DRAFT City of Harrison Recreation Master Plan 2017-2021
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DRAFT City of Harrison Recreation Master Plan 2017-2021
T H I S P A G E H A S B E E N L E F T B L A N K I N T E N T I O N A L LY
Acknowledgments
COUNCIL
Stacy Stocking David Rowe
Mayor City Councilor
C o n n i e C a u c h i D a n S u l l i v a n
City Councilor City Councilor
D o n K o l a n d e r Angela Kellogg
City Councilor City Councilor
Joni Ashcroft
City Councilor
PA R K S A N D R E C R E AT I O N C O M M I T T E E
Tr a c e y B e a d l e Mike Kirby
City of Harrision Manager/Clerk Planning Commissioner
Lori Ware Rick Foote
Clare County Community Harrison Community Schools
Development and Seniors Services Superintendent
Director
David Rowe
Carol Leary City Councilor
Clare County Fairgrounds Board-
member Joe Ashcroft
Harrison Community Schools AD
Don Kolander Director
Harrison Council & Clare County
Parks Director Kevin Smith
Budd Lake Association
Maps & Tables Maps Regional Location Map 8 Resource Inventory Map 10 Existing Facilities Map 18 Public Park Service Area 24 Average Park Usage 28 Non-Motorized Trail Plan 33 Action Plan 35 Tables Table 2.1 Percent Change in Population by Decade 11 Table 2.2 Age Distribution by Percentge 11 Table 2.3 Disability of Non-Institutionalized Civilians 12 Table 2.4 Households by Tenure and Type 12 Table 2.5 Median Household Income by Community 13 Table 2.6 Race by Community 13 Table 2.7 Clare County Health Rankings 14 Table 3.1 Park Accessibility Rating System 17 Table 3.2 Park Facilities Overview 19 Table 3.3 Other Parks in the Harrison Region 19 Table 3.4 Accesibility Rating 19
Contents CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 6 CHAPTER 2: COMMUNITY DESCRIPTION 9 C H A P T E R 3 : R E C R E AT I O N I N V E N T O R Y 15 CHAPTER 4: PLANNING PROCESS 25 CHAPTER 5: GOALS AND OBJECTIVES 30 CHAPTER 6: ACTION PLAN 14
6 CIT Y OF H A RRIS O N PAR K S AN D R E CR E AT I ON M A STER PL A N
Introduction
The City of Harrison has a rich The City of Harrison is committed inventory of the parks and
history of leveraging natural to providing a high-quality recreation assets in the City of
resources to enhance economic recreation experience that will Harrison and the surrounding
prosperity and quality of life, as attract visitors and make the City a region, an overview of the
evidenced by sawmills and lumber more desirable place to live, work administrative structure and
companies that once supported and play. At its core, Harrision management of the parks and
the locally economy. Today, the is a residential community with recreation facilities in the City, a
City attracts thousands of visitors recreational assets. description of the public input
who come to enjoy the City’s The goals, objectives, and action and planning process, an outline
high-quality recreational facilities, plan that follow seek to embrace of the City’s recreation goals and
explore the surrounding natural parks and recreation through objectives, and an action plan with
resources, and enjoy access to a holistic lens, looking at the implementable steps to achieving
“twenty lakes within twenty entire community, beyond the these goals.
minutes” of Harrison. traditional boundaries of public
Special events like the Clare County park land. Non-motorized trails and CONTEXT
Fair and Frostbite Open Golf connections within the community
This plan was drafted based on
Tournament on Budd Lake further and with neighboring communities
the Michigan Department of
enhance recreational opportunities are of utmost importance. To
Natural Resources’ “Guidelines for
for visitors and residents. However, accomplish this, the City will
the Development of Community
social demographics, economic continue to collaborate with
Park, Recreation, Open Space,
conditions, and community neighboring jurisdictions, schools,
and Greenway Plans” as well as
attitudes are constantly in flux; the County, and NGOs to provide
best management practices for
this creates the need to regularly the highest quality of recreation
placemaking in rural communities.
update a City’s plan for the future services.
of its recreation system. This plan includes detailed
C H A PTER 1: I N TRO DUCTION 7
Financial Assistance for
Parks and Recreation
Plans
This five-year plan serves as the basis for
financial assistance through a number of
State and Federal programs. Assistance
is currently available from the Michigan
Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF),
the Federal Land and Water Conservation
Fund (LWCF) and Recreation Passport
(RP). All three grant programs can be used
for the development of public outdoor
recreation facilities including support
facilities and nature centers. RP can be
used for indoor public recreation facilities.
MNRTF is the only program that can be Downtown Harrison
used for the acquisition of land for public
recreation and for protection of land
for environmental importance or scenic
beauty. Non-motorized trails
Placemaking
In addition to satisfying eligibility
and connections
criteria for financial assistance, the City
of Harrison is looking to leverage its
natural resources to enhance economic
within the
development. This plan incorporates
Placemaking strategies aimed at leveraging
Harrison’s unique small-town assets.
community and
These include:
• Strengthen community image and
with neighboring
sense of place
• Support non-centralized economic
growth throughout the entire
communities are of
•
community
Promote health and wellness
utmost importance.
• Protect cultural and natural assets
• Connect parks with non-motorized
trails accessible to all residents
• Provide recreational experiences
• Foster high-quality educational
opportunities
8 CIT Y OF H A RRIS O N PAR K S AN D R E CR E AT I ON M A STER PL A N
ANTRIM OTSEGO MONTMORENCY ALPENA
LEELANAU
Traverse City
KALKASKA CRAWFORD ALCONA
GRAND TRAVERSE (
/131
Grayling
OSCODA
'
%
(
&
75
WEXFORD MISSAUKEE ROSCOMMON OGEMAW IOSCO
West Branch
Cadillac
(
/127
%
'
(
&
75
Õ115 CITY OF
Æ
HARRISON ARENAC
LAKE OSCEOLA _
^
CLARE GLADWIN
Gladwin Standish
Evart
(0
/
ay
1
w B
ina
Clare
Sag
Big Rapids
(0
/1 BAY
MECOSTA ISABELLA MIDLAND
Õ20
Æ
Mt. Pleasant Midland
NEWAYGO Bay City
(
/131
(
/127 Saginaw TUSCOLA
SAGINAW
MONTCALM GRATIOT
Alma
%
'
(
&
75
CITY OF HARRISON RECREATION PLAN 0 15 30
Regional Location
Miles
Data Sources: State of Michigan Geographic Data Library, Michigan DNR Open Data Portal
State Roads DNR Lands / Parks
Railroads Cities
County Boundary Lakes / Ponds
Rivers / Streams
C H A PTER 2: C O M M U N I TY D ESCRIPTION 9
Community Description
T H E B U I LT rolling with isolated points of ramp off Grant Avenue.
high and low elevations scattered The other lake in the city is Little
ENVIRONMENT throughout the city. Long Lake. This lake also provides
The City of Harrison is the Clare County has a significant swimming opportunities and has
county seat of Clare County. number of lakes, rivers, and a boat ramp. Although the major
The city measures approximately streams. These water resources portion of Little Long Lake is in
four square miles in area, two provide a number of outdoor Hayes Township, approximately 14
miles east-west by two miles recreational opportunities to area acres is located in the northeast
north-south. Harrison is located residents. There are two large lakes corner of the city.
approximately 12 miles north of located within the city, Budd Lake The “Resource Inventory” map
Clare and 25 miles north of Mt. and Little Long Lake. on page 10 shows the location of
Pleasant in roughly the middle of
Budd Lake is a spring fed lake woodlands, wetlands, and steep
mid-Michigan. Please refer to the
approximately 1 ½ miles long slopes in the area and sources are
regional map on page 8.
and averaging 1000 feet wide, on the map.
