hamburg township, livingston county, michigan...

HAMBURG TOWNSHIP, LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN

PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN

2012

Hamburg Township

Livingston County, Michigan

Parks and Recreation Master Plan

Distribution Draft – October 2012

Prepared by

235 East Main Street, Suite 105

Northville, Michigan 48167

Tel.: 248.596.0920

Fax: 248.596.0930

www.mcka.com

[email protected]

http://www.mcka.com/

Hamburg Township Parks and Recreation Master Plan Page i

Distribution DRAFT – October 2012

Acknowledgements

Community Recreational Services Organization (CRSO)

Jim Neilson, CRSO Director

Deby Henneman, CRSO Coordinator

CRSO Board

Pat Hohl, Supervisor

Jim Neilson, Clerk

Mike Dolan, Trustee

Christine Hoskins, Senior Director

Jim Bennett, Member at Large

Tim Wiggle, Member at Large

Township Trustees

Patrick J. Hohl, Supervisor

Jim Neilson, Clerk

Allen Carlson, Treasurer

Chuck Menzies, Trustee

Phil Semprevivo, Trustee

Mike Dolan, Trustee

Bill Hahn, Trustee

Planning Commission

Chuck Menzies, Trustee

Fred Goetz, Chairman

Howard Dillman, Secretary

Andy Eckman, Commissioner

Annette Koeble, Commissioner

Victor Leabu, Commissioner

Ron Muir, Commissioner

Planning and Zoning Department

Patrick Hagman, Planning & Zoning Administrator

Pinckney Community Schools

Dan Danosky, Superintendent

Jim Hayden, Director of Building & Grounds

Anne Colone, Board President

Michelle Crampo, Board Vice President

Terri Banks, Board Treasurer

Margaret Eibler, Board Secretary

Laura Burwell, Board Trustee

Richard Gilligan, Board Trustee

George Rogers, Board Trustee

Hamburg Township Parks and Recreation Master Plan Page ii


Table of Contents

Chapter 1 – Community Description ........................................................................ 1-1

Regional Setting ............................................................................................................. 1-1

Demographic Characteristics...................................................................................... 1-1

Economic Characteristics ............................................................................................. 1-6

Physical Characteristics ................................................................................................ 1-7

Chapter 2 – Administration Structure ....................................................................... 2-1

Administration ................................................................................................................. 2-1

Parks and Recreation Funding ..................................................................................... 2-2

Chapter 3 – Parks and Recreation Inventory .......................................................... 3-1

Public Parks and Facilities ............................................................................................. 3-1

School Parks and Facilities ............................................................................................ 3-8

Barrier Free Accessibility ................................................................................................ 3-8

Regional Parks and Facilities ........................................................................................ 3-9

Local Parks and Facilities ............................................................................................ 3-13

Private Parks and Facilities .......................................................................................... 3-13

Community Recreation Programs ............................................................................. 3-14

Funding Resources ....................................................................................................... 3-15

Chapter 4 – Basis for Action Plan .............................................................................. 4-1

Planning and Public Input Process .............................................................................. 4-1

Park Land Analysis and Services Areas ....................................................................... 4-3

Facilities Analysis ............................................................................................................. 4-6

Programming Analysis ................................................................................................. 4-10

Chapter 5 – Action Plan............................................................................................. 5-1

Goals and Objectives ................................................................................................... 5-1

System Wide Recommendations/Long Range Planning ........................................ 5-6

Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan ......................................................................... 5-8

Hamburg Township Parks and Recreation Master Plan Page iii


List of Tables

Table 1.1 Change in Community Population, 2000 – 2040 ................................ 1-4

Table 1.2 Community Population and Housing Statistics, 2000 – 2040 ............. 1-4

Table 1.3 Community Age Distribution, 2010 – 2040 ............................................ 1-5

Table 1.4 Persons with Disabilities, 2010 ................................................................. 1-5

Table 2.1 Recreation Budget, 2010 – 2013 ............................................................ 2-3

Table 2.2 Lakeland Trail Budget 2010 – 2013 ........................................................ 2-4

Table 2.3 Senior Center Budget 2010 – 2013 ........................................................ 2-5

Table 3.1 Public Parks and Recreation Inventory ................................................ 3-7

