RECREATION PLAN DRAFT GARDEN PENINSULA
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FAIRBANKS TOWNSHIP, GARDEN TOWNSHIP & VILLAGE OF GARDEN
GARDEN PENINSULA DELTA COUNTY
Community Description & Demographic Data
The Garden Peninsula is located in the south central portion of
the central Upper Peninsula. The Peninsula juts out into Lake
Michigan, thus creating the separation between Green Bay’s Big
Bay de Noc and Lake Michigan proper. Garden Township also
extends northward of the peninsula to the Alger county line.
The total land area of Garden Township is 104,832 acres or 163.8
square miles. The Village of Garden contains 640 acres or one
square mile and is the largest population concentration on the
Garden Peninsula. Fairbanks Township contains 29,811 acres.
For any planning endeavor, careful attention must be given to
the analysis of demographic information. The population
characteristics of an area are necessary to determine existing or
future needs. These statistics assist local governments in
determining the direction of local capital improvements and
related expenditures for recreational planning. They are also
useful when applying recreation guidelines to a community.
The population of Garden Township, the Village of Garden and
Fairbanks Township have all seen population decreases from
1960 to 2014. However, during that time period, the population
of both townships has been cyclical, with one decade showing
a drop in population followed by an increase; the population in
the Village has declined steadily since 1960 with a 44.7 percent
decrease in population from 1960 to 2014. During the same
period, the county saw its population increase by 6.9 percent,
Michigan saw an increase of 20.9 percent, and the USA at 42.9
percent increase.
Table 1.1
Population Trends, Selected Areas
Selected Areas 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2014 % Change
‘60-‘14
Garden Township 771 713 812 783 817 750 678 -12.1
Village of Garden 380 336 296 269 240 221 210 -44.7
Fairbanks Township 319 309 358 309 321 281 313 -1.9
Delta County 34,298 35,924 38,947 37,780 38,520 37,069 36,841 6.9
Michigan 7,824,965 8,875,083 9,262,078 9,295,297 9,938,444 9,883,640 9,889,024 20.9
USA 179,323,175 203,302,031 226,542,199 248,709,873 281,421,906 308,745,538 314,107,084 42.9
Source: U.S. Bureau of the Census, Years Cited
RECREATION PLAN DRAFT GARDEN PENINSULA
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Age distribution groups are presented below. The preschool
age group (children under the age of 5) comprises 3.8 percent
of the population in Garden Township and 2.9 percent in the
Village of Garden, which is less than the county at 5.1 percent
and Fairbanks Township at 7.7 percent. Those of school age
within the Garden Township (5 to 19 years) comprise 13.1
percent of the population and 13.3 percent of the population in
the Village of Garden. This is significantly lower than Fairbanks
Township (18.2 percent), Delta County (17.4 percent) and the
state (20.8 percent). The percentage of those in the working age
group in Fairbanks Township (44.4 percent) is lower than Garden
Township (48.6 percent), the Village of Garden (52.4 percent) as
well as the county
(57.2 percent). The
percentage of those
within the retirement
age group in Garden
Township, the Village
of Garden and
Fairbanks Township is
significantly higher
than that of the county
and the state.
Persons between the
age of 45 and 65 are in
the segment of the
population commonly
known as the baby
boomer generation,
born between 1945
and 1965. Within the
Garden Peninsula a
significant portion of
the population are
considered “baby
boomers.”
Table 1.2
Age Distribution, 2014
Age
(years)
Garden
Township
% of
total
pop.
Village of
Garden
% of
total
pop.
Fairbanks
Township
% of
total
pop.
Delta
County
% of
total
pop.
State of
Michigan
% of
total
pop.