A land use inventory was totaling approximately 175 acres As is illustrated in the map,
completed in 1984 and updated in in area. The lake is a major tourist Harrison has a wide variety of
1998. Approximately 290 acres or attraction with numerous homes forested ecosystems within its
11% of the total area of the city and cabins along the shoreline. boundary. There are also a few
was dedicated to park use. The lake provides opportunities acres of small wetlands within
for swimming and for fishing, the parkland in the City. Given
T H E N AT U R A L including bass, muskie, bluegill and the limited acres of preserved
perch fishing. The only major public wetlands, it will be important for
LANDSCAPE access points on the lake are at the City to continue to protect
The topography of the city can Wilson State Park, Saxton Park, and these areas moving forward. As is
be described as level to slightly the Budd Lake Public Access boat also seen on the map, Budd Lake
10 CIT Y OF H A RRIS O N PAR K S AN D R E CR E AT I ON M A STER PL A N
Grant
Thomas
Gir
Clare
l
Sc
ou
Oakgrove
Camino
Lapham
Helen
Niemi
t
Janette
Ca
mp
Melanie
Rosina
Townline Lake
Laura
Hammond
1st
Mary Jo
Hillcrest
Wilson
Matilda
Van Deus
en
Isabella
Little
Little Long Lake
Long Lake
Fairlane
Greenlawn
ple
Eastlawn
Tem
Oaklawn
Fairview Lone Pine
La
ke
Green
vie
Jill
w
y
err
John R Ch
Lansing
La
s
ns
Hughe
Lak
Saginaw
in
Maple
Bu
g
e
Westlawn
Owosso
dd
Birch
Broad
Mount Pleasant
4th
Grant
Norway
La
La
Ithaca Bischoff
ke
Byfield
ke
Beech Midland
Coleman Lee
Main
M 61 Farwell
Dale
Oak
6th
Sellinger
Ireta
4th
Pine Pine
Duggan
Sullivan
Spruce Clarence
Clarence
Short
Foote
Do
Elm
ug
Eaton
las
Park
Park
2nd
ard
Bond
Rich
5th
Stone
Mostetler
Vass Sandy
Burrington
Harrison
Old County Farm
Buttern
ut
Coraldale
e
on
mbin
Weld
Wi
Colu
nte
rgr
Hawthorn
ee
n
Dean
Lily Lake Lockwood
County Farm
Clare
CITY OF HARRISON RECREATION PLAN 0 0.5 1
Resource Inventory
Miles
Data Sources: State of Michigan Geographic Data Library, Michigan DNR Open Data Portal, City of Harrison, National Land Cover Database
City Boundary Parks Freshwater Emergent Wetlands
State Roads Deciduous Forests Freshwater Forested/Shrub Wetlands
All Roads Evergreen Forests Steep Slopes:
Railroads Mixed Forests 20 - 30% Slope
Rivers / Streams 30 - 40% Slope
Lakes / Ponds 40% Slope or GreaterC H A PTER 2: C O M M U N I TY D ESCRIPTION 11
abuts steep slopes surrounding much Table 2.1). This decline is due to either
of its shoreline. These areas are at the mortality rate exceeding the birth
risk for erosion during extreme rain rate, or out-migration exceeding in-
and flooding events, and existing migration.
vegetation should be protected as
Gender
much as possible.
The population is evenly split between
males and females, 49.1% and 50.9%
THE PEOPLE respectively (please refer to Table 2.2).
Population Age
Harrison is a small city of 2,128 The median age of Harrison residents
residents, making up about 7% of is 38.8 years old, which is in line with
Clare County’s population of 30,786. the State of Michigan’s median age of
Like many communities in Michigan, 39.3. However, it’s considerably lower
population growth in the area was than the surrounding Hayes Township
substantial until the year 2000, when of 45.2, and Clare County at 46.2.
the population began to decline (see
Ta b l e 2 . 1 P e r c e n t C h a n g e i n P o p u l a t i o n b y D e c a d e
COMMUNITY 1970-1980 1980-1990 1990-2000 2000-2010
Harrison 16.4 7.9 14.9 -.28
Hayes Twp. 85.5 7.7 20.9 -5.2
Clare County 47.2 4.3 25.2 -1.1
Michigan 4.2 .3 6.9 -.55
US Census
Ta b l e 2 . 2 A g e D i s t r i b u t i o n b y P e r c e n t a g e
COMMUNITY 0-17 18-24 25-44 45-64 65+
Harrison 18.7 13.2 27 25.4 15.7
Hayes Twp. 19.9 7.9 21.7 33.2 17.1
Clare County 20.4 7.8 20.4 30.7 20.8
Michigan 23 10.1 24.3 28.1 14.5
Source: 2010-2014 ACS 5-Year Estimates12 CIT Y OF H A RRIS O N PAR K S AN D R E CR E AT I ON M A STER PL A N
The U.S. Census defines Ta b l e 2 . 3 D i s a b i l i t y o f N o n -
Ambulatory Difficulty institutionalized Civilians
as having serious difficulty HARRISON HAYES CLARE CO
walking or climbing stairs. Persons age 16-64 1,189 802 22,455
Ambulatory difficulty 153 356 2,189
Self-care difficulty 24 140 822
The disabled population has grown Persons aged 65+ 333 302 6,229
from 220 in 2000 to 273 in 2014.
