RECREATION PLAN DRAFT GARDEN PENINSULA

1 | P a g e

FAIRBANKS TOWNSHIP, GARDEN TOWNSHIP & VILLAGE OF GARDEN

GARDEN PENINSULA DELTA COUNTY

Community Description & Demographic Data

The Garden Peninsula is located in the south central portion of

the central Upper Peninsula. The Peninsula juts out into Lake

Michigan, thus creating the separation between Green Bay’s Big

Bay de Noc and Lake Michigan proper. Garden Township also

extends northward of the peninsula to the Alger county line.

The total land area of Garden Township is 104,832 acres or 163.8

square miles. The Village of Garden contains 640 acres or one

square mile and is the largest population concentration on the

Garden Peninsula. Fairbanks Township contains 29,811 acres.

For any planning endeavor, careful attention must be given to

the analysis of demographic information. The population

characteristics of an area are necessary to determine existing or

future needs. These statistics assist local governments in

determining the direction of local capital improvements and

related expenditures for recreational planning. They are also

useful when applying recreation guidelines to a community.

The population of Garden Township, the Village of Garden and

Fairbanks Township have all seen population decreases from

1960 to 2014. However, during that time period, the population

of both townships has been cyclical, with one decade showing

a drop in population followed by an increase; the population in

the Village has declined steadily since 1960 with a 44.7 percent

decrease in population from 1960 to 2014. During the same

period, the county saw its population increase by 6.9 percent,

Michigan saw an increase of 20.9 percent, and the USA at 42.9

percent increase.

Table 1.1

Population Trends, Selected Areas

Selected Areas 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2014 % Change

‘60-‘14

Garden Township 771 713 812 783 817 750 678 -12.1

Village of Garden 380 336 296 269 240 221 210 -44.7

Fairbanks Township 319 309 358 309 321 281 313 -1.9

Delta County 34,298 35,924 38,947 37,780 38,520 37,069 36,841 6.9

Michigan 7,824,965 8,875,083 9,262,078 9,295,297 9,938,444 9,883,640 9,889,024 20.9

USA 179,323,175 203,302,031 226,542,199 248,709,873 281,421,906 308,745,538 314,107,084 42.9

Source: U.S. Bureau of the Census, Years Cited

RECREATION PLAN DRAFT GARDEN PENINSULA

2 | P a g e

Age distribution groups are presented below. The preschool

age group (children under the age of 5) comprises 3.8 percent

of the population in Garden Township and 2.9 percent in the

Village of Garden, which is less than the county at 5.1 percent

and Fairbanks Township at 7.7 percent. Those of school age

within the Garden Township (5 to 19 years) comprise 13.1

percent of the population and 13.3 percent of the population in

the Village of Garden. This is significantly lower than Fairbanks

Township (18.2 percent), Delta County (17.4 percent) and the

state (20.8 percent). The percentage of those in the working age

group in Fairbanks Township (44.4 percent) is lower than Garden

Township (48.6 percent), the Village of Garden (52.4 percent) as

well as the county

(57.2 percent). The

percentage of those

within the retirement

age group in Garden

Township, the Village

of Garden and

Fairbanks Township is

significantly higher

than that of the county

and the state.

Persons between the

age of 45 and 65 are in

the segment of the

population commonly

known as the baby

boomer generation,

born between 1945

and 1965. Within the

Garden Peninsula a

significant portion of

the population are

considered “baby

boomers.”

Table 1.2

Age Distribution, 2014

Age

(years)

Garden

Township

% of

total

pop.

Village of

Garden

% of

total

pop.

Fairbanks

Township

% of

total

pop.

Delta

County

% of

total

pop.

State of

Michigan

% of

total

pop.

