

The Parks and Recreation Committee is an appointed body and consists of five

residents who oversee the broader operational standards and help develop goals

and policies for the Kochville Township Parks System. Committee members are

appointed to four‐year terms. The Kochville Township Department of Public Works

is responsible for maintaining the daily operation of the Township Parks System,

including lawn mowing, pathway maintenance, and brush clearing. For additional

help the Parks and Recreation Committee must rely on volunteers. The funding for

the Parks and Recreation Committee and Department of Public Works is

administered by the Township Board of Trustees.

The duties of the Parks and Recreation Committee, as defined in the Township Code

of Ordinances is to conduct long-range planning aimed at improving, maintaining,

and supervising parks and recreational facilities in the Township including the

development of areas into parks and other recreational facilities. See following

graphic.

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Funding is provided by the Township Board through the Township’s general fund.

Parks and Recreation Revenues and Expenditures is displayed below.

Table 2.1: Kochville Township Parks and Recreation Budget

Revenues 2017 2018 2019

General Fund – Property Tax $43,666.96 $54,218.79 $59,570.00

Donations $0 $0 $0

Rental Fees – Recreation Facilities $4,970.00 $4,970.00 $3,000.00

Total $48,636.96 $59,188.79 $62,570.00

Expenditures 2017 2018 2019

Per Diem - Park Commissioners $2,000 $2,000 $2,000

Wages – Rec. Bldg. and Grounds $23,473.09 $31,284.89 $20,370.00

Supplies & Expense $7,220.58 $7,140.34 $10,000

Liability Insurance $620.57 $62 $200

Utilities $2,612.71 $9,350.78 $10,000

Repairs & Maintenance -‐ Other $12,710.01 $9,350.78 $10,000

Capital Outlay $0 $0 $10,000

Total $48,636.96 $59,188.79 $62,570.00

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Parks and Recreation InventoryKochville Township Parks

Kochville Township Parks and School

Location Map

Map 2 A

Park

School

Key

Trail*

ElmerLange Park

Krossroads/Rainbow Park

Kochville Pathway

Saginaw Valley State University

N * Not to Scale *Refer to Kochville Pathway

Map for entire trail system

.4 mi

N

Kochville PathwayLocation Map

Elmer LangePark

Kochville Township Hall

Kochville Veterans Hall Krossroads/

Rainbow Park Kochville Pathway

Town Facilities

Parks

Key

Map 2 B

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Parks and Recreation Inventory

An inventory of existing local and regional recreation facilities was conducted by

planners from McKenna Associates, with additional input from members of the Parks

and Recreation Committee. The regional inventory consisted of review and

compilation of regional park facilities. An inventory of playground equipment and

park facilities was recorded and reviewed with regard to location, acreage, quantity,

quality, accessibility, and condition. The following is a list of these facilities:

Parks

Elmer Lange Memorial Park

Krossroads/Rainbow’s End Park

Multi-Use Trailway

Table 3.1 is an inventory of the Township’s parks. The park graphics, located within

each park description, indicate the location and park boundary of sites. Data included

in Table 3.1 is summarized and included in the following evaluation:

Service Areas: 1 = none of the facilities/park areas meet accessibility guidelines

CP = Community Park

LP = Linear Park 2 = some of the facilities/park areas meet accessibility guidelines

NP = Neighborhood Park

SU = Special Use/Conservancy Park 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 principals of universal design