A growing disabled population Ambulatory difficulty 67 195 1,439
corresponds with a nationally aging
population. The highest proportion Self-care difficulty 29 32 378
of those who suffer from Total 273 723 4,828
ambulatory and self-care difficulty
are senior citizens. It is important to Source: 2010-2014 ACS 5-Year Estimates
track types of disabilities and how
they change over time in Harrison
because residents with mobility Ta b l e 2 . 4 H o u s e h o l d s b y Te n u r e a n d Ty p e
constraints require different
amenities to help them access HARRISON HAYES CLARE CO
recreational opportunities. The Owner Occupied 58.6% 81.7% 80.1%
federal Americans with Disabilities
Act requires that site development Married-couple families 49.4% 44.6% 54.3%
provide reasonable access for the
disabled. Table 2.3 compares the Male householder 6.0% 5.6% 4.9%
disabilities of various user groups
Female Householder 10.4% 10.9% 9.2%
in Harrison, Hayes Township, and
Clare County. Non-family household 34.2% 38.8% 31.6%
H o u s i n g Tr e n d s Renter Occupied 41.4% 18.3% 19.9%
Table 2.4 shows that Harrison Married-couple families 20.9% 38.5% 26.7%
households are primarily owner-
occupied, although less so when Male householder 6.1% 4.4% 5.4%
compared to larger geographies.
The data also reveal that in the Female Householder 16.6% 8.9% 20.1%
geographies examined, female
head of household is typically Non-family household 56.4% 48.2% 47.8%
about twice as likely as a male head
of household. Given that women Total Households 904 914 13,208
generally earn less than men, this Source: 2010-2014 ACS 5-Year Estimates
could be contributing to a low
median household income. Renter-C H A PTER 2: C O M M U N I TY D ESCRIPTION 13
occupied housing in Harrison is Ta b l e 2 . 5 M e d i a n H o u s e h o l d I n c o m e b y
double (41.4%) than that in Clare Community
County (19.9%), which falls in line
with the expectation that cities COMMUNITY INCOME
have a higher proportion of rental
units and non-family households. City of Harrison $28,083
This generally represents those who
Hayes Township $27,896
live alone and households with
non related roommates, usually Clare County $33,264
students or senior citizens.
Michigan $49,087
Median Income Source: 2010-2014 ACS 5-Year Estimates
The median household income of
Harrison continues to be a little Ta b l e 2 . 6 R a c e b y C o m m u n i t y
over half the amount compared
with the State of Michigan, and HARRISON HAYES CLARE CO
even about $5,000 less than Clare
County. Between 2000-2014, the Am.Indian, Eskimo or Aleut 58.6% 81.7% 80.1%
median household income has
Married-couple families 49.4% 44.6% 54.3%
risen by less than $2,000, meaning
that purchasing power has likely Male householder 6.0% 5.6% 4.9%
declined over this time too, leaving
Harrison residents financially worse Female Householder 10.4% 10.9% 9.2%
off. A lower median household
income could be due to a high Non-family household 34.2% 38.8% 31.6%
proportion of retirees, as suggested
in the 2009 Parks and Recreation Renter Occupied 41.4% 18.3% 19.9%
Plan; however, the 65+ age group
Married-couple families 20.9% 38.5% 26.7%
has shrunk over the last 5 years.
More plausibly, the median income Male householder 6.1% 4.4% 5.4%
is low because over 1 in 5 families
(22%) earn less than $10,000 Female Householder 16.6% 8.9% 20.1%
annually, representing the highest
proportion of earners in any Non-family household 56.4% 48.2% 47.8%
income bracket.
Total Households 904 914 13,208
In terms of employment, the
largest industry is education and Source: 2010-2014 ACS 5-Year Estimates
health care services (22.4%). This
employment trend aligns with the
state as well (24.1%). Whereas
in the state of Michigan the next
largest industry is manufacturing,
the second largest industry in
Harrison is Retail Trade at 16.8%.
Retail trade often employs people14 CIT Y OF H A RRIS O N PAR K S AN D R E CR E AT I ON M A STER PL A N
part-time, pays minimum wage,
and does not offer benefits. This
can also contribute to a low
median household income. The
unemployment rate at 18.3%
is also substantially higher than
the county (16.1%) and the state
(11.4%).
Race
Clare County continues to be Table 2.7 Clare County Health Rankings (out The County Health Rankings
primarily white (96.5%). Harrison is of 82 Michigan Counties) & Roadmaps program is
slight more diverse with 117 of the a collaboration between
County’s 180 African-Americans the Robert Wood Johnson
HEALTH VARIABLE RANKING Foundation and the University
living in Harrison. The numbers
do not add up to 100% because Health Outcomes 78 of Wisconsin Population
these percentages are based on Health Institute. Health
estimates. Length of Life 75 outcomes represent how
healthy a county is, and are
Quality of Life 78
measured by how long people
Health Statistics
live and how healthy people
Although the City of Harrison and Health Factors 81
feel while alive. Health factors
Clare County have considerable represent what influences
Health Behaviors 74
natural resources for outdoor the health of a county, and
activity and exercise, Clare Clinical Care 73 are measured by health
County residents rank amongst behaviors, clinical care, social
the unhealthiest in the State of Social and Economic Factors 80 and economic, and physical
Michigan. Based on the Robert environment factors.
Wood Johnson County Health Physical Environmental 49
rankings compiled in 2016, Clare Source: 2016 County Health Rankings
County is ranked 78th of 82 in
Michigan for health outcomes,
which is based on length and Administrative and Federal grants, and community
quality of life of residents. These Structure donations. Sources of funding
rankings further support the which may be available to the
proactive approach to active Parks and recreation programs in City of Harrison include, but are
recreation being undertaken by the the City of Harrison are carried out not limited to, the following: the
City and its partners. Clare County by the City’s Department of Public Michigan DNR Recreation Division,
is ranked 81 out of 82 counties Works. The Parks and Recreation the Land and Water Conservation
for health factors, which is a score Committee advise the City Council Fund, the Michigan Economic
for health behaviors, clinical care, and Planning Commission on parks Development Corporation, USDA
social and economic factors, and and recreation-related matters. Rural Development, Safe Routes to
the physical environment (see Table Funding for the Parks and School, millages, bonding, various
2.7 for more detail). Recreation budget is provided grants and foundations, and user
through local tax revenue, State fees.C H A PTER 2: C O M M U N I TY D ESCRIPTION 15
Funding
(Insert budget)
Previous Grants
Assistance
The City of Harrison has received
a total of three grants from the
A view of the tennis courts at City Volunteers pose after completion The site of the town square, set to
Park. of the City Park play area, which be constructed in phases
features Universal Design.
MDNR from 1977 to 2015. tennis courts and install a LWCF as well as ground level “do it
sign. spots” and a sensory play feature.
