COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Branch County Park Trustees will host a public meeting February 12, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. to hear comments on a draft for a five year Branch County Parks and Recreation Plan.
The county has sought input from community members since August through an online survey.
It asked for feedback regarding the County Parks and it also had questions about what improvements were needed at the six parks Branch County owns and operates.
About 235 persons responded and compared to a 2012 survey, there was a lower percentage of rankings for the five different aspects of the parks.
The survey also showed that 56 percent of the respondents felt there should be more restrooms along with more walking and biking paths.
Half of the respondents favored a dedicated recreation millage to fund operations, maintenance and improvements to Branch County Park while 65 percent strongly agreed or agreed that some Branch County tax dollars should be allocated to the parks.
The Recreation Plan follows the guidelines for Community Park, Recreation, Open Space, and Greenway Plans as published by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR).
A completed recreation plan allows the County to become eligible for recreation grant opportunities. A grant from the state has been used over the last five years to help fund improvements at Memorial Park.
The meeting on February 12th will take place at the Branch County Road Commission office on East Garfield. A draft of the plan can be reviewed at the Road Commission offices or on line at www.countyofbranch.com/departments/22.
Questions or comments can be directed to County Park Manager Trent Arver at (517)279-9850.