5 years 26 3.8 6 2.9 24 7.7 1,890

5.1

596,286 6.0

PRESCHOOL AGE 26 3.8 6 2.9 24 7.7 1,890 5.1 596,286 6.0

5-9 years 19 2.8 7 3.3 14 4.5 2,110 5.7 637,784 6.5

10-14 years 31 4.6 5 2.4 17 5.4 2,180 5.9 675,216 6.8

15-19 years 39 5.8 16 7.6 26 8.3 2,132 5.8 739,599 7.5

SCHOOL AGE 89 13.1 28 13.3 57 18.2 6,422 17.4 2,052,599 20.8

20-24 years 2 0.3 2 1.0 7 2.2 1,904 5.2 669,072 6.8

25-34 years 27 4.0 8 3.8 17 5.4 3,606 9.8 1,164,149 11.8

35-44 years 56 8.3 17 8.1 19 6.1 3,999 10.9 1,277,974 12.9

45-54 years 117 17.3 32 15.2 39 12.5 5,508 15.0 1,510,033 15.3

55-59 years 62 9.1 31 14.8 28 8.9 3,284 8.9 683,186 6.9

60-64 years 65 9.6 20 9.5 29 9.3 2,775 7.5 568,811 5.8

WORKING AGE 329 48.6 110 52.4 139 44.4 21,076 57.2 5,873,225 59.4

65-74 years 163 24.0 34 16.2 55 17.6 3,857 10.5 724,709 7.3

75-84 years 52 7.7 15 7.1 25 8.0 2,491 6.8 444,940 4.5

85+ years 19 2.8 17 8.1 13 4.2 1,105 3.0 191,881 1.9

RETIREMENT

AGE 234 34.5 66 31.4 93 29.7 7,453 20.2 1,361,530 13.8

Total 678 210 313 36,841 9,883,640

Source: 2014 American Community Survey

RECREATION PLAN DRAFT GARDEN PENINSULA

3 | P a g e

The number of people living in

poverty correlates to

economic cycles and

educational attainment.

Understanding the

geographic distribution of

poverty in the region is useful

as people in this situation are

more likely to be in need of

public transit and social

services.

Utilizing demographic information such as population, age

distribution, and population below poverty level in the planning

process helps guide how to best create and maintain

recreational facilities and programs for the communities in

which they serve.

Recreation Administrative Structure

The Garden Township Board is responsible for overseeing the

operations and maintenance of Garden Township’s recreation

facilities. Two part-time employees perform maintenance

activities. The Fairbanks Township Board is responsible for

overseeing recreational development in the Township and the

Garden Village Board maintains responsibility for Village

recreational activities and development.

Garden Township has designated a total of $1,400 for park

expenses each year. Funding covers the wages of two part-time

employees, supplies, and maintenance and repair.

Fairbanks Township

budgets $300 per

year for recreation

from the general

fund. Approximately

$5,000 per year is

budgeted from the

general fund for

recreational

purposes in the

Village; the funding is used for maintenance.

The Garden Peninsula Recreation Committee consists of ten

members who meet on a monthly basis to discuss and plan for

the recreational needs of Garden Township, Fairbanks

Township, and the Village of Garden. The Recreation Committee

functions as an advisory group, in which they make

recommendations to the appropriate township or village board

for matters concerning recreation. The Township and Village

Boards are the authority to commit funds for parks and

recreation, accept grants and purchase land on behalf of the

community. The names of the current members of the Garden

Peninsula Recreation Committee are listed below:

Fred Bates Randy Brown

Ruth Craig Janet Daash

Kathryn Denholm Robin Double

Irma Gonzalez-Hider Jeff LeFevre

Brad McPhee

Steve Peterson

Christa Peterson

Tom Trish

Garden Township Board

Part-Time Employees (2)

Table 1.4

Projected Recreation Budget

Year Garden

Township Village of

Garden Fairbanks

Township

2016 $1,400 $5,000 $300 2017 $1,400 $5,000 $300 2018 $1,400 $5,000 $300 2019 $1,400 $5,000 $300 2020 $1,400 $5,000 $300

Table 1.3

Percent of Population

Below Poverty Level, 2014

Garden Township 9.6

Village of Garden 6.2

Fairbanks Township 12.5

Delta County 17.2

Michigan 16.9

USA 15.6

GARDEN PENINSULA REGIONAL RECREATION DRAFT

4 | P a g e

Volunteers/Community Partnerships

Garden Township, Fairbanks Township and the Village of

Garden have had a long and successful relationship with

community organizations. When certain projects arise for the

townships and the Village, community organizations and

individuals often donate time and money to the project.