Table 3.2 Recreation Grant History ...................................................................... 3-16

Table 4.1 MDNR Public Park Land Acreage Analysis .......................................... 4-5

Table 4.2 Park Facility Analysis ................................................................................ 4-7

Table 5.1 Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan ................................................... 5-8

Table 5.2 Capital Improvement Plan Budget ..................................................... 5-13

List of Maps

Map 1 Regional Location ................................................................................... 1-3

Map 2 Manly W. Bennett Memorial Park .......................................................... 3-3

Map 3 Parks and Recreation Inventory ............................................................ 3-6

Map 4 Regional Parks and Recreation ........................................................... 3-12

List of Figures

Figure 2.1 – Administrative Structure ........................................................................... 2-2

Appendix

Hamburg Township Parks and Recreation Master Plan Page 1|1


Chapter 1

Community Description

The Community Description is a picture of the various physical and socioeconomic

characteristics of Hamburg Township. This information provides valuable insight into

determining future parks and recreation facility development and programming needs

for the community.

Regional Setting

Hamburg Township contains the communities of Hamburg Village, Lakeland, and

Pettysville. Hamburg Village was first settled by Jesse Hall who purchased Section 25

from the United States government in 1831 and built a cabin in the northeastern quarter

section. A few years later in 1835, E.F. Gay, a merchant from Ann Arbor, bought 30

acres and built a dam and sawmill. That same year, property owners established the

organization of the Township within Livingston County and elected the first Township

officials. Two years later in 1837 Gay sold his land to three Germans known as the

Messrs. Grisson, who added a grist mill, store, and hotel. Also in 1837, a Plat was

recorded, and although the names of Steuben and Knox were considered, the village

was named Hamburg after the hometown of the Messrs. Grisson.

The community of Lakeland is located in the center of the Township surrounded by

Oneida Lake and Zukey Lake, and is historically known as a summer retreat area for

residents of southeastern Michigan. It emerged as a “port of entry” to the lakes upon

completion of its railroad station. Pettysville is located in the vicinity of Pettysville and

Rush Lake Roads. The Township has continued to grow and prosper, and the

development of the community has been evident in both residential and commercial

growth. The Township consists of approximately 36 square miles and grew from 20,627

residents in 2000 to 21,165 residents as of 2010.

Hamburg Township is located on the south side of Livingston County. The Township is

bordered by Genoa Township to the north, Putnam Township and the Village of

Pinckney to the west, and Green Oak Township to the east, all in Livingston County.

Webster Township in Washtenaw County is located to the south. See Map 1 – Regional

Location.

Demographic Characteristics

The following is a demographic report of Hamburg Township, which reveals some

unique characteristics of the community. Age, household, and disability statistics for the

Township are included. The demographic makeup of the community helps determine

1 – Community Description

Hamburg Township Parks and Recreation Master Plan Page 1| 2


the quality and quantity of parks and recreation facilities and programs necessary to

serve Hamburg Township residents.

Population and Housing. Recent projections indicate that the Township’s population is

expected to continue to increase with small gains. The population increased 2.6% from

2000 to 2010, as indicated in Table 1.1. Population growth in the Township over the years

has been closely related to suburban development in the southeast Michigan region.

New residential development and migration of residents has increased in the Township

and Livingston County as a whole. The Township is expected to grow to almost 24,000

residents by 2040 based on projections by the Southeast Michigan Council of

Governments (SEMCOG).




Map 1

Regional Location




Table 1.1

Change in Community Population, 2000 – 2040

2000 2010 % Change

(2000 to 2010) 2040

% Change

(2000-2040)

20,627 21,165 2.6% 23,987 16.3% Source: U.S. Census 2000 (SF 1), U.S. Census 2010 (SF 1), SEMCOG 2040 Forecast

Households are defined as a person or group of people occupying a housing unit.

Table 1.2 indicates that there was a peak in population and households that occurred

around 2005 during the “building boom”. Then, during the subsequent real-estate

bubble burst and recession there was a decline in population and households as the

market adjusted. Now that the market has re-stabilized, the number of households in

the Township is expected to increase slightly between now and 2040. The increase in

population and households will mean additional park and recreation demands.

