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2021 Parks Improvement Millage
Elementary School PlaygroundsThe playground equipment designs for the structures at Wealthy Elementary, Lakeside Elementary and Breton Downs Elementary have been finalized following the community input process that took place throughout this past year. 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 A dog park is coming to Remington Park in summer 2023! Construction is scheduled to begin in the spring, with estimated completion in July 2023. The dog park will include a fenced in area for large dogs and a separate fenced in area for small dogs, accessible seating areas, water bottle filling stations and drinking fountains for dogs, dog waste bag stations and the restrooms at Remington Park will seasonally be available for use each spring, summer and fall. Click HERE to view the final dog park design. |
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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
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.