Legend

X = Present

* = Non - Applicable

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

X X

* Good

Good

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

** *

*

X

X

*

*

*

*

X

*

X

X

*

X

X

X

X

X

*

*

*

X

X

** * * * *

*

*

*

** * * *

* *

* * ** * * *

Kochville Township Pathway Kochville Twnshp * 3 LP * *

* *Krossroads/Rainbow's End Park Kochville Twnshp 13 5 CP * * * *

* * * *

Elmer Lang Memorial Park Kochville Twnshp 36 2 CP

Stu

dio

Swim

min

g P

oo

l

Teen

Ce

nte

r

Ten

nis

Co

urt

s

Pic

nic

Are

as

Pla

ygro

un

d

Res

tro

om

s

Shu

ffle

bo

ard

Sle

dd

ing

Hill

Socc

er

* *X * * * * X

Ice

Ska

tin

g R

inks

* *

Wat

er

Par

k

Cu

rren

t C

on

dit

ion

Trac

k

Vo

lleyb

all

Good

Co

nce

ssio

ns

Cro

ss-C

ou

ntr

y Sk

iing

Dis

c G

olf

Dri

vin

g R

ange

Table 3.1

Park and Recreation Inventory - City of Kochville

Recreational Areas Location Acr

es

Acc

essi

bili

ty

Bas

eb

all/

Soft

bal

l

Bas

ketb

all C

ou

rts

Nat

ure

Ce

nte

r

Nat

ure

/Wal

kin

g Tr

ails

Par

kin

g

Pav

ilio

n

Fitn

ess

Ce

nte

r

Foo

tbal

l

Go

lf C

ou

rse

Gym

nas

ium

Serv

ice

Are

a

Am

ph

ith

eate

r

Ho

rse

sho

es

In-L

ine

Ho

ckey

Mee

tin

g R

oo

ms

Co

nce

rt V

enu

e

Elmer Lange Park

Elmer Lange Park(Community Park).

Elmer Lange is widely used for all types of sports and recreation. Field sports, sledding, jogging and walking, are all characteristic of the community park. The park is directly connected to the Kochville Pathway.

Size: 44.5 acres

Age Groups Served: All Ages

Location: Behind the Kochville Township offices at 5851 Mackinaw Road.

Facilities: One ball field, swing set and playground, sledding hill, pavilion with picnic area, walking trails, and parking. The majority of the park is open field mainly used for soccer but is multi-use and adaptable.

Accessibility: Accessibility ranking - 2. Due to gravel road not being ADA accessible, that heads to the Kochville Pathway.

DNR Recreation Grants: None awarded to date.

N * Not to Scale

Krossroads/Rainbow Park

Krossroads/Rainbow Park (Community Park). The popular Krossroads/Rainbow park is the newest addition to the Township’s recreational facilities. The prized playground is the first universally accessible playground in the Tri-county area and the walking trail offers scenic views. Located a half mile North of Tittabawassee Road on Fashion Square Boulevard, users have access to restrooms and the Kochville Pathway, as well as a picnic pavilion area.

N * Not to Scale

Size: 13 acres

Age Groups Served: All Ages

Location: Towards the Southeast corner of the Township, a half mile North of Tittabawassee Road on Fashion Square Boulevard.

Facilities: Within the playground there are multiple play structures with swings and slides offering a variety of use across a wide span of ages. Picnic tables, benches and pavilion use make up the frontage of the park along with restrooms and park-ing. While the half mile loop walking trail in the back connects to the Kochville pathway.

Accessibility: ranking - 5. The entire park was developed with the principals of uni-versal design.

DNR Recreation Grants: None awarded to date.

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Regional Recreational Facilities/Attractions

Regional recreation areas are large facilities serving people within a broad

geographic area. The region has been defined as the area within roughly an hour

driving radius of Kochville Township. The size and type of facilities vary, but in

general these facilities are 200 acres or more in size. The regional park facilities

closest to Kochville Township include Crow Island State Game Area and William H.

Haithco Recreation Area.

Nayanquing Point Wildlife Center. One of Michigan’s Seven Wetland Wonders,

the Nayanquing Point State Wildlife Area to provide hunting opportunities for

waterfowl hunters; to provide hunting opportunities for other wildlife species

when possible; and to provide opportunity for non-hunting related recreation.

Size: 1,505 acres

Age Groups Served: Predominantly adults

Location: 3 miles north of Linwood, on the western shore of Saginaw Bay

in Bay County

Facilities: Stopping point on the Saginaw Bay Birding Trail, bird

observation tower, impounded agricultural units of marshland, wetland

coastal marsh, and upland.

River Trails Heritage Park. The Park boasts approximately 6,000 feet of river

frontage. This Park is an attractive place for people who want to fish and enjoy

wildlife along the Tobacco and Tittabawassee Rivers. This property was

acquired by Midland County Parks and Recreation in 1999.