Average household size, defined as the number of persons per household, has been

declining and this trend is expected to continue. The decline in household size will

create a more dispersed population if housing densities do not increase accordingly.

Future parks and facilities will need to be accordingly dispersed.

Table 1.2

Community Population and Housing Statistics, 2000 – 2040

Population 2000 2005 2010 2020 2040

Total 20,627 22,496 21,165 23,069 23,987

Households 2000 2005 2010 2020 2040

Total 7,086 8,013 7,860 8,837 9,196

Household Size 2000 2005 2010 2020* 2040

Total 2.91 2.81 2.69 2.61 2.61 Source: Source: U.S. Census 2000 (SF 1), U.S. Census 2010 (SF 1), SEMCOG 2040 Forecast

Households are classified as Families with Children, Families without Children, and Non-

Families, which include persons living alone and two or more non-related persons living

in the same home. In Hamburg Township, 36% of households are classified as Families

with Children, 43% as Families without Children, and 21% as Non-Families. The

composition of households in Hamburg is important to help plan the desired park and

recreation facilities and programs in a manner that is consistent with and proportionate

to these characteristics, thus a variety of offerings are necessary.

Age Distribution. An understanding of the age distribution in the Township is essential in

planning for future recreation needs. As we pass through the various stages of life, our

recreational requirements change resulting in the need for different facilities and

programs. In Hamburg, the proportion of the population that is between the ages of 65

years and older is forecast to grow significantly relative to the rest of the population. At

the same time, the proportion of the population that is between the ages of 5 and 64

shows a slight decline. However, the residents from 5 to 64 years of age make up the

majority of the population and require different recreation facilities and programs from

persons over 64. Parks and recreation facilities should change to address the different

needs of an aging population while at the same time account for all age groups and




the overall increase in total population. Healthy living and recreational opportunities

play a major role in where people choose to live, raise families, and retire.

Table 1.3

Community Age Distribution, 2010 – 2040

Age Group Life Phase 2010 2040

Pop. % Pop. %

0 – 4 Preschool 1,052 5% 1,439 6%

5 – 19 School Age 4,761 22% 4,078 17%

20 – 34 Young Adult 2,647 13% 4,078 17%

35 – 64 Adult 10,370 49% 7,436 31%

65 + Retirement 2,335 11% 6,956 29% Source: U.S. Census 2010 (SF 1), SEMCOG 2040 Forecast, McKenna Associates

Persons with Disabilities. Understanding the status of persons with disabilities will assist in

planning future programs and appropriate locations for recreational activities. The

Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) requires that all public services, including

parks and recreation facilities, be subject to barrier-free requirements. Public recreation

providers must eliminate any eligibility requirements for participation in programs,

activities, and services.

Disability data is collected for six age groups. As the population ages, the proportion

with one or more disabilities steadily increases. This trend is consistent with the figures for

Hamburg Township. Approximately 9% of the Hamburg Township population has one or

more disabilities, with a large portion of the population 65 years and older having a

disability. Parks and recreation programs and facilities must account for the needs of

these residents and examine the existing inventory for compliance.

Table 1.4

Persons with Disabilities, 2010

Age Group Total Persons With a Disability Percent

Age 0-5 1,251 0 0%

Age 5 – 17 4,388 195 4.4%

Age 18 – 34 2,951 231 8.5%

Age 35 – 64 10,566 785 7.4%

Age 65 – 74 1,375 248 18.0%

Age 75 + 851 437 51.4%

Total 21,382 1,896 8.9% Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2008-2010 American Community Survey




Economic Characteristics

A variety of economic indicators suggest that Hamburg Township enjoys robust

economic health. Residential construction permits remained in the triple digits from 1986

to 2005 before slowing down significantly during the recession; however, there are signs

of recovery and 2011 saw more building permits issued than in any of the previous four

years. The median household income of Township residents is significantly higher and

growing at a faster rate than for other residents of Livingston County, Oakland County,

and southeastern Michigan. The relative strong economic health of the Township

suggests that Hamburg residents will continue to demand high-quality parks, recreation

services, and facilities, and that increased funding is necessary to help fund parks and

recreation-related activities.