5 years 26 3.8 6 2.9 24 7.7 1,890
5.1
596,286 6.0
PRESCHOOL AGE 26 3.8 6 2.9 24 7.7 1,890 5.1 596,286 6.0
5-9 years 19 2.8 7 3.3 14 4.5 2,110 5.7 637,784 6.5
10-14 years 31 4.6 5 2.4 17 5.4 2,180 5.9 675,216 6.8
15-19 years 39 5.8 16 7.6 26 8.3 2,132 5.8 739,599 7.5
SCHOOL AGE 89 13.1 28 13.3 57 18.2 6,422 17.4 2,052,599 20.8
20-24 years 2 0.3 2 1.0 7 2.2 1,904 5.2 669,072 6.8
25-34 years 27 4.0 8 3.8 17 5.4 3,606 9.8 1,164,149 11.8
35-44 years 56 8.3 17 8.1 19 6.1 3,999 10.9 1,277,974 12.9
45-54 years 117 17.3 32 15.2 39 12.5 5,508 15.0 1,510,033 15.3
55-59 years 62 9.1 31 14.8 28 8.9 3,284 8.9 683,186 6.9
60-64 years 65 9.6 20 9.5 29 9.3 2,775 7.5 568,811 5.8
WORKING AGE 329 48.6 110 52.4 139 44.4 21,076 57.2 5,873,225 59.4
65-74 years 163 24.0 34 16.2 55 17.6 3,857 10.5 724,709 7.3
75-84 years 52 7.7 15 7.1 25 8.0 2,491 6.8 444,940 4.5
85+ years 19 2.8 17 8.1 13 4.2 1,105 3.0 191,881 1.9
RETIREMENT
AGE 234 34.5 66 31.4 93 29.7 7,453 20.2 1,361,530 13.8
Total 678 210 313 36,841 9,883,640
Source: 2014 American Community Survey
RECREATION PLAN DRAFT GARDEN PENINSULA
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The number of people living in
poverty correlates to
economic cycles and
educational attainment.
Understanding the
geographic distribution of
poverty in the region is useful
as people in this situation are
more likely to be in need of
public transit and social
services.
Utilizing demographic information such as population, age
distribution, and population below poverty level in the planning
process helps guide how to best create and maintain
recreational facilities and programs for the communities in
which they serve.
Recreation Administrative Structure
The Garden Township Board is responsible for overseeing the
operations and maintenance of Garden Township’s recreation
facilities. Two part-time employees perform maintenance
activities. The Fairbanks Township Board is responsible for
overseeing recreational development in the Township and the
Garden Village Board maintains responsibility for Village
recreational activities and development.
Garden Township has designated a total of $1,400 for park
expenses each year. Funding covers the wages of two part-time
employees, supplies, and maintenance and repair.
Fairbanks Township
budgets $300 per
year for recreation
from the general
fund. Approximately
$5,000 per year is
budgeted from the
general fund for
recreational
purposes in the
Village; the funding is used for maintenance.
The Garden Peninsula Recreation Committee consists of ten
members who meet on a monthly basis to discuss and plan for
the recreational needs of Garden Township, Fairbanks
Township, and the Village of Garden. The Recreation Committee
functions as an advisory group, in which they make
recommendations to the appropriate township or village board
for matters concerning recreation. The Township and Village
Boards are the authority to commit funds for parks and
recreation, accept grants and purchase land on behalf of the
community. The names of the current members of the Garden
Peninsula Recreation Committee are listed below:
Fred Bates Randy Brown
Ruth Craig Janet Daash
Kathryn Denholm Robin Double
Irma Gonzalez-Hider Jeff LeFevre
Brad McPhee
Steve Peterson
Christa Peterson
Tom Trish
Garden Township Board
Part-Time Employees (2)
Table 1.4
Projected Recreation Budget
Year Garden
Township Village of
Garden Fairbanks
Township
2016 $1,400 $5,000 $300 2017 $1,400 $5,000 $300 2018 $1,400 $5,000 $300 2019 $1,400 $5,000 $300 2020 $1,400 $5,000 $300
Table 1.3
Percent of Population
Below Poverty Level, 2014
Garden Township 9.6
Village of Garden 6.2
Fairbanks Township 12.5
Delta County 17.2
Michigan 16.9
USA 15.6
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Volunteers/Community Partnerships
Garden Township, Fairbanks Township and the Village of
Garden have had a long and successful relationship with
community organizations. When certain projects arise for the
townships and the Village, community organizations and
individuals often donate time and money to the project.