Size: 87 acres.

Age Groups Served: All ages.

Location: Edenville Township.

Facilities: Nature trails, fishing area, small picnic area.

Pine Haven Recreation Area: Miles and miles of wooded trails built on 325

acres of the most diverse terrain in Midland County. Pine Haven was

originally built as a cross-country ski area but now it is open to hiking,

and mountain biking. Managed by Midland County but is owned by the

State of Michigan and hunting is allowed on this land.

Size: 325 acres.


Location: Located off North Saginaw Road in Sanford.

Facilities: Trails.

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Sanford Lake Park. A boat launch with 3 slips to choose from and park your

boat at the mooring docks, try out the floating kayak and canoe launch, it's

easy in and easy out. Sanford Lake is great for fishing, skiing or pleasure

boating. A spray play park for the youngsters, a new fishing pier, revamped

boating facilities, and dramatically improved accessibility for persons with

disabilities are a few of the planned upgrades.

Size: 154 acres.


Location: Irish Street Sanford.

Facilities: Spray Park, Disc Golf, Horseshoe Pits, Fishing Pier, Boat

Launch, Pavilions to rent, Beach, Concessions, Beach Volleyball, and a

Playground.

Veterans County Park: Park connected to the Pere Marquette Rail-Trail this

Park provides picnic and trail opportunities in a wooded lot with parking

opportunities throughout.

Size: 130 acres.

Age Groups Served: Predominantly youth.

Location: Jerome Township, just west of Sanford.

Facilities: Gymnasium, large playscape, basketball hoops, ball diamond,

and large grass field with soccer goal posts.

Manitou Park. This Park provides non-motorized boating access to the

Chippewa River. Closed November 1st to May 1st.

Size: 85 acres.


Location: Midland.

Facilities: Canoe/Kayak boat launch, river overlook, restrooms, picnic

area, and parking.

Tobico Marsh State Game Area. The riverwalk spans O’Donnell, Millpond, and

Rackham Parks and was funded under MDNR Grant #88-160. The grant was

to acquire the land connecting the parks and the land is still in use as the

walkway.

Size: 1,848 acres.

Age Groups Served: Predominantly Adults. Varies.

Location: A part of the Bay City Recreation Area, just North of Bay City.

Facilities: Multi use trail, paved trail, two trailheads, vault toilets,

parking, and a small shelter.

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Bay City State Recreation Area. The park spans a thousand feet of sandy

beach, over 2,000 acres of wetland woods, meadows, marsh, and savannah

prairies, encompassing the Tobico Marsh Game Area. Known for a wide variety

of bird life and staging area for migratory birds. The whole area is a haven for

wetland wildlife and plants.

Size: 2,100 acres.


Location: North of Bay City on the shore of Saginaw Bay.

Facilities: 10,000 sq. ft. visitor center with auditorium, observation

towers, camping, picnic, shelters, trails, fishing pier, restrooms,

parking.

Crow Island State Game Area. Lying within the Saginaw Bay lake plain, the

emergent wetlands serve as habitat for a range of migratory birds, hunted

game and non-game. The game area is a marvel of nature and wildlife and

bountiful for sportsmen.

Size: 3,489 acres.

Age Groups Served: Predominately Adults.

Location: Along the Saginaw River spanning portions of Saginaw and

Bay Counties.

Facilities: Habitat management of wildlife, hunting and fishing, parking.

William H. Haithco Recreation Area. Saginaw County’s first swimming beach,

the beautiful Haithco Park offers opportunities to soak up the sun along the

sandy beach, fish along the shore, or swim in the 40 acre man-made lake.

Size: 76 acres.


Location: South of Kochville Township in Saginaw.

Facilities: Lake, sand volleyball, horseshoe pits, lake recreation rentals,

playground, fishing access, grills, pavilions, concessions, restrooms, and

parking.

Veteran’s Memorial park. A one and a half mile parkway on the Saginaw River,

located off M-13 and North of Zilwaukee. The park features picnic areas,

fishing, and boat launch access on the Saginaw River.