Construction Activity. The number of local building permits issued fluctuates with market

demands, paralleling national economic strength. According to SEMCOG figures, the

largest residential construction boom in Hamburg Township was between 1995 and

2005 when 53% of the net total building permits over the last 30 years (since 1982) were

issued. Residential construction has slowed significantly since then with only 115 net

total building permits issued since 2006 (2.7% of the permits since 1982). New parks and

recreation facilities should be located appropriately to serve Township residents. Areas

of existing residential concentration are ideal locations for new facilities.

Income. Median household income is a broad measure of relative economic health. It

is defined as the income level where half of all households earn more and half earn less.

In 2010, the median household income was significantly higher in the Township ($84,648)

than in Livingston County ($72,129), neighboring Oakland County ($66,390), and all of

southeast Michigan ($53,248). The Township’s median household income is growing at a

faster rate, over 12% since 2000, than the counties and region.

Employment. Employment in Hamburg Township is healthy in relation to the region.

According to Census figures, unemployment rates in the Township in 2010 were low

(6.8%) compared to Livingston County (8.7%), Oakland County (9.1%), the Detroit

Metropolitan Area (12.7%), and the State of Michigan (11.5%).

According to the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth figures for

February 2012, Livingston County (8.7%) is faring better that the Detroit Metropolitan

Area (10.2%) and the State of Michigan (9.4%). There is unfortunately no 2012 data

available for Hamburg Township, but it can be inferred that the unemployment rate has

most likely decreased slightly given the declining rates of unemployment in the region

and state.




Physical Characteristics

The following is a description of the physical characteristics of Hamburg Township,

including land use, natural features, historic resources, and the transportation network.

This information is important in understanding the potential for the type, location, and

extent of future park and recreation improvements.

Land Use. The predominant land use in Hamburg is single-family residential followed by

the Brighton State Recreation Area, and then agricultural, vacant parcels, and open

space. The 4,947 acre Brighton State Recreation Area provides a combination of high,

irregular ranges of hills interspersed with a number of attractive lakes. The area features

camp sites, fishing and hunting opportunities, water sports, and several miles of trails

available for equestrian riding, mountain biking, and hiking.

Many new residential subdivisions have been added over the past 20 years, fueling the

community’s population growth and generating demand for new parks and

recreational facilities. Throughout the 2000s, the Township experienced an increase in

commercial developments, particularly in the Hamburg Village core, and at the

intersection of M-36 (Lakeland Road) and Chilson Road. Their impacts have yet to be

fully realized, but the Township must plan accordingly to ensure valuable natural

features are protected and potential park development opportunities are capitalized

upon.

The Township has historically been a seasonal recreational community. However, the

once-dominant rural character of the Township has been slowly changing since the

early 1970s, when suburbanites from the Detroit and Ann Arbor area began looking at

Livingston County as a convenient commute between the rural or lake front lifestyle

and metro area employment. Population in the Township nearly doubled between 1970

and 1980, until the Arab oil embargo and economic conditions in Michigan temporarily

slowed migration into Livingston County. As noted above, the Township is primarily

composed of single-family residential uses, but commercial development pressures are

beginning to increase. The Township is continuing to develop into a thriving community

with a variety of land uses.

Natural Features. A large portion of the land area in the Township contains natural

features that have a value to the residents, but it is not realistic to expect that all of that

land will be preserved in a natural state in perpetuity. However, the Township has

continued to encourage land developers to preserve natural features to the greatest

extent possible when making plans for new construction through the Township’s award

winning open space preservation program. Natural features are not easily restored

after they are impaired. These natural features provide numerous existing and potential

parks and recreation opportunities.

The Township has a number of lakes connected by the Huron River, accounting for 3.6%

of the total land area. With the exception of Mohican Lake and Sunset Lake, all are

surrounded by relatively high density residential development. Access to water bodies




for active and passive purposes is an important recreation issue along with limiting the

impact of potential development around the lakes.

The Huron River area in Hamburg Township has been designated as a “country-scenic”

river area under the Michigan Natural River Act of 1970. The adoption of a Natural River

District by the Township in 1978 provides for the management of the river corridor and

helps protect water quality and aesthetic appeal. The purchase of the Huron-Clinton

Metropolitan Authority property helps insure the preservation of that portion of the

Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority shoreline and the adjacent wetlands that border

West Bennett Park.

