2021 Parks Improvement Millage


Manhattan Field #5 Multi-Use Field

Construction is underway on the renovation of the full-size multi-use field at Manhattan Park.  The project will consist of raising and leveling the field, installing a new drainage system, installing a new irrigation system, improving the spectator seating areas with improved ADA access and seating opportunities.  Following the renovation of the field, a new scoreboard will be installed. 


Elementary School Playgrounds

Construction on the playgrounds at Wealthy Elementary, Lakeside Elementary and Breton Downs Elementary have begun.  It is anticipated that the playground at Wealthy Elementary will be complete by the end of August 23', and Lakeside and Breton Downs Elementary playgrounds will be complete later in fall of 23'.  Updates on project completion will be shared in the East Express newsletter, social media posts and on the city website.   Thank you to everyone who participated in the various surveys, meetings and public input opportunities that helped guide the playground design process.    

Click here to view the final playground designs: FINAL PLAYGROUND DESIGNS


Community Dog Park

The East Grand Rapids Dog Park at Remington Park is complete and opened to the public on September 8, 2023.  Please click HERE for more information about the Dog Park. 

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////


WHAT IS THE PARKS IMPROVEMENT MILLAGE?

The Parks Improvement Millage was passed by EGR voters on Tuesday, Nov. 2 with 59.3% support. Residents will pay an annual 0.56 mills (assessed taxable home value multiplied by 0.00056) allowing the City to borrow up to $7 million over 20 years beginning July 1, 2022. 

The millage will fund extensive renovations and additions at Manhattan Park, trails through several undeveloped properties, shade shelters, a splash pad and sports courts, and the replacement of all five playgrounds in the City. Projects will be handled individually and may be modified based on public feedback and material/contractor staffing availability. All projects will include additional feedback opportunities prior to the City Commission's final approval.

Original project list and cost estimates from the Parks Improvement Millage proposal:

Location
Project
Cost*
EGRPS Playgrounds
Breton Downs, Lakeside, Wealthy, WECC
$1,705,959
Remington/Hodenpyl
Upgrade trails to provide barrier-free access with wetland and lakefront overlooks and a connection to Waterfront Park
$300,000
Hodenpyl South
Provide a barrier-free trail south of Reeds Lake Boulevard with lake overlook decks
$150,000
Waterfront Park Phase 2
Woodland and wetland restoration, trail and boardwalk development, additional parking and environmental education opportunities 
$350,000
Steketee Woods
Provide accessible trail linking to Reeds Lake Trail, including hilltop terrace, lake viewing area and boardwalk ramp/stairs
$560,000
Shroeder Property
Provide a trail through park to lakefront with viewing docks
$300,000
City
Dog park on an existing property or newly acquired property 
$500,000
City
New futsal and pickleball courts
$140,000
City
Resurface or restripe existing tennis courts to provide futsal and pickleball courts at existing park facilities or school properties (4 courts)
$25,000
San Lu Rae
Shade shelter with picnic tables
$62,000
Manhattan
Playground
$574,450
Manhattan
Site preparation
$51,000
Manhattan
Bathroom facilities
$150,000
Manhattan
Shade structures
$130,313
Manhattan
Park amenities (concrete surfaces, benches, bike racks, sewer connection, electrical work, landscaping, picnic tables, lighting, etc) 
$442,828
Manhattan
Softball and soccer field renovations 
$400,000
Manhattan
Splash pad: poured in place surfacing with colored concrete surfacing
$532,001

Total:
$6,373,850 

To cover possible contingencies, the millage would allow the City to borrow up to $7 million by approving a new millage levy of 0.56 mills. A debt millage is levied for the purpose of paying the principal and interest on a bond for the construction and renovation of infrastructure and other capital assets. The City will borrow only what is needed to cover the actual project costs, which means the final amount could be less than $7 million.

FAQs

Will all projects on the Parks and Recreation Master Plan list move forward? 
Many of the projects will move forward, but not all at once. Based on resident prioritization, projects will be completed within three to four years, during which time individual plans may be altered based on additional community feedback and consultant recommendations.

After much discussion with residents and community members, the City and its consultants ranked residents’ top priorities as listed above. However, specific plans for each individual project will be presented to the Parks & Recreation Commission and City Commission before moving forward. All projects will include further community engagement sessions. For example, a dog park was listed among the most-desired amenities. While much research has gone into the costs of the creation of a dog park, specific logistics for building one in EGR will be needed before moving forward.  

Can funds from the millage be used to support recreation programs or City operations?
No. All money collected from the millage will directly fund the playgrounds and other projects listed above.

Who decides what projects the funds are spent on?
While the City Commission will make the final approval of individual projects during its regular meetings, which are held on the first and third Monday of each month, these decisions take residents’ feedback and needs into great consideration. The listed projects above were prioritized by residents and community members over several years of feedback and engagement opportunities as part of the Master Plan and Parks & Recreation Master Plan.

What will the $7 million be spent on?
The projects listed above and five playgrounds — four owned by EGR Public Schools and one owned by the City at Manhattan Park. Additionally, the City will not borrow a lump sum of $7 million and instead will borrow as needed based on each project or group of projects’ cost.

Are pickleball courts included in this plan?  
By popular demand, pickleball court renovations and additions were included in the Parks and   Recreation Master Plan. As listed above, the 2021 Parks Improvement Millage plan has similarly taken pickleball courts into account. You can view details by viewing section 8 of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan linked above under resources.  

What if, after further planning, a project does not cost the full amount listed above?
The City will borrow only the money it needs to complete projects.

What will the new playground equipment be made out of? Will it be sustainable? 
Specifics for each of the projects listed above, including the playgrounds, have not been decided yet. If the millage passes, the City will work with EGRPS to select the right playgrounds. Sustainability is an important factor for entities and residents will have several opportunities to voice their thoughts when more detailed plans for each project is presented to the City Commission. 

Will the federal COVID relief windfall be used toward the millage? 
It's possible the City is permitted to use some of the COVID funds for one or more of the projects proposed in the 2021 Parks Improvement Millage to reduce the amount ultimately borrowed. The City Commission will be reviewing this in the coming months.

Still have questions? Contact the Parks & Recreation Department at 616.949.1750.

RESOURCES

Official ballot language (page 8)

2020 Community Parks and Recreation Master Plan

Section 8 of 2020 Community Parks and Recreation Master Plan

2018 City of EGR Master Plan

City-EGRPS Joint Playground Resolution


TIMELINE & UPDATES

April - August 2022
The City hosts 7 community open house input sessions regarding park improvement projects and 6 public input sessions specifically related to the playground replacement projects.  

Feb 21, 2022
City Commission authorizes $5.180 million bond sale in April to raise funds for first phase of projects. 

Commission also authorizes submittal of a Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant application for improvements to Manhattan Park.

Nov 2, 2021
Voters approve millage proposal 59%-41%.

Sep-Oct 2021
Four public education meetings held to review ballot language and potential projects with residents.

Jul 2021
City Commission votes to place proposal on November ballot and approves ballot language.

Jun-Jul 2021
Three public engagement meetings are held to discuss possible millage and suggested projects.

May 2021
City Commission begins discussions of a ballot proposal for November election.