Size: 1.5 miles


Location: North Zilwaukee off of M-13.

Facilities: picnic, fishing access, boat launch.

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Ojibway Island. Saginaw’s island. A popular concert destination, Ojibway

Island has year round use. Walk trails along the river, cross-country ski, or

just relax at this wonderful property.

Size: 46 acres.


Location: Downtown Saginaw, along the river.

Facilities: Trails, picnic, fishing access, parking, boat docks.

Imerman Memorial Park. Located in Saginaw Township, Imerman Park is a

beautiful piece of land that resides next to the Tittabawassee River. A part of

the park is a dog friendly bark park. The park also features, pavilions, boat

launch, and children’s play area.

Size: 490 acres


Location: West Side Saginaw Charter Township.

Facilities: four picnic pavilions, play area, fishing dock, boat launch,

canoe rentals, volleyball, basketball, tennis, shuffleboard, horseshoe

pits, trail, and parking.

Greenpoint Nature Center. The Greenpoint Nature Learning Center is affiliated

with the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge that allows for the public to enjoy

restored grasslands which attract migrating songbirds, and learning center

displays of the interpretive center.

Size: 76 acres.

Age Groups: All ages.

Location: In Saginaw, across the Tittabawassee River from the

Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge.

Facilities: Nature Center, trails, boardwalk, parking, and restrooms.

Ringwood Forest. One of the most ruggedly beautiful of all parks, Ringwood

Forest is some of Michigan’s oldest plantings. Three miles of trail explore the

hilly terrain and towering spruce trees. The Park also provides access to the

Bad River.

Size: 160 acres


Location: St. Charles, MI. Southwest of Saginaw

Facilities: Trails, fishing access, canoe launch, pavilion, playground,

toilets, and parking.

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Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge’s mission is to preserve and

manage an undeveloped expanse of floodplain forest, marshes, rivers, and

associated habitat within an agricultural and urban landscape through habitat

management, encouraging public stewardship, educational programs, and

private land activites. Shiawassee Refuge is designated as a United States

Important Bird Area for its global significance to migratory waterfowl.

Size: 10,000 acres.


Location: Within Saginaw County, South of Saginaw.

Facilities: Hunting and Fishing access, trails, and parking.

Price Nature Center. Quiet location with lots of wildlife. Rustic restrooms,

playground, picnic pavilion, grills, nearly three miles of self-guided

nature/hiking/cross-country ski trails through its 186 acres. Group

campground.

Size: 186 acres.

Age Groups: All Ages.

Location: Located 5 miles South of Saginaw.

Facilities: Trails, picnic with restrooms, drinking water, children’s

playscape, pavilion, and group campground.

Buell Lake County Park. New and improved Buell Park offers fishing, boat

launch, pavilions, and the total park experience. The park has something for

everyone to enjoy!

Size: 213 acres.

Age Groups: All Ages.

Location: Ten miles Northeast of Flint.

Facilities: Ball diamonds, picnic and playground, fishing site, pavilions,

and a radio controlled model airplane field.

Fish Point Wildlife Area. Located in Unionville in the thumb of the state, Fish

Point offers beautiful scenery and hunting grounds for migratory birds. Apart

of the Fish Point Wildlife Association.

Size: 4,000 acres.

Age Groups: Predominately Adults.

Location: Unionville, Northeast of the State towards the thumb.

Facilities: migratory bird site, hunting ground, wildlife refuge.

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Saginaw Valley Rail Trail. The Saginaw Valley Rail Trail covers 10 miles of

abandoned rail corridor in Saginaw County, stretching from St. Charles to

Saginaw. It incorporates a number of natural features including: Eight bridges

over many rivers and creeks. Our trails starts at Lumberjack Park and run to

Martin Road and Benkert Road.

Size: 10 miles.


Location: St. Charles to Saginaw

Facilities: Rail Trail.