Wetland areas are scattered throughout the Township, with the largest concentration in

the centrally-located Lakeland area. The wetlands as identified by the Michigan

Resource Information System (MIRIS) maps and the National Wetland Inventory (NWI)

show mostly combinations of wetlands with wetland soil areas. Wetlands connected to

or within 500 feet of an inland lake, pond, river, or stream, and/or those five acres in size

or greater are regulated by Part 303, Wetland Protection, of the Natural Resources and

Environmental Protection Act, Public Act 451 of 1994.

Woodland areas are commonly located adjacent to the wetland areas throughout the

Township. The majority of the woodlands are composed of water tolerant species such

as ash, silver maple, cottonwood, tamarack, willow, and sycamore. Where natural

vegetation meets the water’s edge, areas of unique scenic resources and wildlife

habitat are found.

Historic Resources. Hamburg Township is blessed with three distinct historic settlement

areas, Hamburg, Lakeland, and Pettysville. These settlement areas provide Hamburg

with a truly unique image that many communities strive for today.

The Hamburg settlement area is located at the junction of Hamburg Road and M-36.

Important historic resources include St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church (1844), the

Hamburg Village Cemetery, and the former site of the Hamburg Hotel (1835). Although

the actual historic hotel burned down in 1968, the hotel property is being redeveloped

into a Village Park in memory of the Winkelhaus family and the old Hotel itself. The park

will provide open space adjacent to Lakelands Trail with covered seating, an open play

area, and a permanent exhibit highlighting life at the Hotel.

The Township must be thoughtful when reviewing and approving new development

within the Hamburg settlement area to ensure the continued preservation of its historic

features. Until the recession, redevelopment and new development proposals were

steadily increasing, and this area currently includes the most intense commercial and

industrial development areas of the Township.

The community of Lakeland is characterized by significant natural features including

lakes, wetlands, and woodlands. It is located in the center of the Township surrounded

by Oneida Lake and Zukey Lake, and is historically known as a summer retreat area for

residents of Northeast Ohio and Southeast Michigan. Starting in the 1970s, development




pressure has gradually changed the character of the area, and now Lakeland has a

large commercial district, as well as a more year-round residential population that

includes some multi-family residential.

Pettysville is characterized by land uses that maximize the scenic beauty of Rush Lake

and is located in the vicinity of Pettysville and Rush Lake Roads. Almost all of the

development in the Pettysville area is single-family residential, although there is a small

strip of commercial development along Pettysville Road.

Transportation. Township residents rely on the road and pathway networks to access

regional parks and recreational facilities. The Township has no public transportation or

railways at this time, as the transportation system is oriented toward the automobile.

The existing road system consists of an irregular network of roads, which are generally

located on section lines.

The Township is linked to the regional transportation network via M-36, which intersects,

with US-23 in neighboring Green Oak Township. Arterial east-west roads within the

Township are M-36, Strawberry Lake Road, and Winans Lake Road. The major north-

south roads within the Township are Hamburg Road, Chilson Road, Pettysville,

Whitewood, and McGregor Roads.

The system of roads in and near Hamburg provides reasonably good access by

automobile to recreation facilities in the Township and in surrounding communities. M-

36 provides connections to regional and state facilities, as well as shopping and

entertainment facilities in Green Oak Township and Oakland County. Other shopping

and entertainment facilities in Brighton, Howell, and Ann Arbor are easily accessed by

taking M-36 to US-23.

Access to recreation facilities can be difficult for certain segments of the population,

primarily children and the elderly. Existing recreation facilities are scattered throughout

the Township, thus located a considerable distance from much of the population.

Efforts have been made recently to expand the bike paths throughout the Township

and to expand and improve the Lakelands Trail, but continued work should be done to

improve the pedestrian and bicycle access to recreation facilities. The Township is

committed to establishing and maintaining a complete network of sidewalks,

greenways, bike paths, pathways, and crosswalks in appropriate areas of the Township

in residential and non-residential developments, along with necessary road and parking

improvements to provide improved access for all segments of the population.



Chapter 2

Administrative Structure

Parks and recreation facilities are provided by Hamburg Township, along with extensive

facilities owned by the Pinckney Community School District and programming offered

by Pinckney Community Education (Community Ed). There are also a number of other

recreation providers and organizations in the Township, as shown below. The

administrative structure and budget analysis for the Township is reviewed in this section.