The Village Artisans of Garden, a non-profit organization, brings

together art and art enthusiasts in the community by supporting

and promoting local artists and artisans through the Garden

Gallery, a delightful gift shop where beautiful items created

locally may be viewed and purchased. The Village Artisans also

sponsor and provide art classes, musical programs, educational

and enrichment programs both at the school and in the

community and a variety of workshops for children and adults.

The organization enriches lives in the community through their

volunteer efforts. The Old Timers, a volunteer organization

sponsors the 4th of July celebration, the local 4th of July fireworks

display and holds a children’s Christmas party with Santa at the

Garden Township hall. They hold snowmobile and ATV ride

fundraisers to support the free children’s Christmas party.

UPspring, Inc., formerly the Garden Peninsula Economic Task

Force, promotes tourism and economic development on the

Garden Peninsula that directly benefits the local school through

the creation of events and marketing our area. The Friendship

Quilters (volunteers) meet weekly helping individuals with

sewing or quilting projects; local quilters/sewers volunteer their

time making quilts for the Department of Human Services and

Bay Cliff Camp.

Local volunteers participate in the organization “Friends of

Fayette” which provides activities for the public and also fund

Garden Peninsula

Recreation

Committee (Advisory)

Garden Peninsula

Recreation

Committee (Advisory)

Garden Peninsula

Recreation

Committee (Advisory)

Fairbanks Township Board

Village of

Garden Board

Figure 1:

Garden Township,

Fairbanks Township, and

the Village of Garden

Park and Recreation

Organizational Charts

Garden

Township Board

Part-Time

Employees (2)

GARDEN PENINSULA REGIONAL RECREATION DRAFT

5 | P a g e

performances for the Heritage Days Celebration at Fayette State

Park and assist with the restoration and stabilization of the Park.

The American Legion volunteers provide a celebration

ceremony on Memorial Day, provide monthly breakfasts for the

community, provide an honor guard, support the 4th of July

parade and fireworks display, provide scholarships for students,

donate to the PTO and school field trips, hold a breakfast

fundraiser for seniors and donate to the children’s basketball

and baseball leagues. The American Legion created and

maintains a Veteran’s Park in the Village of Garden. The Garden

Congregational Church has a food pantry and a benevolence

fund that provides a safety net for those struggling financially in

the community. The Fayette Congregational Church holds a

yearly Lord’s Acre Auction at the Fairbanks Township Hall.

Garden Township maintains a working relationship with the Big

Bay de Noc School. The school library is open to the public on

various days and times; the track is also available for use by the

public, and Garden Township loans equipment to the school for

their graduation party. In 2016 the students used the Garden

Township Hall for their Jr. Prom.

The Garden Township also continues a cooperative relationship

with the Village of Garden and uses the Village pavilion for

events. The local Farmer’s Market is held in the Village pavilion.

Both Garden Township and Fairbanks Township contribute to

the Garden Village Park through a “users agreement” to help

support the park and baseball field. The Historical Society, the

American Legion and the Old Timers utilize space in the Garden

Township Hall for storage of their equipment and use the hall

for their events such as the Historical societies’ yearly birthday

celebration for all 80 year olds and the American Legion

breakfasts. The organizations also utilize the township hall for

their meetings. The township hall is also used by organizations

for fundraisers such as the spaghetti dinner held on the

Thursday before Memorial Day by such groups as the

Ambulance Services, High School Seniors, Girls basketball, etc.

The Garden Township Hall is also rented for various events in

the community such as weddings and High School class

reunions.

The Big Bay de Noc Youth Basketball program has over 50

young athletes learning the fundamentals of basketball over 10

structured sessions. This program is offered free of

charge. Athletes who attend at least 6 sessions earn a youth

basketball t-shirt. In addition to the 10 structured sessions for

grades K-8, 5 youth tournament travel teams are also managed

by this group. Each team has a minimum of 10 after school

practices and competes in several tournaments throughout the

U.P. Through the youth basketball program, participants can

prepare for Middle School and High School basketball while

also learning teamwork, responsibility, and dedication.

The Peninsula Area Baseball League is a non-profit organization.