Te n n i s C o u r t s
City Park Play Area To w n S q u a r e B a n d
Project No. 26-00933 – The City
recieved a grant in 1977 for Project No. RP14-0113 – Harrison Shell
$5,810.96 by the Land and Water recieved a 2014 grant of $45,000 Project No. RP15-0098 – Harrison
Conservation Fund (LWCF) for by the Recreation Passport (RP) recieved a 2015 grant for $45,000
Harrison Area Park (otherwise to construct a new play area and by the Recreation Passport (RP)
known as City Park) to develop to provide a universally accessible to construct a Town Square Band
playground in City Park. The Shell. The grant funds will go
installation included new age- towards construction of a 30’ x 30’
appropriate and safe equipment, prefabricated music/band shelter
which is ADA accessible; along that will serve multiple functions
with providing a cushioning such as bandstand for music in
uniform safety surface that allows the park, small family reunions,
wheelchair users a more even weddings, and other outdoor
surface. Transfer access is included activities. Other improvements
includes ADA-compliant sidewalk
to the Band Shelter.16 CIT Y OF H A RRIS O N PAR K S AN D R E CR E AT I ON M A STER PL A N
Recreation
Section Heading
Inventory
OVERVIEW supplement. In order to determine be appropriate for the park. The
the level of universal access to each table on page 18 summarizes the
A comprehensive inventory of park, an accessibility evaluation wide variety of recreation amenities
recreational assets is an important was completed in conjunction with available to City residents and
component of any parks and the parks inventory. Each park was visitors.
recreation planning effort because visually assessed for its level of
it allows a community to take At a regional level, the City of
accessibility, focusing on available Harrison is located within a 15 mile
stock of what it has as it plans and amenities and physical access
prioritizes what it needs. raduis of a number of parks and
to those amenities. The general recreation facilities, including state,
In December of 2016, an accessibility standards can be found county, city, township, and private
inventory was performed of in Table 3.1 on page 17, and the facilities.
existing parks and recreation accessibility evaluation for each
facilities owned or operated by park can be found in Table 3.4 on Please refer to Table 3.2 on page
the City of Harrison. The inventory page 19. 19 for a summary of exiting parks
was conducted to evaluate the and facilities within the city of
The City of Harrison has an Harrison and the map on page 18
overall quality and usage of the impressive amount of park land—
community’s parks and recreation for a summary of facility locations.
around 300 acres of parks and
facilities. Each park was visited to recreation land for a population
examine the available amenities of 2,114 (2010 U.S. Census), in
and their condition as well as addition to a non-motorized trail
photographically document the system. Though each park has
parks. Because snowy conditions unique characteristics, they can be
made it difficult to accurately divided into several categories that
document ground-level conditions, help clarify how each park is used,
satellite imagery, existing photos, by whom, and what facilities would
and local expertise were used toC H A PTER 3: REC REATI O N I N VENTORY 17
Courtesy of Harrison Chamber of Commerce
Table 3.1
Park Accessibility Rating System
Symbol Characteristics Elements
There are no paths connecting elements. Restrooms are
None of the
not accessible. Curb cuts are not present in the roads.
facilities meet
A1 Play elements are not accessible and the fall surface is not
accessibility
accessibleor out of compliance.
guidelines.
The park may contain one or two accessible elements, but the
Some of the
park as a whole is not accessible. For example, the park may
facilities meet
A2 contain an accessible picnic table, but there is no access path
accessibility
connecting the picnic shelter to the accessible parking spaces
guidelines.
or sidewalk.
The majority of elements are accessible, such as paths
Most of the
connecting elements, accessiblepicnic tables, and designated
facilities meet
A3 accessible parking, but one or two elements do not meet
accessibility
guidelines. For example, the play structure may not meet
guidelines.
accessibility guidelines.
The entire park All of the elements meet accessibility guidelines as they have
meets been brought into compliance over time. For example, paths
A4
accessibility were added to connect elements, additional accessible play
guidelines. elements were added, and accessible restrooms were added.
The entire park
was The entire park was designed and implemented with universal
developed/ accessibility in mind. All
A5
renovated using elements fully comply with ADA, and may even go above and
principles of beyond requirements.
universal design.18 CIT Y OF H A RRIS O N PAR K S AN D R E CR E AT I ON M A STER PL A N
Grant
Thomas
Gir
Clare
l
Sc
ou
Oakgrove
Camino
Lapham
Helen
Niemi
t
Janette
Ca
mp
Melanie
Rosina
Townline Lake
Laura
Maple Grove Little Long
Lake Access Hammond
1st
Cemetery
Mary Jo
Hillcrest
Wilson
Matilda
Wilson Van Deus
en
Clare County Fairgrounds State Park Isabella
Little
Little Long Lake
Long Lake
Fairlane
Greenlawn
ple
Eastlawn
Tem
Oaklawn
Fairview
Budd Lake Lone Pine
La
ke
Green
Island vie
Jill
w
y
err
John R Ch
Lansing
La
Westlawn
ns
Lak
Saginaw
in
Maple
Lease
Bu
g
e
Owosso
Land
dd
Birch
Broad
Mount Pleasant
4th
Grant
Norway
La
Hillside Saxton Park
Ithaca Bischoff
Byfield
ke
Midland
Elementary Veterans Park Coleman Lee
La
Main
ke
Farwell
M 61
Oak Senior Dale
Citizens Park
Sellinger
Harrison Pine Ireta
Duggan
4th
Middle School
Spruce Clarence
Sullivan
Clarence
Short
Foote
Robert M. Larso
Do
Elm
ug
Eaton
Elementary
las
City Park Park
Park Budd Lake / Grant
2nd Avenue Access
ard
Bond
Rich
5th
Stone
Harrison
High School
Mostetler
Vass Sandy
Burrington
Harrison
Old County Farm
Buttern
ut
Coraldale
e
on
mbin
Weld
Wi
Colu
nte
rgr
Hawthorn
ee
n
Dean
Lily Lake Lockwood
County Farm
Clare
CITY OF HARRISON RECREATION PLAN 0 0.5 1
Existing Facilities (Local)
Miles
Data Sources: State of Michigan Geographic Data Library, Michigan DNR Open Data Portal, City of Harrison
City Boundary Facility Ownership:
State Roads City of Harrison
All Roads County
Railroads School
Rivers / Streams Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR)
Lakes / PondsTable 3.2
Park Facilities Overview
Garbage Receptacles
Walking/Biking Trail
Size
Performance Area
(Ac) or
Horseshoe Pits
Running Track
Park Name Owner
Play Structure
Baseball Field
Picnic Shelter
Softball Field
Tennis Court
Boat Launch
Picnic Tables
Distance
Parking Lot
Swimming
Memorials
Restrooms
Basketball
(mi)
Benches
Football
Signage
Swings
Teeball
Soccer
Other
Grills
Neighborhood Senior Citizens (aka Dog) Park 0.4 City x x x
Parks Lakeside Park 0.3 City (99 yr. Lease) x x
Budd Lake Boat Launch 0.8 City x
Community
Parks
Budd Lake Island Park 1 City x
Saxton Park 0.7 City x x x x x ice fishing
City Park 40 City x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x sledding
Wilson State Park 36 DNR x x x x x x x x x x x x camping
Regional Parks Hayes Township Outdoor Park 30 Hayes Township x x x x x x x x x x x x
Maple Grove Cemetary 22.2 City x
Clare County Fairgrounds 120 Clare County x x x x x x x x x event center
Linear Parks Trails TBD Multiple x
Special Purpose
Parks
Veterans Freedom Park 1.23 City x x x x x
Robert M. Larsen Elementary 50 Harrison Public Schools x x x x x x
School District Hillside Elementary N/A Harrison Public Schools x x x x
