The Columbia Township Board is applying for a $150,000 grant for changes to the park at the west end of Clark Lake. If approved, funds would come as a Recreation Passport Grant. The grant would require the Township to match 25%, or $37,500. The Township hired OHM Advisors to evaluate and suggest modifications that cover a range of options.
In presenting options to the board, OHM representative Jennifer Morris emphasized the recommendation for a paved parking lot. The design calls for 12 spaces to be created along the road. Currently parking is within the park, absorbing space that could otherwise be used by visitors to the park.
Treasurer John Calhoun, a Clark Lake resident, commented on the current expenditure of $6000 on port-a-potties. He believed installing permanent facilities could mitigate that expense.
There was urgency for a vote at last night’s Township Board meeting. The deadline to apply for the Passport Grant is April 1st. During discussion, it appeared that applying for the grant would not commit the Township to certain design issues. As you can see in the cost estimates below, they vary widely.
This aerial view illustrates the options.
Other board action:
As reported previously, Trustee Mike Trout stepped down from the Columbia Township board to accept the position of municipal services director. As such he has become an employee of the Township.
Mike Trout
Mike Trout’s position on the board then became open. The board voted to replace Mike Trout with Rick Church.
Rick Church
Rick Church had been responsible for zoning enforcement as well as the duties that Mike Trout assumed. The board split Rick Church’s former duties into two positions. That new position that will be filled by Brittany Stein. She will have the title of Building/Zoning/Planning Manager.
Brittany Stein
Brittany Stein holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Geography and Sustainable Planning from Grand Valley State University. She has held several positions in which her work experience involved zoning and planning, as well as code enforcement.
Residents filled the room at last night’s meeting (Mon 3/19). Some were there regarding special assessments for roads at Lake Columbia. Others were present to hear about possible changes to the Township Park on Hyde Road, but there was little public comment.
Coming next is a story about updates to the Disorderly Ordinance as well as other updates. Stay tuned.
I’m not sure why the Board wants to draw more problems into the area. Due to people coming from outside the area, and failing to follow the rules, the park has become much less attractive. Why is encouraging more of these individuals to come to the park being considered?
Given the safety issues in the past any plan should include what is the security plan for the area out of respect for the residents that are near the park.
The range of estimate looks completely out of whack across the board to me. The cost of pavilion – $60-$350K, $100K to surface a playground; concrete at $6 per sq. ft would equate to just over 24K square feet. $27-$44K for fencing – how long is it as 500 feet installed is about $6K – high end fencing?
Landscaping costs are way too high. Good stock deciduous trees average $300/$400 per tree.
$90k in landscape plantings is absurd for a small park. Nearly $10k in mulch would equate to about 238 yards – and at 15-20 yards a dump load – that’s at least a dozen dump loads. Nearly $20k to restore a lawn??? And $25k in planting soil looks absurd.
And mobilization for all landscape shouldn’t be more than $5-$15k and not based on a %, and the calc between your low and high range are not computed on same basis and in error.
I’m all for property improvements, but I’m not for wasting money – regardless some comes from a grant as a matter of fiduciary responsibility.
Who provided such estimates?
Regardless of the amounts – such a wide range on estimates typically tells a CFO of any private enterprise that the party submitting either doesn’t have a clear plan or objective, or the requisite experience. Either of which typically leads to unfavorable outcomes. And when simple math or calc errors are presented – that tells me the reviewers didn’t review much – and usually leads to a “No”.
I think we can and should do much better here.
I can’t see spending nearly $900,000 on a park to be used by non-residents. Who will be in charge of cleaning the bathrooms. Just another expense to be paid by the tax payers. I can’t seem to get the figures to add up. Look at the expense for low end landscaping. What’s the ticket station’s purpose or will there be a fee for usage.
How about they fix the damn roads before spending money on the park?
Everyone has to realize that the twp will have to expend more funds to correct the mammoth problem this Board created. How bout significantly downsizing the existing parking lot in addition to adding asphalt and curbing to reduce the number of visitors. Eliminate Hyde Road parking and call it a day. The Board should then acquire an existing parcel to develop a larger park environment perhaps along Jefferson, Reed, North Hyde or Hayes so that many other residents could enjoy year round? The Twp is looking for a parcel for a second fire station, perhaps we could solve both with one property acquistion? As Morris stated, we already have the Grant Paperwork, why not?
Costs is crazy and no different then the crazy price for the Pergola at the community center. This has to stop. We need to address the issues around the lake that the township is responsible for. The park is fine as it is for now.
Well Ill post this again
Our Columbia Twp. elected officials should basically leave the park untouched other than improving the parking lot, to meet minimum standards, as any local business or individual would be required to do.
Secondly, enforce a maximum number of parking spots, correct the lot drainage, establish curbs & cut outs etc.. Patrol the park properly, get the cars off the road, reduce hours of operation (this was done successfully 2 years ago), lock/unlock the gates on time & write tickets for every infraction.
Basically enforce the rules on the books already.
Then hopefully the EXTRA money could be used for our ROADS, increased seasonal law enforcement, local veteran affairs. These are things most Columbia Twp. tax payers would love to see happen to benefit our citizens.
Just to clarify a couple things. All the funds and labor used to restore the Community Center, as well as purchase and construct the Pergola, were donations from individuals and families. The goal was to preserve the past, to allow future generations the opportunity to see how Clark Lake residents lived 100 years ago, and to provide a place for people to gather. No government or tax dollars went into this project. Even the historical marker was paid for by donations.
I like where Mike’s going here. There’s enough know-how, community and wherewithal around here to accomplish this or anything else we put our minds to.
Improving our parks and surroundings benefits everyone, and I think it’s good to be inclusive. Parks are for every man, woman, and child’s enjoyment regardless of your socio-economic background – or residency status. Everyone should be afforded the opportunity to experience, enjoy and respect a very nice park. I think between a grant, individual support and hard work – we can make a park for everyone’s enjoyment much nicer.
Thanks Mike for the information. Many viewers may not realize the Community Center is on the east end of the lake while the township park west side.