This program teaches players baseball fundamentals, rules and

regulations of the game. The players are also taught how to

work as a team and responsibility. The players can start at Tee

Ball level and can play up to the age of 16. For the 2016 season

4 teams are managed (Tee Ball, 8u, 10u, and 12u) consisting of

54 young athletes. The Peninsula Area Baseball League is paired

up with the Manistique Little League and the Gladstone Little

League, which allowing participants to play the surrounding

area teams. The league raises money mostly through donations

and concession profits. The Peninsula Area Little League also

GARDEN PENINSULA REGIONAL RECREATION DRAFT

6 | P a g e

pays the fee required to the little league for each player to play.

This program is run strictly by volunteers. This includes;

managers, coaches, assistant coaches, and umpires. Home

games are played at Garden Village Park. The ball field at Garden

Village Park is maintained through the hard work of local

volunteers.

Recreational Facility Inventory

Within and nearby the Garden Peninsula there are a number of

publicly and privately-owned recreational facilities. These

facilities provide a wide spectrum of recreational opportunities

that Garden Township, Fairbanks Township, and the Village of

Garden residents and tourists/visitors can enjoy year round. The

Garden Peninsula Recreation Committee provided the inventory

of recreational facilities.

Each township or village owned or maintained recreation site

has an accessibility rating associated with it. Ensuring that

recreational sites are accessible to residents and tourists is an

objective identified in this plan. Accessibility ratings are

determined by the Garden Peninsula Recreation Committee,

based upon the following ranking system:

1. None of the facilities/park areas meet accessibility guidelines

2. Some of the facilities/park areas meet accessibility guidelines

3. Most of the facilities/park areas meet accessibility guidelines

4. All of the facilities/park areas meets accessibility guidelines

5. The entire park was developed/renovated using the principals of

universal design

Garden Peninsula Recreational Facilities

Owned by Garden Township, Village of Garden

or Fairbanks Township

Garden Community Center Accessibility Assessment Rating: 2

Recreational activities at the Garden Township owned community

center include:

o Kitchen, bathrooms, and great room available for community functions

and private receptions

o Community use for walking

o Available meeting space for local organizations Community basketball

Ozzie Hazen Garden Township Park Accessibility Assessment Rating: 2

This 17.6 acre park is owned by Garden Township. Facilities include:

o Picnic tables

o Waterfront-Para Sailing and

Kayaking

o Vault toilets

o Parking

Garden Village Park Accessibility Assessment Rating: 2

This 4.2 acre park is owned by the Village of Garden. Facilities

include:

GARDEN PENINSULA REGIONAL RECREATION DRAFT

7 | P a g e

o Covered pavilion

o Little League baseball field

o Playground and equipment

o Picnic tables

o Concession stand

o 2 sets of bleachers

o Vaulted privies

Fairbanks Township Hall Accessibility Assessment Rating: 2

Recreational activities at the Fairbanks Township owned Hall

include:

o Annual Lord’s Acre Auction

o Private Event Rentals

Public and Private Recreational Facilities

within the Garden Peninsula Not owned by Garden Township, Village of Garden

or Fairbanks Township

PUBLIC

Facility Information Ownership

Camp Seven o Picnic tables

o Swimming beach

o Camp sites

o Boat launch

Public - USDA

Forest service

Fayette Historic

State Park

o Snailshell Harbor with electric

o Overnight mooring

o Drinking water

o 61 campsites

o Picnic areas

o Playground with equipment

o Swimming beach

o Hiking trail

o Boat Launch

Public-State of

Michigan

Fayette Historic

State Park

Hiawatha National

Forest

o 64,000 acres, north of U. S.

Highway 2

o Forested area open to general

recreational activities

o Groomed and signed snowmobile

trails

o Two-track trails

Public-USFS

Lake Superior State

Forest

o 36 square miles of forested area

primarily on the Garden

Peninsula, south of U.S. 2

o Open for general recreational

activities

Public - owned

by Michigan

DNR

Portage Bay

Campground and

Nature Trails

o Nature trails and 18 primitive

campsites

o Boat Launch

o Para sailing and Kayaking

Public - owned

by State of

Michigan

Sac Bay County Park o Picnic tables

o Some playground equipment

o Swimming beach and changing

building

o Vaulted privies

o Kayak and Canoe Access

Public – Delta

County

GARDEN PENINSULA REGIONAL RECREATION DRAFT

8 | P a g e

Big Bay de Noc

Schools

o A quarter-mile nature trail, open

to the public, located in the

wooded area east of Big Bay de

Noc Schools

o Resting stations

o Soccer field used for area soccer

programs

o Quarter mile regulation track

open for walkers

o A 100 X 300 foot playground

including swings, slides, merry-

go-round, and jungle gyms

o School library- also used by the

public

Public – Big

Bay de Noc

Schools

Public Boat Launches

Public Boat Launches

(Continued)