The Village Artisans of Garden, a non-profit organization, brings
together art and art enthusiasts in the community by supporting
and promoting local artists and artisans through the Garden
Gallery, a delightful gift shop where beautiful items created
locally may be viewed and purchased. The Village Artisans also
sponsor and provide art classes, musical programs, educational
and enrichment programs both at the school and in the
community and a variety of workshops for children and adults.
The organization enriches lives in the community through their
volunteer efforts. The Old Timers, a volunteer organization
sponsors the 4th of July celebration, the local 4th of July fireworks
display and holds a children’s Christmas party with Santa at the
Garden Township hall. They hold snowmobile and ATV ride
fundraisers to support the free children’s Christmas party.
UPspring, Inc., formerly the Garden Peninsula Economic Task
Force, promotes tourism and economic development on the
Garden Peninsula that directly benefits the local school through
the creation of events and marketing our area. The Friendship
Quilters (volunteers) meet weekly helping individuals with
sewing or quilting projects; local quilters/sewers volunteer their
time making quilts for the Department of Human Services and
Bay Cliff Camp.
Local volunteers participate in the organization “Friends of
Fayette” which provides activities for the public and also fund
Garden Peninsula
Recreation
Committee (Advisory)
Garden Peninsula
Recreation
Committee (Advisory)
Garden Peninsula
Recreation
Committee (Advisory)
Fairbanks Township Board
Village of
Garden Board
Figure 1:
Garden Township,
Fairbanks Township, and
the Village of Garden
Park and Recreation
Organizational Charts
Garden
Township Board
Part-Time
Employees (2)
GARDEN PENINSULA REGIONAL RECREATION DRAFT
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performances for the Heritage Days Celebration at Fayette State
Park and assist with the restoration and stabilization of the Park.
The American Legion volunteers provide a celebration
ceremony on Memorial Day, provide monthly breakfasts for the
community, provide an honor guard, support the 4th of July
parade and fireworks display, provide scholarships for students,
donate to the PTO and school field trips, hold a breakfast
fundraiser for seniors and donate to the children’s basketball
and baseball leagues. The American Legion created and
maintains a Veteran’s Park in the Village of Garden. The Garden
Congregational Church has a food pantry and a benevolence
fund that provides a safety net for those struggling financially in
the community. The Fayette Congregational Church holds a
yearly Lord’s Acre Auction at the Fairbanks Township Hall.
Garden Township maintains a working relationship with the Big
Bay de Noc School. The school library is open to the public on
various days and times; the track is also available for use by the
public, and Garden Township loans equipment to the school for
their graduation party. In 2016 the students used the Garden
Township Hall for their Jr. Prom.
The Garden Township also continues a cooperative relationship
with the Village of Garden and uses the Village pavilion for
events. The local Farmer’s Market is held in the Village pavilion.
Both Garden Township and Fairbanks Township contribute to
the Garden Village Park through a “users agreement” to help
support the park and baseball field. The Historical Society, the
American Legion and the Old Timers utilize space in the Garden
Township Hall for storage of their equipment and use the hall
for their events such as the Historical societies’ yearly birthday
celebration for all 80 year olds and the American Legion
breakfasts. The organizations also utilize the township hall for
their meetings. The township hall is also used by organizations
for fundraisers such as the spaghetti dinner held on the
Thursday before Memorial Day by such groups as the
Ambulance Services, High School Seniors, Girls basketball, etc.
The Garden Township Hall is also rented for various events in
the community such as weddings and High School class
reunions.
The Big Bay de Noc Youth Basketball program has over 50
young athletes learning the fundamentals of basketball over 10
structured sessions. This program is offered free of
charge. Athletes who attend at least 6 sessions earn a youth
basketball t-shirt. In addition to the 10 structured sessions for
grades K-8, 5 youth tournament travel teams are also managed
by this group. Each team has a minimum of 10 after school
practices and competes in several tournaments throughout the
U.P. Through the youth basketball program, participants can
prepare for Middle School and High School basketball while
also learning teamwork, responsibility, and dedication.