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Existing Regional Recreation Facilities

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River Trails Heritage Park

Nayanquing Point Wildlife Center

Pine Haven Recreational Area

Sanford Lake Park

Tobico Marsh State Game Area

Fish Point Wildlife Refuge

Vets Main Pavilion, Memorial Park

Bay City State Park

Manitou Park

Crow Island State Game Area

Imerman Memorial Park

Veteran’s Memorial Park

Ojibway Island

Greenpoint Nature Center

Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge

Price Nature Center

Ringwood Forest

Buell Lake County Park

William H. Haithco Recreation Area

Map 3

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Programming Inventory

Currently there are no recreational programs offered through the Township.

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Basis for ActionKochville Township Parks

DRAFT Parks and Recreation Master Plan 2014-2018 Kochville Township, Saginaw County

OHM Advisors Page 35

Basis for Action

Planning Method

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) has adopted a set of

standards, to determine the need for recreation facilities in each community. These

standards are based upon those developed by the National Parks and Recreation

Association. They are used to establish: (1) the specific recreation activity, such as

tennis courts or softball fields, that should be available based upon the population of

the community; and (2) the “service areas”, or number and type of parks that should

be available to residents within a certain distance of their homes. Each of these

standards will be applied to the existing inventory of recreation facilities to determine

if there are any deficiencies present. The results of this analysis will then be

incorporated into the Action Plan that will follow.

Specific Recreation Activities

The MDNR standards mentioned above are incorporated into Table 4.1. These

standards set forth guidelines for communities to follow when creating recreational

facilities. Their purpose is to ensure that all residents’ needs are met as adequately

as possible. It is the Township’s responsibility to meet these needs as efficiently as

practical, while understanding that these are guidelines; not rules that must be

followed blindly. The Township must also take into consideration the characteristics

of its community and the availability of nearby regional facilities before determining

whether a facility will be provided.

NRPA Recommend-ed Facilities

Kochville Township Facilities

Recommend-ed Need Surplus (Deficiency)

Basketball 1/5,000 0 1 (1)

Tennis Courts 1/2,000 0 1 (2)

Playgrounds 1/3,000 2 1 1

Bicycle Trails (Miles) 1/40,000 6 1 5

Baseball/Softball Fields 1/5,000 1 1 At Recommended Quantity

Football Fields 1/20,000 0 1 (1)

Soccer 1/10,000 1 1 At Recommended Quantity

Swimming Pool 1/20,000 0 1 (1)

Ice Hockey 1/100,000 0 1 (1)

Running Track 1/20,000 0 1 (1)

Picnic Areas

None

Published 2 - -



Table 4.2: Comparison to Accepted Standards

Recommended Minimum Acreage per 100

Residents

Existing Acreage

Recommended Acreage for the

Population

Surplus/ (Deficiency)

Mini-Parks 0.25 0 1.25 (1.25)

Neighborhood Parks 1 13 5 8

Community Parks 5 36 25 0

Regional Parks 5 0 25 (2)

Special Use Facilities Variable 0 Not Applicable 0

Linear Park Variable 6 Miles Not Applicable 0

Footnotes: 1. Based on National Recreation and Parks Association recommendations.

2. Includes all existing public acreage excluding school acreage.

3. Based on US Census 2010 Population of 5,078

Table 4 compares the existing community park land acreage to recommended

standards, based on current and projected population. The figures indicate that the

community has adequate neighborhood and community park acreage for the current

and projected population.

The system is deficient in the amount of acreage allocated for mini‐parks and

regional parks. According to accepted standards, the Township should contain about

1.25 acres of community parks and 25.0 acres of regional parks. Although many

facilities have been identified as satisfactory to Township residents’ needs, the

primary deficiencies include basketball, volleyball, tennis courts, and baseball fields.

The raw numbers do not address the quality of existing parks and recreation

facilities. Upon closer examination, deficiencies or limitations are apparent because

of the location, accessibility, maintenance, level of development and individual size

of existing park lands. These include:

1. Reliance on School Sites. There is cooperation between the Township and

Saginaw Valley State University for use of recreation facilities. Saginaw Valley

State University offers the use of their recreation center, the Ryder Center,

to Kochville Township residents at a discounted rate. The Ryder Center offers

many recreational opportunities including racquet ball, wallyball, basketball,

volleyball, floor hockey, broomball, indoor walking/jogging/running track,

weight training, and an Olympic size swimming pool. Although the Ryder

Center is the Township’s sole indoor recreation facility that is open to the

public, the membership fee may be unaffordable to some residents.