Fish Dam River public access site is

for small boats only

o Gravel parking lot

o Vaulted privies

Public- State of

Michigan

*Has lease with

Delta County

Fayette State Park Public

Fayette Harbor

o Deep harbor overnight mooring

o Drinking water available

Public- State of

Michigan

Camp Seven Public - USDA

Forest service

Garden Bay, located 1 mile south of

the Village

o Parking

o Fishing dock

o Vault toilet

o Boarding pier, skid piers

Public-State of

Michigan

PRIVATE Facility Information Ownership

Village Artisans, Inc. o The Village Artisans, a non-profit

organization, provides an outlet

for local artisans through the

Village Artisans,

Inc.

Garden Gallery, which it houses in

their building in Garden.

LaTullip Tile

&Pottery Works

o Tile and Pottery classes

o Gift shop

Private – open

to the public

Garden Peninsula

Historical Museum

o Owned and operated by the

Garden Peninsula Historical

Society, a non-profit organization

with membership and all

programs open to the public

o Genealogy a specialty of the

Museum

o Collection and display of

Peninsula historic artifacts

o Museum open summer months

o Historical Society maintains war

veteran memorial at Garden

cemetery

Private

ownership of

building but

membership in

historical

society and all

programs

open to the

public

Veterans Memorial

Park

o American Legion’s Memorial Park

located in the Village of Garden

Private – open

to the public

Private Boat

Launches

Boat Launch at Van’s Harbor

o Deep channel

Private

Peterson Docks; used for fishing Private

Ranguette Docks

o Primarily used for commercial and

sports fishing boats

Private

Seaman Docks Private

Garden

Congregational

Church

o Available for area groups to use

o Vacation Bible School,

o 500 Card Club meetings

o Community programs

o Game Night-4th Saturday of

month

o Horse Shoe Pits

Private

ownership but

membership

and programs

open to public

GARDEN PENINSULA REGIONAL RECREATION DRAFT

9 | P a g e

o Music from the Garden Gospel

Trio

o Food Pantry

Saint John Catholic

Church Hall

o Available for area groups,

individuals, and families to use

o Garden Friendship Quilters

meetings-open to public

o Quilting for Charity meetings-

open to public

o Altar Society meetings

o Coffee Sundays

o Garden Gourmet Group- open to

public

Private – open

to the public

Marygrove Retreat

House

o Catholic Retreat Center since 1947

o 50+ private, family and group

retreats annually for people from

the U.S. and Canada

o 36 rooms, Elevator

o Dining room, lounge, meeting

room, chapel

o Gift and book store open to the

public

o 40 acres

o Famous for labyrinth, open to the

public

Private-Gift

shop and

labyrinth open

to the public

Motels/Cabins/Bed

and Breakfasts

o Garden Bay Motel

o Tylene’s Motel

o Big Bay Getaway (8 units and

common kitchen)

o Furnace Hill Lodge at Fayette Park

o Sunset View Resort

o Fish Dam Camp

o Various other cabins and vacation

rentals

Private – All

available to the

public

There are many community events and activities that take place

within the Garden Peninsula. Some of these events include:

o Fayette State Park

This historic state park hosts a number of community events open to

the public. Some of these events include: Annual Heritage Days,

Christmas in June Celebration, Fallfest Celebration, and Lantern skiing

and snowshoeing in January.

o Village Artisans, Inc

Offering fine and applied arts activities and classes in subjects such art,

crafts, and music for adults and children. Field trips are also offered to

interesting local sites. Village Artisans, Inc. sponsors programs from

both local and outside resources which reflect interests in the

community. Such programs include a Book Club, Garden Gourmet

Group, & The Friendship Quilters.

o LaTullip Tile & Pottery Works

Offering tile and pottery classes

o Independence Day Celebration

Taking place in the Village of Garden, this celebration is sponsored by

the Garden Old Timers. Activities are hosted by various local

organizations and are open to the public.

o Summer Youth Baseball Program

This summer program is open to the public. Home games take place at

Garden Village Park.