The Peninsula Area Baseball League is a non-profit organization.
This program teaches players baseball fundamentals, rules and
regulations of the game. The players are also taught how to
work as a team and responsibility. The players can start at Tee
Ball level and can play up to the age of 16. For the 2016 season
4 teams are managed (Tee Ball, 8u, 10u, and 12u) consisting of
54 young athletes. The Peninsula Area Baseball League is paired
up with the Manistique Little League and the Gladstone Little
League, which allowing participants to play the surrounding
area teams. The league raises money mostly through donations
and concession profits. The Peninsula Area Little League also
GARDEN PENINSULA REGIONAL RECREATION DRAFT
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pays the fee required to the little league for each player to play.
This program is run strictly by volunteers. This includes;
managers, coaches, assistant coaches, and umpires. Home
games are played at Garden Village Park. The ball field at Garden
Village Park is maintained through the hard work of local
volunteers.
Recreational Facility Inventory
Within and nearby the Garden Peninsula there are a number of
publicly and privately-owned recreational facilities. These
facilities provide a wide spectrum of recreational opportunities
that Garden Township, Fairbanks Township, and the Village of
Garden residents and tourists/visitors can enjoy year round. The
Garden Peninsula Recreation Committee provided the inventory
of recreational facilities.
Each township or village owned or maintained recreation site
has an accessibility rating associated with it. Ensuring that
recreational sites are accessible to residents and tourists is an
objective identified in this plan. Accessibility ratings are
determined by the Garden Peninsula Recreation Committee,
based upon the following ranking system:
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. All of the facilities/park areas meets accessibility guidelines
5. The entire park was developed/renovated using the principals of
universal design
Garden Peninsula Recreational Facilities
Owned by Garden Township, Village of Garden
or Fairbanks Township
Garden Community Center Accessibility Assessment Rating: 2
Recreational activities at the Garden Township owned community
center include:
o Kitchen, bathrooms, and great room available for community functions
and private receptions
o Community use for walking
o Available meeting space for local organizations Community basketball
Ozzie Hazen Garden Township Park Accessibility Assessment Rating: 2
This 17.6 acre park is owned by Garden Township. Facilities include:
o Picnic tables
o Waterfront-Para Sailing and
Kayaking
o Vault toilets
o Parking
Garden Village Park Accessibility Assessment Rating: 2
This 4.2 acre park is owned by the Village of Garden. Facilities
include:
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o Covered pavilion
o Little League baseball field
o Playground and equipment
o Picnic tables
o Concession stand
o 2 sets of bleachers
o Vaulted privies
Fairbanks Township Hall Accessibility Assessment Rating: 2
Recreational activities at the Fairbanks Township owned Hall
include:
o Annual Lord’s Acre Auction
o Private Event Rentals
Public and Private Recreational Facilities
within the Garden Peninsula Not owned by Garden Township, Village of Garden
or Fairbanks Township
PUBLIC
Facility Information Ownership
Camp Seven o Picnic tables
o Swimming beach
o Camp sites
o Boat launch
Public - USDA
Forest service
Fayette Historic
State Park
o Snailshell Harbor with electric
o Overnight mooring
o Drinking water
o 61 campsites
o Picnic areas
o Playground with equipment
o Swimming beach
o Hiking trail
o Boat Launch
Public-State of
Michigan
Fayette Historic
State Park
Hiawatha National
Forest
o 64,000 acres, north of U. S.