Properties Harrison Middle School N/A Harrison Public Schools x x x
Harrison High School N/A Harrison Public Schools x x x x x x x
Table 3.3 Table 3.4
Other Parks in the Harrison Region Accessibility Rating
PARK NAME GENERAL PURPOSE ADA
Snow-Snake Ski Area Ski and golf resort OWNER PARK NAME RATING
Tamarack Golf Course 18 hole golf course Senior Citizens (aka Dog) Park A1
Devil’s Knob Golf Course 19 hole golf course Lakeside Park A2
Brookwood Park sports, playground Budd Lake Public Access A2
Farewell Park boat launch, fishing, swimming Budd Lake Island Park A2
City of Harrison
Garfield Township Park picnic, swimming, sports Saxton Park A2
Stamina Stadium Sport Park sports stadium City Park A3
Lincoln Township Park camping, boat launch Veterans Freedom Park A2
Lloyds Park picnic, swimming Maple Grove Cemetary A1
Au Sable State Forest Nature preserves, hiking DNR Wilson State Park A3
Petit Park camping, picnic, fishing Clare County Clare County Fairgrounds A2
Shingle Lake Park boat launch, fishing, swimming Multiple Trails A3
Shamrock Park sports, playground20 CIT Y OF H A RRIS O N PAR K S AN D R E CR E AT I ON M A STER PL A N
The City of Harrison owns or The park contains two softball
operates seven parks, one fields, two baseball fields, and a
cemetery, and a recreational trail tee-ball field. Additionally, there
system within the City limits. The are 10 horseshoe pits, a basketball
following is a brief description of court, two tennis courts, and four
those resources and a summary covered picnic pavilions. There are
of comments from the on-site also numerous play structures for
inventory. children, including one that was
recently installed with barrier-free
Saxton Park access.
Saxton Park is a popular park on The City intends to continue
the west side of Budd Lake. The to improve the ballfield and
park provides fishing access and strengthen its role as a regional A bike rack at Saxton Park.
scenic views for residents. On ballfield facility. Water, sewer,
sunny days, there are many people and electrical services extend to
who walk down to the park to the ballfield area. There is also a
eat lunch. While the potential concession stand and restrooms.
for additional development is Providing these amenities make
limited because of the steep slope the site an appropriate venue for
and the lake, the City intends to organized league play and regional
develop additional picnic facilities tournaments.
in the park. The parking lot is The City intends to develop a non-
paved, and there is a barrier-free motorized trail system through the
wheelchair ramp which leads to park. The trail will extend into the
the lake overlook area from the adjacent 20-acre capped landfill,
parking lot. However, there are no which is also City-owned. Both
barrier-free parking spaces marked parcels would lend themselves
in the parking lot. All future to the development of the trail A picnic pavilion at City Park
improvements to the park will be system. With the exception of the
of barrier-free design. vehicular entry drive off Spruce
The City intends to investigate Street, there are no barrier-free
the potential of developing entrances into the park for non-
a barrier-free ramp system to motorized users.
provide pedestrian access into the There is only one designated ADA
park. The ramp system would be parking space within the park. With
developed on the steep slope along the exception of one new feature,
Lake Street, and would provide much of the play equipment in the
pedestrian access from Lake Street park is older and not of barrier-free
into the park. design. All future improvements
to the park will be of barrier-free
City Park design.
City Park is the largest public park
in the City and provides the widest Children enjoying new play
range of recreational opportunities. equipment at City ParkC H A PTER 3: REC REATI O N I N VENTORY 21
Budd Lake Boat
Launch
This park is in the southeast corner
of Budd Lake off Grant Avenue.
The park has approximately 15
parking spaces for two boat
launches and an overlook area.
There are no ADA parking spaces
designated in the parking lot.
The boat launches appear to be
of barrier-free design. The lake
overlook is at the same grade as
the parking lot, so barrier-free
access to the lake is provided at this
park. The parking area should be A new play structure at City Park that uses
re-striped to provide an appropriate
number of ADA parking spaces.
Senior Citizens provides a passive outdoor area for
Park residents of the retirement home
Budd Lake Island and their guests.
This Park sits on a relatively small
Budd Lake Island is a relatively small
parcel (132’ x 132’) at the corner
island in the middle of Budd Lake.
of Fifth and Oak Streets. The lot
Lakeside Park
There are no improvements on the
has many large trees and is an (Lease Land)
island; it has been left in its natural
attractive location for a small dog This parcel is extremely popular
state. Because it is unimproved,
park. with neighborhood residents
barrier-free access onto or around
The City intends to develop this during the summer months. The
the island does not exist. Most of
park into a dog park by adding park is natural in character, and
the water surrounding the island
attractive fencing surrounding is comprised of a beach area and
is extremely shallow, and therefore
the perimeter of the park, adding a picnic table. The site has steep
inappropriate for a dock system.
trash receptacles with plastic topography between the street
The only part of the island deep
‘doggie’ bags, dog trails and and the lake, so there is no room
enough to allow boats to get close
dog entertainment features, and for off-street parking spaces. In
to a dock is on the eastern side
benches and picnic tables to addition, there is not room for
of the island. However, the City
provide a place for visitors to sit on-street parking along the narrow
could explore installing a kayak or
and eat. A proposed brick walkway street. Because automobile traffic
canoe launch using universal design
will provide barrier-free access into cannot be accommodated, the City
principles.
the park from the sidewalk along intends that the park should be
If the City decides to make designed as a neighborhood park
Oak and Fifth Streets.
improvements on this island, all and a destination for trail users.
improvements will incorporate There is a retirement home and
county administrative offices The City intends to develop some
barrier-free elements into their
nearby. Residents and employees passive recreation improvements
design.
from the offices eat lunch in the in the park. A small pavilion or
park on sunny days. The park gazebo will provide a place to sit
and rest, as well as shelter from22 CIT Y OF H A RRIS O N PAR K S AN D R E CR E AT I ON M A STER PL A N
sun and rain. A small play structure education on the continued Tr a i l S y s t e m
would provide play opportunities sacrifices that service men and
The continued development of a
for neighborhood children and women give for continued
non motorized trail system in the
a proposed bicycle rack will freedom. The park has a gazebo
community is a high recreational
encourage riders to stop and use with restrooms and military
priority. The City has completed a
the park. artifacts, as well as a walking
non-motorized trail surrounding
As a long-term goal, the City trail that surrounds the pentagon
Budd Lake, which provides access
intends to improve access to shaped park, with side areas
for swimming, boating, fishing,
the beach area by developing a dedicated for historic war eras.