2. Accessibility Assessment. The Rainbow’s End Playground located at

Krossroads/Rainbow’s End Park is a fully accessible, boundless playground.

It serves people of all abilities including emotionally and physically impaired

children and adults. The existing playground located at Elmer Lange Memorial

Park is not completely accessible to children and adults with emotional and

physical impairments. Modern equipment with transfer points and ramps,

resilient surfacing, and accessible pathways are required to ensure

“integrated play” by all residents of the Township. The Township’s trail system

is accessible but, not always accessible to reach. There are limited designated

trailheads for trail access. Township recreation facilities we assessed and we

have included their ranking below (also found in Table 2).

3. Facility or Program Deficiencies. Facility or program deficiencies that were

identified by committee members and residents throughout the planning

process include the following:

Soil erosion at Krossroads/Rainbow’s End Park ponds, and the

deterioration of the walking path as a result of this erosion.

The absence of a more established revenue source for the

maintenance and upkeep of the parks facilities, such as a

dedicated millage.

Conclusions

Table 4.2 compares facilities available to recommended standards, based on a 2010

population of 5,078. The table reveals some deficiencies, some of which are being

addressed by recreation resources in the adjacent communities, like Saginaw

Township, the City of Saginaw and also communities to the north. Tennis, volleyball,

and basketball courts, a disc golf course, and football and soccer fields are examples

of deficiencies the Township can potentially address itself over the coming years,

assuming those items are in line with preferences and values of Township residents.

Also, since the completion of the 2009 Phase 2 Tri-County Regional Path Study

(covering Bay, Midland and Saginaw Counties), the Township has made progress on

improving the access and connectivity – for local and regional use – of the Kochville

Township Multi‐Use Path. Improvements to this non‐motorized trail system are on

tap for the coming years, including connecting the path to the Great Lakes Bay

Regional Trail system using Consumer’s Energy right‐of‐way, if the utility approves

of such use.

Park Key

Radius*

*Community park classi�cation serves a

quater mile radius

Kochville Township Parks Service Map

N1mi

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Action Plan Kochville Township Parks



Action Plan

The Action Plan outlines the direction that the Kochville Community would like to take

over the next five years in order to maintain and improve recreation opportunities

within the community. As it was described in the Basis for Action Section, a

community must base recreation improvement and service decisions on recreational

trends, national standards, existing facilities, community opinion, and the Township’s

land and fiscal capabilities.

Goals and Objectives

Goals and objectives were developed to assist in providing direction to the Parks and

Recreation Board, Township Board, and Township Staff. Goals statements describe

how the Township views its own future. These statements are long-term and meet

the following:

Providing guidance without too much detail;

Be realistic and achievable;

Inspire people to action.

The following Goals and Objectives were developed by discussing new issues the

community is facing, as well as input from the public workshops. They are listed in

no particular order of importance or priority.

1. Improve active outdoor recreational opportunities. Offer Township

residents a variety of activities that meet the needs of all segments of the

population including youth, young adults, families, the elderly, and persons with impairments. Maximize the use of parks and recreation facilities by

upgrading existing facilities to make them safer and more accessible.

a. Objective- Create master plans for Krossroads/Rainbow’s

End and Elmer Lange Parks that graphically depict future

improvements with considerations to cost feasibility. This

master plan will consider:

i. Dog Park;

ii. Upgrades or replacement to pavilion in Elmer Lange

Park;

iii. Concession stand at Elmer Lange Park;

iv. All season restroom facilities at Elmer Lange Park;

v. Construct a trail to allow ADA access to the multi-use

trail and create a trail along the perimeter of Elmer Lange Park;

vi. Tennis courts, volleyball courts, and ball field

improvements;

vii. Parking;

viii. Consideration to programming that appeals to multiple

generations and capitalizes on existing community



amenities;

ix. Landscaping.

b. Objective- Provide adequate maintenance and upkeep to

Krossroads/Rainbow’s End Park.

c. Objective- Explore additional water interaction recreation

opportunities Krossroads/Rainbow’s End Park ponds.