Garden Gourmet Grou

GARDEN PENINSULA REGIONAL RECREATION DRAFT

10 | P a g e

o Memorial Day Celebration

Taking place in Garden Township, this event is sponsored by the Garden

American Legion Post 545. Programs are open to the public.

Ceremonies at local cemeteries- Kate’s Bay, Hinks, Sac Bay, New

Garden, and Old Garden.

o Salmon and Walleye Tournaments

This public tournament is held at the privately owned and operated

Fairport Marina.

o Garden Peninsula Historical Museum

All programs open to the public. The Historical Society holds an annual

fundraiser/social event. Museum is open during summer months.

o Local Music Jams

Residents and tourists alike can enjoy music at local music jams during

the summer. Jams held locally and open to the public.

Grant History

The Village of Garden and Garden Township have each received

one DNR Recreation Grant. Fairbanks Township has not received

any DNR Recreation Grants.

Applicant App. No. Project Title Grant Amount

Village of

Garden

RP14-

0031

Garden Village Park

Restrooms $13,500

Description: This is a replacement/upgrade/renovation project. The plan is

to remove the two existing 40+ year-old vault restrooms, including the

vaults as well as the structures on top of the vaults, and replace them with

two new ones. The two replacement vault toilets will be designed, and

constructed, in compliance with universal accessibility and ADA standards.

The badly needed replacement vault restrooms will support the many

existing recreational uses of the Park, including youth baseball, playground,

basketball, horseshoes, and community events.

Year: 2014, PA Executed

Applicant App. No. Project Title Grant Amount

Garden

Township 12-420

Garden Township Park

Family Picnic Area $39,000

Description: Development to include picnic area consisting of universal

design picnic tables and pads, grills, walkways and restrooms.

Year: 2012, Active

Planning Process

The Garden Peninsula Recreation Plan was updated to

correspond with the changing recreation needs of the area. The

Garden Peninsula Advisory Recreation Committee was

instrumental in preparing this plan as they took the time to

evaluate current recreation facilities, and to reach out to those

that utilize recreational parks and facilities. A comparison to

open space standards was referenced to assist in identifying

areas of deficiency within the parks system.

During the development of this plan, members gathered input

from residents representing various segments of the community

of what they felt should be done to improve recreational

opportunities. This information was discussed at several

regularly scheduled committee meetings. The Garden Peninsula

Advisory Recreation Committee prepared the proposed

development schedule to be included in this Plan.

CUPPAD Regional Commission staff met with the Garden

Peninsula Advisory Recreation Committee while creating a draft

of the plan.

Ads were placed in the Advisor requesting public input on the

recreational needs of the area. In addition to the ads, members

of the Advisory Recreation Committee reached out to several

GARDEN PENINSULA REGIONAL RECREATION DRAFT

11 | P a g e

groups to gain further input. Surveys were distributed at several

social events, American Legion breakfasts, local book club

gatherings, and Township Board meetings. A total of 34 surveys

were completed.

Respondents were asked to choose from or add to a Recreation

Plan wish list developed from conversations with local groups

and students at Big Bay de Noc Schools. The top five

recreational amenities that residents would like to see

developed include: (1) walking trails, (2) hiking trails, (3)

swimming area/ kayak rentals, (4) more music concerts, (5)

sledding area.

The plan draft was available for public comment beginning

10/07/2016. The 30-day public comment period notice was

posted at the Garden Township Hall, Fairbanks Township Hall,

and the Village of Garden Offices. The public hearing notices

were published in the [insert newspaper] on XX/XX/XXXX.

The Garden Township Board adopted the plan at is XX/XX/XXX

meeting after holding a public hearing on the same date. [Insert

comments from public hearing and identified actions to address

comments].

The Village of Garden Board adopted the plan at is XX/XX/XXX

meeting after holding a public hearing on the same date. [Insert

comments from public hearing and identified actions to address

comments].