and scenic opportunities for area
barrier-free trail to the beach. The Because this park was recently
residents. The lake is a significant
improvements will provide passive completed, it meets ADA
natural resource and is the main
recreation opportunities, beautify requirements and is not in need of
focal point of the City. The lake
the park, and improve access any upgrades.
is also a major tourist attraction,
to the lake for neighborhood drawing many campers into Wilson
residents and trail users. If the Maple Grove State Park during summer months.
improvements result in significantly Cemetery As already discussed, the City
more visitors to the park, the The Maple Grove Cemetery is plans to develop a trail system
City would consider purchasing located on Townline Lake Road throughout the 40-acre City Park
property adjacent to the park for just west of the Clare County and the 20-acre landfill site. The
its expansion, should property and fairgrounds in Harrison. The trail could then extend to the
parking become available. City maintains the grounds and southwest corner of the City on
keeps it open to the public for City-owned property. The trail
Veterans Freedom a variety of passive recreational will also extend from City Park
Park uses. The City plans to replace the across city property to the east,
This park is located in downtown fence, archway, and gates in the connecting to school property.
Harrison, and was completed cemetery and add mausoleums in The planned trail will loop through
in 2015. The Park honors local areas where the topography is too school property, providing excercise
veterans and provides public steep for headstones. opportunities and a place to get
close to nature.
Signage should be placed at
appropriate locations to inform
users of the route, including
distances, rest areas, and places
of interest. The City also hopes
to add exercise stations along the
trail. Benches and trash receptacles
would also be located in
appropriate areas. In the future, the
trail could link to other trail systems
in the area, such as the Old-127
corridor route.
Budd Lake Boat LaunchC H A PTER 3: REC REATI O N I N VENTORY 23 PARKS SERVICE AREA In Table 3.2 on page 19, the The bottom photo below shows service area of each park owned Land Lease Park in the wnter. The and operated by the City of top photo is a bird’s eye view of Harrison is indicated as either local, Veteran’s Freedom Park. community, or regional. Local parks serve the immediate area, drawing visitors from within a short walking distance or those who are passing by. The map on page 24 shows the portion of Harrison that is within a 1/4 mile walk of a park. As is illustrated, neighborhoods in the west and south portion of the City are not within an easy walk of a neighborhood park. Community parks serve all of Harrison, with recreational facilities that typically accomadate a wider audience, such as athletic fields or larger parks. Regional parks serve visitors from Harrison and surrounding communities because of their unique characteristics, such as access to Budd Lake or recreational opportunities.
24 CIT Y OF H A RRIS O N PAR K S AN D R E CR E AT I ON M A STER PL A N
Thomas
Grant
Gir
Clare
l
Sc
ou
Oakgrove
Camino
Lapham
Helen
Niemi
Janette
t
Ca
mp
Melanie
Rosina
Townline Lake
Laura
Hammond
1st
Mary Jo
Hillcrest
Wilson
Matilda
Van Deus
en
Isabella
Little
Little Long Lake
Long Lake
Fairlane
Greenlawn
ple
Eastlawn
Tem
Oaklawn
Fairview Lone Pine
La
ke
Green
vie
w
Jill
y
err
John R Ch
Lansing
La
s
ns
Hughe
Saginaw
Lak
Maple
in
Bu
g
e
Westlawn
Owosso
Birch
dd
Broad
Mount Pleasant
4th
Grant
Norway
La
Ithaca
La
Bischoff
ke
Byfield
ke
Beech Midland
Coleman Lee
Main
M 61 Farwell
Dale
6th Oak
Sellinger
Pine Ireta
4th
Pine
Duggan
Sullivan
Spruce Clarence
Clarence
Short
Foote
Do
Elm
ug
Eaton
las
Park
Park
2nd
ard
Bond
Rich
5th
Stone
Mostetler
Vass Sandy
Burrington
Harrison
Old County Farm
Buttern
ut
Coraldale
on
e
Weld
mbin
Wi
Colu
nte
rgr
Hawthorn
ee
n
Dean
Lily Lake Lockwood
County Farm
Clare
CITY OF HARRISON RECREATION PLAN 0 0.5 1
Public Park Service Area
Miles
Data Sources: State of Michigan Geographic Data Library, Michigan DNR Open Data Portal
City Boundary 1/4 Mile Service Area
State Roads Public Parks
All Roads
Railroads
Rivers / Streams
Lakes / PondsC H A PTER 4: PL A N N I N G PROCESS 25
Planning Process
R E L AT E D According to a press release Plan, Zoning Ordinance, and
issued by Governor Snyder, receiving technical assistance in
PLANNING Rising Tide is sponsored by the marketing, community branding,
EFFORTS Michigan Department of Talent and communications.
A recreation plan is not a stand- and Economic Development and
is providing 10 communities in 2009 Parks and
alone effort; instead, it is one
planning effort among many in the Michigan with the tools they Recreation Master
area aimed specifically at outlining need to design and build a solid Plan
the parks and recreation goals planning, zoning, and economic The last Five-Year Parks and
and action plan for the next five development foundation to Recreation Plan for the City of
years. In this section, previous and attract new businesses and help Harrison was adopted in June
concurrent planning efforts are of 2009. This plan follows the
existing employers to grow.
examined to develop a recreation Michigan Department of Natural
plan that supports and enhances Resources Guidelines and includes
efforts already underway. a comprehensive summary of
to work with local leaders to
The City of Harrison is a Rising develop new strategies for existing conditions, goals and
Tide community, which means that economic prosperity. Communities objectives, and a five-year action
the State of Michigan is putting were chosen based on a series plan. The plan includes conceptual
considerable effort into helping of economic factors including drawings for City Park, Lakeside
Harrison leverage its assets to unemployment rates, poverty Park (Lease Land), and Senior Park.
support economic development levels, and labor participation A public input session and a public
and enhance quality of life for rates. As a part of the Rising Tide hearing were held. The plan also
its residents. Harrison is one of project, the City of Harrison will be summarizes a 1998 public survey
ten communities across Michigan updating its Community Master that was administered by the City.
participating in this pilot program26 CIT Y OF H A RRIS O N PAR K S AN D R E CR E AT I ON M A STER PL A N
Many of the actions identified 2001 Master Plan fabric and character, the 2001
in the 2009 plan have been Master Plan primarily focuses on
completed. The trail around Budd The most recent Master Plan improvements to public parks,
Lake is finished, connecting Wilson was adopted by the City in April as opposed to non-motorized
State Park and three city parks. 2001. The plan summarizes pathways connecting the parks.