2. Improve Non-Motorized Connectivity in the Township. Improve the

accessibility to parks, recreation facilities, and programs by residents of the

Township particularly for youth, young adults, families, elderly, and persons

with impairments.

a. Objective- Continue to work with the Saginaw County Road

Commission to increase connectivity of the Multi-Use Path

and provide connections to the Great Lakes Bay Regional and

Iron Belle Trail systems.

b. Objective- Fix sections of the Multi-Use Path at

Krossroads/Rainbow’s End Park that have been

compromised due to soil erosion.

i. Objective- Improve drainage of the Multi-Use Path at

Elmer Lange Park.

c. Objective- Establish a bike share program near

Krossroads/Rainbow’s End Park for access to the Multi-

Use Path, hotels, nearby shopping amenities, and Saginaw

Valley State University.

3. Maintain Fiscal Responsibility. Develop parks and recreation facilities

and programs based on a sound fiscal policy. Consider the use of volunteers, state and federal funding programs, and other private funding sources.

a. Objective- Based on master plan and need, discuss seeking

out grant and endowment funding for park improvements at a

minimum of once a year.

4. Promote active living through Township parks and programs. Work

toward increasing the number of people involved in recreation, including

young adults, parents and senior citizens. Actively promote the new direction

of parks and recreation within the community. a. Objective- Create a recreational brochure/newsletter for

Township residents.

b. Objective- Develop 2-4 annual festivals (e.g., Winter Festival,

Easter Egg Hunt, Fourth of July Picnic, Halloween Event) to

bring the community together to celebrate existing recreation facilities.

c. Objective- Attract new volunteers to participate in Township

recreation programs and facilities.



Capital Improvement Schedule

Potential capital improvements for this recreation plan have been established not only

to provide a guide and foundation for decision makers, but also to enable the

Township to apply for grants. This schedule is not a fixed element and is not all

inclusive or exclusive. The schedule should be considered in close conjunction with

the goals and objectives of the plan.

Table 5.1: Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan

Year 1:

2018/2019 Capital Improvement Estimated Cost

Create Master Plan for Krossroads and

Elmer Lange Parks

$10,500

Eliminate Soil Erosion at Krossroads Park $10,000

Ensure there is adequate maintenance

and upkeep at Parks N/A

Continue to work with the Saginaw

County Road Commission to increase

connectivity of the Multi-Use Path and

provide connections to the Great Lakes

Bay Regional and Iron Belle Trail

systems.

N/A

Year 1 (2018/2019) TOTAL $20,500

Year 2:


Implementation of Park’s Master Plans

with consideration to:

Write grants for proposed funding $5,500

Dog Park at Elmer Lange Park $12,500

Replace pavilion at Elmer Lange Park $35,000

ADA access to the Multi-Use Trail system

from Elmer Lange Park

$12,000



Drainage improvements along the Multi-

Use Trail

$13,500



Year 2 (2019/2020) TOTAL $77,000

Year 3:


Continue implementation of Park’s Master

Plans with consideration to:

Provide more landscaping at the parks $15,000

Sport court and field improvements $45,000

Write grants for proposed funding $5,500

Create a recreational brochure/newsletter

for residents

$2,000

Landscaping in Parks $15,000

Develop a Master Plan for water

interaction opportunities at Krossroad

$6,000

Attract volunteers to participate in

Township programs and at facilities

N/A

Develop Community Festival Program N/A

Establish a Bicycle Share Ride Program N/A

Consideration to programming that

appeals to multiple generations using the

Township’s existing facilities

N/A



Year 3 (2020/2021) TOTAL $88,500

Year 4:




Concession stand and all-season

restroom at Elmer Lange Park

$152,000




Develop Community Festival Program N/A

Attract volunteers to participate in

Township programs and at facilities

N/A

Year 4 (2021/2022) TOTAL $167,000

Year 5:



Krossroads Pond interaction project $60,000



Year 5 (2022/2023) TOTAL $75,000

Years 1 – 5 TOTAL

$428,000

Funding Opportunities

Potential funding sources from outside entities for recreation, non-motorized, and

environmental restoration projects change and evolve on a regular basis.