The Fairbanks Township Board adopted the plan at is

XX/XX/XXX meeting after holding a public hearing on the same

date. [Insert comments from public hearing and identified

actions to address comments].

Goals and Objectives

The objectives identified in this plan help guide recreation

related decision-making. Consideration of the recreational

policies should lead the community toward the attainment of its

goals. The following goals and objectives should serve as

guideline toward development strategies.

Goal I:

Provide a wide variety of recreational

opportunities to all residents

& visitors of the Garden Peninsula

Objectives:

o Projects should be easily accessible to all residents and visitors.

o Whenever possible, facilities should be for multiple and/or year-

round use.

o Develop and maintain trails and pathways

o When appropriate, amenities such as restrooms, night lighting,

and electrical power should be incorporated.

GARDEN PENINSULA REGIONAL RECREATION DRAFT

12 | P a g e

Goal II:

Maximize use of recreational

opportunities offered by

the areas natural environment

Objectives:

o Facilities should be designed to complement the surrounding

natural quality of the area.

o Whenever possible, the Township and private interests should

coordinate the development of recreation facilities and programs.

o Proper maintenance should be ensured for all facilities.

o When suitable, existing facilities should be repaired before new

ones are built.

o The Township and concerned organizations and individuals should

develop programs and incorporate designs to reduce vandalism.

Basis for Goals and Objectives:

As survey results indicated, residents and visitors of the Garden

Peninsula participate in a variety of recreational activities and would

like to have access to recreational facilities that accommodate those

activities. Complementing the surrounding natural quality of the area

is an important aspect in creating recreational spaces that are valued

by residents and visitors.

Data provided through the American Community Survey (ACS) shows

that Garden Township, Fairbanks Township and the Village of Garden

all have a higher proportion of its population in the retirement age

group as compared to the State and County. With this in mind, it is

important to have facilities that are designed and upgraded with ADA

accessibility. Ensuring that recreational facilities are safe is a priority

and efforts to reduce vandalism will enhance visitor experience.

Recreation Action Plan

The specific recreation facility needs should be based on the

expressed desires of the residents of Garden Township,

Fairbanks Township and the Village of Garden. After citizen

input and following discussion at several Recreation Advisory

Committee Meetings and Village and Township Board

Meetings, the Committee established six main projects for the

Garden Peninsula communities:

Recreation Development Schedule

Garden Peninsula

Install playground equipment and/or a sand volleyball court at

the Ozzie Hazen Garden Township Park.

Construct a pavilion to be used for music, art and theatre or

explore possibility for an auditorium at the school for public

use.

Explore possibility for a multi-use/basketball court at Garden

Village Park.

Promote the Garden Peninsula’s recreational assets (signage,

maps, print media, and increased online presence).

Support the development of trails for multiple user groups in

Garden Peninsula, including but not limited to:

GARDEN PENINSULA REGIONAL RECREATION DRAFT

13 | P a g e

o Increase safety for walkers by offering alternate routes that are off

of the highway

o Connecting the Garden area to Fayette Historic State Park

o Work with appropriate entities to explore opportunities to create a

dirt bike trail

o Support the DNR’s development of a multi-use trail

Support and collaborate with community organizations and

state entities to expand and enhance recreational opportunities

in the Garden Peninsula area, including but not limited to:

o Delta County’s development of Sac Bay Park

o Parking improvements at DNR owned Garden Bay Boat Launch

o Water trail development and promotion

The Recreation Development Schedule is the action plan for the

Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee to best meet the

current and future recreational needs of Garden Peninsula

residents and visitors. The Garden Peninsula Parks and

Recreation Advisory Committee recognizes that in planning for

an ever-changing recreational future, projects may not become

apparent until after this plan has been completed. With that

being said, Garden Township, Fairbanks Township, and the

Village of Garden are committed to fulfilling the identified goals

and objectives of this recreation plan.

Nahma Twp

Inwood Twp

Thompson Twp

GardenVillagePark

GardenCommunity

Center

Ozzie HazenGarden

Township Park

FairbanksTownship

Hall

.0 10 205 Miles

Garden Peninsula Recreation Plan