City Park improvements have been existing conditions and goals Non-motorized infrastructure
completed and barrier-free access for residential and commercial will be a cornerstone of the new
to bathrooms and park amenities development. Since the plan Master Plan.
have been added. Saxton Park and was adopted, there have
Budd Lake Public Access received been considerable changes to
downtown, both from public and
2014 Bicycle and
upgrades to boating facilities, Pedestrian Master
and bike parking was added to private investments, and changes
to the surrounding parks and Plan
Saxton Park. Additionally, Veterans
Freedom Park was completed neighborhoods. Demographic This plan was created for the
in 2015 on a formerly a vacant trends have also shifted since the City of Harrison, but was done in
school-owned property. Veterans plan was updated, resulting in an collaboration with neighboring
Freedom Park amenities include unanticipated loss of population Hayes Township, which surrounds
bathrooms, memorials, a lobby between 2000 and 2010 as the City of Harrison. The overall
honoring veterans in the five- well as a significant increase in goal was to create a bicycle and
County area, and seating for 200 the proportion of older adults. pedestrian-friendly environment for
people in an entertainment-style While the Plan acknowledges the City of Harrison by promoting
arrangement. the pivotal role that recreational safety and access throughout the
amenities play in community community. The plan identifies
and prioritizes infrastructure
improvements as well as strategies
for education and community
engagement. This plan was
especially helpful in identifying
and prioritizing non-motorized
improvements for inclusion in the
2017-2021 Parks and Recreation
Master Plan.
Downtown
Development
Authority 2007 Plan
The Harrison Downtown
Development Authority adopted
a downtown plan in order to
facilitate improvements in the
district. The current plan, adopted
in 2007, establishes a unified
vision supported by specific goals
and projections. The projects are
financed through the authority’sC H A PTER 4: PL A N N I N G PROCESS 27
tax incremental financing (TIF)
mechanism. The DDA is committed
to helping enhance non-motorized
infrastructure and making the
downtown district a more inviting
place for all roadway users. They
are also implementing a series of
traffic calming measures with Safe
Routes to School funds. The seven
key goals outlined in the 2007 plan
are as follows:
1. “Set the table” for private
investment
2. Establish an identifiable
character for the city of Harrison There has been significant investment in downtown Harrison in recent years.
Pictured above is Veterans Freedom Park
3. Establish a town square style,
multi-use center in Harrison
4. Establish and support a all residents of the community the City website. There was a total
“traditional,” and workable, and users of the city recreational of 67 respondents. The following
downtown retail district amenities. Public input on the summarizes feedback from the
present conditions and future survey.
5. Establish a physical and
needs of parks and recreation
perceived connection between
facilities was gathered by three Overall Park Usage
downtown Harrison and Budd Lake
primary means: a resident survey,
6. Improve pedestrian circulation The results from the survey showed
a visioning session with the Parks
throughout the DDA district that 100% of respondents have
and Recreation Committee, and a
visited a Harrison City Park within
7. Establish programs to foster public hearing.
the past five years. The most widely
economic activity and enhance used park according to the survey
business development and Survey Results was City Park, with Wilson State
retention in Harrison’s downtown The community survey was Park and Budd Lake Public Access
available to the public from coming in at a close second and
PLANNING December 27, 2016 through third respectively. See the map on
January 15, 2017. The online page 28 for a visual representation.
PROCESS survey was administered through Although the Clare County
In the fall of 2016, the City of the platform Survey Monkey. Hard Fairgrounds is used less frequently
Harrison began engaging residents copies were also available at City than other parks, over 82% of
and stakeholders in a meaningful Hall and the Public Library for respondents visited the grounds at
way to elicit public input that residents who wished to complete least once that year. The least used
would inform goals, objectives, the survey by paper. The City parks were Senior Citizens Park and
and implementation strategies. advertised the survey through Land Lease Park.
City officials worked hard to ensure a press release, Facebook, and
that the Plan met the needs of posted a direct link to the survey on28 CIT Y OF H A RRIS O N PAR K S AN D R E CR E AT I ON M A STER PL A N
Grant
Thomas
Gir
Clare
l
Sc
ou
Oakgrove
Camino
Lapham
Helen
Niemi
t
Janette
Ca
mp
Melanie
Rosina
Townline Lake
Laura
Maple Grove
Little Long
1st
Cemetery
Mary Jo
Lake Access
Hillcrest
Wilson
Matilda
Wilson Isabella
Clare County Fairgrounds State Park Little
Little Long Lake
Long Lake
Fairlane
Greenlawn
ple
Eastlawn
Tem
Oaklawn
Fairview
Budd Lake Lone Pine
La
Island ke
Green
vie
Jill
w
y
err
John R Ch
Lansing
La
Westlawn
ns
Lak
Saginaw
Lease Land
in
Maple
Bu
g
e
Owosso
Broad
dd
Birch
Mount Pleasant
4th
Grant
La
Hillside Veterans Beech Ithaca Bischoff
Saxton
Byfield
ke
Elementary Park
Midland
Main Park Coleman Lee
Farwell
Senior
M 61 Dale
Oak
Citizens Park
Sellinger
Harrison Pine Ireta
Duggan
4th
Middle School
Lake
Spruce Clarence
Clarence
Sullivan
Short
Foote
Do
Elm
Robert M. Larso
ug
Eaton
las
City Park Elementary Park
Park
Budd Lake /
Grant Ave Access
2nd
ard
Bond
Rich
5th
Stone
Harrison
High School
Mostetler
Vass Sandy
Burrington
Harrison
Old County Farm
Buttern
ut
Coraldale
e
on
mbin
Weld
Wi
Colu
nte
rgr
Hawthorn
ee
n
Dean
Lily Lake Lockwood
County Farm
Clare
CITY OF HARRISON RECREATION PLAN 0 0.5 1
Average Park Usage
Miles
Data Sources: State of Michigan Geographic Data Library, Michigan DNR Open Data Portal, City of Harrison
City Boundary Average Park Usage:
State Roads Less than once a year
All Roads Several times a year
Railroads Not included in question
Rivers / Streams
Lakes / PondsC H A PTER 4: PL A N N I N G PROCESS 29
Park Uses
Over 20% of respondents said
they use the parks at least once a
week for organized youth sports.
