Bay County Area Recreation Plan Survey

Bay County wants input from citizens as part of the update to the 5-Year Parks and Recreation Plan. A community input survey is available at www.BayCountySurvey.com . The survey is brief and should take approximately 10 minutes to complete. The County wants to hear from all residents regarding county and local parks in Bay County. 
 

According to Jim Barcia, Bay County Executive, “Bay County is working with 14 of the constituent communities in the County on the Recreation Plan Update. The state requires an update of the Parks and Recreation Plan every five years to maintain eligibility for Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) grants. This is the third time that most of the communities in the county have collaborated on the Parks and Recreation Plan. This 2019 plan will include Bay City as a participant for the first time.” Other Bay County communities that are participating include Auburn, Bangor Township, Beaver Township, Essexville, Frankenlust Township, Frasier Township, Hampton Township, Kawkawlin Township, Merritt Township, Monitor Township, Pinconning, Portsmouth Township, and Williams Township.

 

With grant eligibility, several communities in Bay County have gone on to receive funding for park improvement projects. Since 2013, projects that have received funding from the MDNR include the Bay County Riverwalk-Railtrail improvementsin Portsmouth Township, Auburn City Park Improvements, Habina Park improvements in Meritt Township, the Grant Lakes Bay Regional Trail in Frankennlust Township, Williams Township playground addition and land acquisition, Finn Road Park improvements in Hampton Township, and Monitor Township Park improvements. Total grant funding for the projects is 1,033,450.

 

The Park Master Plan update process will continue through early 2019 and it is expected to be completed by the January 31, 2019. The plan examines existing park facilities, sets goals and objectives for parks, and evaluates land use, demographics, community data, public opinion, and proposes goals and objectives and an action plan. County and local park officials will rely on the input received to help determine potential improvements, projects, and programs over the next five years.

 

Questions regarding the survey or the Parks Master Plan can be directed to Bay County Director of Recreation and Facilities Cristen Gignac at 989.895.4132.