Highway 2
o Forested area open to general
recreational activities
o Groomed and signed snowmobile
trails
o Two-track trails
Public-USFS
Lake Superior State
Forest
o 36 square miles of forested area
primarily on the Garden
Peninsula, south of U.S. 2
o Open for general recreational
activities
Public - owned
by Michigan
DNR
Portage Bay
Campground and
Nature Trails
o Nature trails and 18 primitive
campsites
o Boat Launch
o Para sailing and Kayaking
Public - owned
by State of
Michigan
Sac Bay County Park o Picnic tables
o Some playground equipment
o Swimming beach and changing
building
o Vaulted privies
o Kayak and Canoe Access
Public – Delta
County
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Big Bay de Noc
Schools
o A quarter-mile nature trail, open
to the public, located in the
wooded area east of Big Bay de
Noc Schools
o Resting stations
o Soccer field used for area soccer
programs
o Quarter mile regulation track
open for walkers
o A 100 X 300 foot playground
including swings, slides, merry-
go-round, and jungle gyms
o School library- also used by the
public
Public – Big
Bay de Noc
Schools
Public Boat Launches
Public Boat Launches
(Continued)
Fish Dam River public access site is
for small boats only
o Gravel parking lot
o Vaulted privies
Public- State of
Michigan
*Has lease with
Delta County
Fayette State Park Public
Fayette Harbor
o Deep harbor overnight mooring
o Drinking water available
Public- State of
Michigan
Camp Seven Public - USDA
Forest service
Garden Bay, located 1 mile south of
the Village
o Parking
o Fishing dock
o Vault toilet
o Boarding pier, skid piers
Public-State of
Michigan
PRIVATE Facility Information Ownership
Village Artisans, Inc. o The Village Artisans, a non-profit
organization, provides an outlet
for local artisans through the
Village Artisans,
Inc.
Garden Gallery, which it houses in
their building in Garden.
LaTullip Tile
&Pottery Works
o Tile and Pottery classes
o Gift shop
Private – open
to the public
Garden Peninsula
Historical Museum
o Owned and operated by the
Garden Peninsula Historical
Society, a non-profit organization
with membership and all
programs open to the public
o Genealogy a specialty of the
Museum
o Collection and display of
Peninsula historic artifacts
o Museum open summer months
o Historical Society maintains war
veteran memorial at Garden
cemetery
Private
ownership of
building but
membership in
historical
society and all
programs
open to the
public
Veterans Memorial
Park
o American Legion’s Memorial Park
located in the Village of Garden
Private – open
to the public
Private Boat
Launches
Boat Launch at Van’s Harbor
o Deep channel
Private
Peterson Docks; used for fishing Private
Ranguette Docks
o Primarily used for commercial and
sports fishing boats
Private
Seaman Docks Private
Garden
Congregational
Church
o Available for area groups to use
o Vacation Bible School,
o 500 Card Club meetings
o Community programs
o Game Night-4th Saturday of
month
o Horse Shoe Pits
Private
ownership but
membership
and programs
open to public
GARDEN PENINSULA REGIONAL RECREATION DRAFT
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o Music from the Garden Gospel
Trio
o Food Pantry
Saint John Catholic
Church Hall
o Available for area groups,
individuals, and families to use
o Garden Friendship Quilters
meetings-open to public
o Quilting for Charity meetings-
open to public
o Altar Society meetings
o Coffee Sundays
o Garden Gourmet Group- open to
public
Private – open
to the public
Marygrove Retreat
House
o Catholic Retreat Center since 1947
o 50+ private, family and group
retreats annually for people from
the U.S. and Canada
o 36 rooms, Elevator
o Dining room, lounge, meeting
room, chapel
o Gift and book store open to the
public
o 40 acres
o Famous for labyrinth, open to the
public
Private-Gift
shop and
labyrinth open
to the public
Motels/Cabins/Bed
and Breakfasts
o Garden Bay Motel
o Tylene’s Motel
o Big Bay Getaway (8 units and
common kitchen)
o Furnace Hill Lodge at Fayette Park
o Sunset View Resort
o Fish Dam Camp
o Various other cabins and vacation
rentals
Private – All
available to the
public
There are many community events and activities that take place
within the Garden Peninsula. Some of these events include:
o Fayette State Park
This historic state park hosts a number of community events open to
the public. Some of these events include: Annual Heritage Days,
Christmas in June Celebration, Fallfest Celebration, and Lantern skiing
and snowshoeing in January.
o Village Artisans, Inc
Offering fine and applied arts activities and classes in subjects such art,
crafts, and music for adults and children. Field trips are also offered to
interesting local sites. Village Artisans, Inc. sponsors programs from
both local and outside resources which reflect interests in the
community. Such programs include a Book Club, Garden Gourmet
Group, & The Friendship Quilters.
o LaTullip Tile & Pottery Works
Offering tile and pottery classes
o Independence Day Celebration
Taking place in the Village of Garden, this celebration is sponsored by
the Garden Old Timers. Activities are hosted by various local
organizations and are open to the public.
o Summer Youth Baseball Program
This summer program is open to the public. Home games take place at
Garden Village Park.