Understanding available funding programs, their requirements and deadlines requires

continuous monitoring. A few of the more common funding sources have been

detailed here as a reference and resource. These are in addition to traditional funding

methods such as the general fund, millages, bonds, DDA’s, etc.

Transportation Enhancement Funds



Transportation Enhancements through the Michigan Department of Transportation

activities are federally funded, community-based projects that expand travel choices

and enhance the transportation experience by improving the cultural, historic,

aesthetic and environmental aspects of the transportation infrastructure. To be

eligible, a project must fall into one of the enhancement activities and relate to

surface transportation. Activities that relate to the implementation of this Master Plan

include:

Provision of facilities for pedestrians and bicycles including new or reconstructed

sidewalks, walkways, curb ramps, bike lane striping, wide paved shoulders, bike

parking, bus racks, off-road trails, bike and pedestrian bridges and underpasses.

Provision of safety and educational activities for pedestrians and bicyclists.

Programs designed to encourage walking and bicycling by providing potential users

with education and safety instruction through classes, pamphlets and signage.

Preservation of abandoned railway corridors (including the conversion and use

thereof for pedestrian and bicycle trails).

Acquiring railroad rights-of-way; planning, designing and constructing multi-use

trails; developing rail-with-trail projects; purchasing unused railroad property for

reuse.

Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund

The MNRTF provides funding for both the purchase of land (or interests in land) for

recreation or protection of land because of its environmental importance or scenic

beauty and the appropriate development of land for public outdoor recreation use.

Goals of the program are to: 1) protect Michigan’s natural resources and provide for

their access, public use and enjoyment; 2) provide public access to Michigan’s water

bodies, particularly the Great Lakes, and facilitate their recreation use; 3) meet

regional, county and community needs for outdoor recreation opportunities; 4)

improve the opportunities for outdoor recreation in Michigan’s urban areas; and, 5)

stimulate Michigan’s economy through recreation-related tourism and community

revitalization.

Any individual, group, organization, or unit of government may submit a land

acquisition proposal. However, only state and local units of government can submit

development proposals. All proposals for grants must include a local match of at least

25% of the total project cost. There is no minimum or maximum for acquisition

projects. For development projects, the minimum funding request is $15,000 and the

maximum is $300,000. Applications are due in April and August for acquisition

projects and April (only) for development projects.



Land and Water Conservation Fund

The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) is a federal appropriation to the

National Park Service who distributes funds to the Michigan Department of Natural

Resources for development of outdoor recreation facilities. The focus in recent years

has been on trailway systems and other community recreation needs such as

playgrounds, picnic areas, skate parks, ballfields, soccer fields and walking paths.

Minimum grant requests were $30,000 and maximum grant requests were $75,000.

The match percentage must be 50% of the total project cost. Applications are

typically due in June or July.

Safe Routes to School Program

The Safe Routes to School Program is a national movement to make it safe,

convenient and fun for children to bicycle and walk to school. When routes are safe,

walking or biking to and from school is an easy way to get the regular physical activity

children need to succeed. In Michigan, the program is sponsored by the Michigan

Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and has gained momentum over the past few

years. With the passage of the federal transportation legislation in 2005, Michigan’s

SR2S program will make schools eligible for transportation enhancement funds,

providing for infrastructure improvements and education campaigns. The purpose of

the program as defined in the federal legislation is:

To enable and encourage children, including those with disabilities, to walk and

bicycle to school;

To make bicycling and walking to school a safer and more appealing transportation

alternative, thereby encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle from an early age; and

To facilitate the planning, development, and implementation of projects and activities

that will improve safety and reduce traffic, fuel consumption, and air pollution in the

vicinity of schools.

Documents

A 2018-2023 Parks and Recreation Master Plan Kochville ... · Parks and Recreation Master Plan 2018 - 2023 Summer 2018 Prepared by OHM Advisors. ... as well as an evaluation of opportunities