The majority of respondents
(over 60%) said that they use the
parks for boating, running/hiking/
walking, and other unorganized
outdoor activities at least several
times a year. When asked about
their reason for visiting parks,
respondents noted that the two Left, youth soccer players at
biggest reasons were recreation Hayes Township Park. Above,
and spending time with family and a sign highlighting 20 parks
friends. About 1/3 of respondents that can be accessed within a
said they use the parks for exercise 20-minute drive of Harrison.
and about 1/4 said they use the
parks to get closer to nature. maintenance yet. In general, the parks in Harrison. Additionally, over
majority of respondents were half of respondents said that it was
Opportunities for also satisfied with the overall difficult to get to neighborhood
Improvement condition of City Park, the Clare and community parks by walking
When asked about opportunities County Fairgrounds, and Wilson and biking.
for improvement or future State Park. Budd Island Park
Parks and
development, the highest ranking and Land Lease Park recorded
the lowest level of satisfaction. Recreation
response was to develop more
About 94% of respondents were Committee
non motorized trails (42% said it
was a high priority), while others in favor of taxpayer support for In addition to the survey, the City
receiving high support were play parks and recreation services, of Harrison held two visioning
equipment (41% said it was a and over 80% supported the meetings with the Parks and
high priority), cultural events and City expanding recreational Recreation Committee to refine the
public art (36%), outdoor picnic facilities and services. goals and objectives and to develop
and pavilion shelters (36%), town Additionally, 80% supported a a five-year action plan. On January
square (34%), and ice skating rink partnership between the City 9, 2017, the Committee met to
(34%). and the County to increase use review preliminary survey results
of the County Fairgrounds. and develop goals and objectives
Park Maintenance for the Plan. The second meeting
Park Accessibility on January 12 was an opportunity
The survey also asked respondents for the Parks and Recreation
about overall maintenance of The survey also asked
respondents about the general Committee to revisit the draft plan
the parks. The highest level of and make final changes to the
satisfaction was the condition accessibility of parks. One
quarter of respondents said it document prior to the February 20
of Veterans Freedom Park. This Public Hearing.
is likely due to the fact that the was not easy for people who
park was recently constructed are disabled, elderly, or have
and has not required significant restricted mobility to access the30 CIT Y OF H A RRIS O N PAR K S AN D R E CR E AT I ON M A STER PL A N
Goals
Section
andHeading
Objectives
Photo courtesy of Marty Johnson
The City of Harrison Parks and Goal #1 Objectives:
Recreation Master Plan goals and • Work to increase year-round
Protect natural resources, open
objectives are based on the parks use of the County Fairgrounds
space, and the small-town
inventory, community input, and for recreational related
character of Harrison; while
previous planning within the activities, events, and camping
leveraging these assets for
community.
economic development and • Continue incremental steps to
The Parks and Recreation placemaking. complete the Town Square,
Committee reviewed all available including the clock, band shell,
information and established three sign/marquee, and splash pad.
overarching goals for the Parks Placemaking in Harrison means
and Recreation Plan. Each goal leveraging its existing high-quality
has a series of objectives that are natural and cultural assets to spur
supported by residents of the economic growth and enhance
community and implementable opportunities for all residents.
through a series of action steps Leaders envision a community
outlined in detail in the final with safe and accessible non-
chapter. motorized routes connecting all
parks, schools, and neighborhoods.
Harrison is working to be a
recreation destination for regional
residents and visitors alike with its
20 inland lakes within a 20-minute
drive of the City, including Budd
Lake.C H A PTER 5: G O A L S A N D O B J ECTIVES 31
Goal #2
Provide high-quality
recreational experiences
that serve a diversity of age
groups, income levels, and
socioeconomic backgrounds to
increase the quality of life for
Harrison residents.
To create an inclusive parks system
that serves residents and visitors
of varying abilities, all new and
renovated facilities must comply
with the Americans with Disabilities
Act regulations and guidelines. This
benefits every citizen by making it
easier to access the facilities and
recreational amenities provided
by the City of Harrison, while
Goal #3 amenities.
maintaining a diverse array of Expand the trail network to
provide barrier free access Objectives:
physical recreation opportunities in
the outdoor environment. The City to nature and recreational • Complete Trail #2: a trail through
of Harrison will work to meet the amenities, active transportation the southwest portion of the
needs of all ages, since 16% of the options, and enhance economic City that connects City Park,
population is over age 65 and 19% development, providing the 20-acre landfill property,
of the population is under age 18. transportation and recreation with adjacent schools and
(2010 US Census). connections within the City and neighborhoods.
throughout the region. • Add signage, benches, trash
Objectives: receptacles, and exercise stations
Harrison is committed to along the trails to enhance the
• Continue to collaborate with developing a safe, attractive, user experience and to welcome
Hayes Township to offer and convenient trail network for all trail users.
soccer youth leagues to the transportation and recreational • Explore opportunities to partner
community at the soccer purposes. The recently completed with MDOT, Clare County, and
complex owned and operated Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan neighboring communities to link
by Hayes Township. for the City provides a vision and to regional trails; connecting
• Continue upkeep and implementable projects the City with the US-127 corridor route
improvements on the five city- plans to undertake to support to the south.
owned ballfields. a more bicycle and pedestrian • Support investments and
• Continue to support non- friendly environment. The City partnerships that help position
profits and other groups who also hopes to welcome motorized Harrison to be a recreational
seek to offer recreational trail users like snowmobiles and destination for central Michigan.
programming such as tennis ORVs by improving signage and
• Welcome snowmobiles into
lessons and football camp in Harrison and encourage
City-owned parks. them to use the shoulders of
neighborhood streets at slow
speeds.32 CIT Y OF H A RRIS O N PAR K S AN D R E CR E AT I ON M A STER PL A N
Section
ActionHeading
Plan
Courtesy of JC Colville
A detailed road map is the first step opportunities to add dog- fields and dugouts (currently
toward realizing Harrison’s parks friendly features. scheduled for spring of 2017).
and recreation goals. The following 4. Install trash receptacles with 4. Barrier-Free Opportunities:
action plan includes a general plastic ‘doggie’ bags.
strategy for each City-owned • Continue collaborations
park as well as a list of action 5. Add benches and picnic tables with boy scouts and other
plan items that support the plan’s 6. Barrier Free Opportunities: community groups to install
objectives. See the map on page barrier-free amenities.
• Add barrier-free brick
35 for locations of the action plan walkway into the park • Add barrier-free park
items. Additionally, funding sources entrance opportunities for
and implementation strategies are • All additional improvements non-motorized users.
explored in this chapter. will be barrier free.
• Add barrier-free paths
from the parking lot to the
Development Improvement
ballfields.
Strategies: Strategies:
• Upgrade all play equipment
Development of Dog Park Improvements to City Park
and make it barrier-free.
(formerly known as Senior 1. Complete the trail that
• Make sure all safe fall areas
Citizens Park) extends into the Landfill site
are wheelchair accessible.
1. Create a dog park at the and connects with adjacent
neighborhoods and schools, • Make the pavilion floors
underused park currently
adding signage, activity station, flush with the ground.
known as Senior Citizens Park.
and waste receptacles. • Increase the number of
2. Install visually appealing
2. Develop a BMX/skateboard barrier-free parking spaces.
fencing to keep dogs within
the park boundary. track. • Horseshoe pits should have
3. Continue upgrades on ball barrier-free platforms.
3. Create a dog trail and exploreYou can also read