Garden Gourmet Grou
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o Memorial Day Celebration
Taking place in Garden Township, this event is sponsored by the Garden
American Legion Post 545. Programs are open to the public.
Ceremonies at local cemeteries- Kate’s Bay, Hinks, Sac Bay, New
Garden, and Old Garden.
o Salmon and Walleye Tournaments
This public tournament is held at the privately owned and operated
Fairport Marina.
o Garden Peninsula Historical Museum
All programs open to the public. The Historical Society holds an annual
fundraiser/social event. Museum is open during summer months.
o Local Music Jams
Residents and tourists alike can enjoy music at local music jams during
the summer. Jams held locally and open to the public.
Grant History
The Village of Garden and Garden Township have each received
one DNR Recreation Grant. Fairbanks Township has not received
any DNR Recreation Grants.
Applicant App. No. Project Title Grant Amount
Village of
Garden
RP14-
0031
Garden Village Park
Restrooms $13,500
Description: This is a replacement/upgrade/renovation project. The plan is
to remove the two existing 40+ year-old vault restrooms, including the
vaults as well as the structures on top of the vaults, and replace them with
two new ones. The two replacement vault toilets will be designed, and
constructed, in compliance with universal accessibility and ADA standards.
The badly needed replacement vault restrooms will support the many
existing recreational uses of the Park, including youth baseball, playground,
basketball, horseshoes, and community events.
Year: 2014, PA Executed
Applicant App. No. Project Title Grant Amount
Garden
Township 12-420
Garden Township Park
Family Picnic Area $39,000
Description: Development to include picnic area consisting of universal
design picnic tables and pads, grills, walkways and restrooms.
Year: 2012, Active
Planning Process
The Garden Peninsula Recreation Plan was updated to
correspond with the changing recreation needs of the area. The
Garden Peninsula Advisory Recreation Committee was
instrumental in preparing this plan as they took the time to
evaluate current recreation facilities, and to reach out to those
that utilize recreational parks and facilities. A comparison to
open space standards was referenced to assist in identifying
areas of deficiency within the parks system.
During the development of this plan, members gathered input
from residents representing various segments of the community
of what they felt should be done to improve recreational
opportunities. This information was discussed at several
regularly scheduled committee meetings. The Garden Peninsula
Advisory Recreation Committee prepared the proposed
development schedule to be included in this Plan.
CUPPAD Regional Commission staff met with the Garden
Peninsula Advisory Recreation Committee while creating a draft
of the plan.
Ads were placed in the Advisor requesting public input on the
recreational needs of the area. In addition to the ads, members
of the Advisory Recreation Committee reached out to several
GARDEN PENINSULA REGIONAL RECREATION DRAFT
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groups to gain further input. Surveys were distributed at several
social events, American Legion breakfasts, local book club
gatherings, and Township Board meetings. A total of 34 surveys
were completed.
Respondents were asked to choose from or add to a Recreation
Plan wish list developed from conversations with local groups
and students at Big Bay de Noc Schools. The top five
recreational amenities that residents would like to see
developed include: (1) walking trails, (2) hiking trails, (3)
swimming area/ kayak rentals, (4) more music concerts, (5)
sledding area.
The plan draft was available for public comment beginning
10/07/2016. The 30-day public comment period notice was
posted at the Garden Township Hall, Fairbanks Township Hall,
and the Village of Garden Offices. The public hearing notices
were published in the [insert newspaper] on XX/XX/XXXX.
The Garden Township Board adopted the plan at is XX/XX/XXX
meeting after holding a public hearing on the same date. [Insert
comments from public hearing and identified actions to address
comments].
The Village of Garden Board adopted the plan at is XX/XX/XXX
meeting after holding a public hearing on the same date. [Insert
comments from public hearing and identified actions to address
comments].
The Fairbanks Township Board adopted the plan at is
XX/XX/XXX meeting after holding a public hearing on the same
date. [Insert comments from public hearing and identified
actions to address comments].
Goals and Objectives
The objectives identified in this plan help guide recreation
related decision-making. Consideration of the recreational
policies should lead the community toward the attainment of its
goals. The following goals and objectives should serve as
guideline toward development strategies.
Goal I:
Provide a wide variety of recreational
opportunities to all residents
& visitors of the Garden Peninsula
Objectives:
o Projects should be easily accessible to all residents and visitors.
o Whenever possible, facilities should be for multiple and/or year-
round use.
o Develop and maintain trails and pathways
o When appropriate, amenities such as restrooms, night lighting,
and electrical power should be incorporated.
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Goal II:
Maximize use of recreational
opportunities offered by
the areas natural environment
Objectives:
o Facilities should be designed to complement the surrounding
natural quality of the area.
o Whenever possible, the Township and private interests should
coordinate the development of recreation facilities and programs.
o Proper maintenance should be ensured for all facilities.
o When suitable, existing facilities should be repaired before new
ones are built.
o The Township and concerned organizations and individuals should
develop programs and incorporate designs to reduce vandalism.
Basis for Goals and Objectives:
As survey results indicated, residents and visitors of the Garden
Peninsula participate in a variety of recreational activities and would
like to have access to recreational facilities that accommodate those
activities. Complementing the surrounding natural quality of the area
is an important aspect in creating recreational spaces that are valued
by residents and visitors.
Data provided through the American Community Survey (ACS) shows
that Garden Township, Fairbanks Township and the Village of Garden
all have a higher proportion of its population in the retirement age
group as compared to the State and County. With this in mind, it is
important to have facilities that are designed and upgraded with ADA
accessibility. Ensuring that recreational facilities are safe is a priority
and efforts to reduce vandalism will enhance visitor experience.
Recreation Action Plan
The specific recreation facility needs should be based on the
expressed desires of the residents of Garden Township,
Fairbanks Township and the Village of Garden. After citizen
input and following discussion at several Recreation Advisory
Committee Meetings and Village and Township Board
Meetings, the Committee established six main projects for the
Garden Peninsula communities:
Recreation Development Schedule
Garden Peninsula
Install playground equipment and/or a sand volleyball court at
the Ozzie Hazen Garden Township Park.
Construct a pavilion to be used for music, art and theatre or
explore possibility for an auditorium at the school for public
use.
Explore possibility for a multi-use/basketball court at Garden
Village Park.
Promote the Garden Peninsula’s recreational assets (signage,
maps, print media, and increased online presence).
Support the development of trails for multiple user groups in
Garden Peninsula, including but not limited to:
GARDEN PENINSULA REGIONAL RECREATION DRAFT
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o Increase safety for walkers by offering alternate routes that are off
of the highway
o Connecting the Garden area to Fayette Historic State Park
o Work with appropriate entities to explore opportunities to create a
dirt bike trail
o Support the DNR’s development of a multi-use trail
Support and collaborate with community organizations and
state entities to expand and enhance recreational opportunities
in the Garden Peninsula area, including but not limited to:
o Delta County’s development of Sac Bay Park
o Parking improvements at DNR owned Garden Bay Boat Launch
o Water trail development and promotion
The Recreation Development Schedule is the action plan for the
Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee to best meet the
current and future recreational needs of Garden Peninsula
residents and visitors. The Garden Peninsula Parks and
Recreation Advisory Committee recognizes that in planning for
an ever-changing recreational future, projects may not become
apparent until after this plan has been completed. With that
being said, Garden Township, Fairbanks Township, and the
Village of Garden are committed to fulfilling the identified goals
and objectives of this recreation plan.
Nahma Twp
Inwood Twp
Thompson Twp
GardenVillagePark
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Center
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Township Park
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Garden Peninsula Recreation Plan