Please see Chapter 3 for further discussion regarding facility ownership.

Administration

Hamburg Township does not have a formal parks and recreation department but

oversees the operation and maintenance of Township-owned facilities. The structure of

parks and recreation begins at the top with the residents, goes down to the Township

Board, then the Community Recreational Services Organization (CRSO) who ultimately

advise the Township Board and receive their oversight from the Township Clerk, and

then to community volunteers. The structure is shown in Figure 2.1 – Administrative

Structure.

On December 21, 2010, the CRSO was established when the Township Board accepted

the Parks and Recreation Subcommittee’s recommendation to restructure the Parks

and Recreation Board and create the new CRSO committee. Although the Board was

dissolved, volunteers and recreation providers from the community still play an

important role under the CRSO by providing their time and energy for the construction

of capital improvement projects and the ongoing maintenance of park facilities.

The structure of Community Ed, as shown in Figure 2.1, is an offshoot of the Pinckney

Community Schools. Community Ed does not report directly to any Hamburg Township

government entity. Their structure starts at the top with the Pinckney Community School

Board, the Superintendent reports to the School Board, and Community Ed in-turn

reports to the Superintendent. It should be noted that Community Ed serves Hamburg

and areas in six other townships outside of Hamburg, including the Village of Pinckney,

Genoa Charter Township, Dexter, Marion, Unadilla, Webster, and Putnam Townships.

Given the importance of the various recreation providers in the Township, they have

been included in the administrative structure as well. There are a number of providers

that serve the recreational needs of the residents, including but not limited to, baseball,

football, cheer/pom, rugby, radio controlled flying, soccer, and many others. The

providers are also shown in Figure 2.1as an offshoot of the residents in Hamburg in that

they essentially report to their recreation participants.

2 – Administrative Structure



Figure 2.1

Administrative Structure

Parks and Recreation Funding

The amended CRSO operating budget for the 2011/2012 fiscal year was $134,402. Most

of the funds come from a 2009-2018 voter-approved 0.25 tax millage ($0.25 on each

$1,000 of taxable valuation) that raises funds for the operation and short and long term

maintenance of Lakelands Trail, Township parks, and the Hamburg Senior/Community

Center. Annually, the fund provides approximately $250,000 for recreation

maintenance and improvements. Table 2.1 summarizes the parks and recreation

budget for the past two years and the proposed upcoming year.

Tables 2.2 and 2.3 summarize the budget for Lakelands Trail and the Senior/Community

Center for the past two years and the proposed coming year.

Hamburg Township

Residents

Hamburg Township

Board of Trustees Community Ed

CRSO

Board

Pinckney

Community

Schools Board

Recreation

Providers HCSC

HERO

HPYFA

PBSC

PHBSA

Flyers RC Club

Others

Pinckney

Community

Schools Superintendent

Volunteers




Table 2.1 Recreation Budget, 2010-2013

Actual

Expenses

Amended

Budget Budget

2010/2011 2011/2012 2012/2013

Parks and Recreation Items

Per Diem 4,334 1,800 3,900

Full-Time Employee Salaries - 23,275 26,394

Part-Time Employee Salaries 9,035 - -

Overtime 93 451 600

Township FICA 1,030 2,003 2,318

Workers’ Compensation - 93 116

Long/Short Term Disability - 438 352

Retirement - 2,641 2,639

Life Insurance - 66 56

Blue Cross - 13,840 14,042

Liability/Casualty Insurance - 1,970 2,000

CRSO Items

Supplies & Small Equipment 1,542 3,000 2,500

Vehicle Fuel 1,017 1,000 500

Trash Disposal 965 1,300 1,200

Engr/Consultant/Prof Fees - 1,500 1,000

Legal Fees 6,128 6,000 3,000

Legal Notices/Advertising - - 200

Utilities 4,998 4,500 4,500

Sewer Bill 1,047 600 600

Natural Gas 482 1,400 1,000

Building Main – Park Buildings 20,639 7,000 6,000

Reserve For Parks Main - 7,500 7,500

Fertilizer - 10,000 15,000

Equipment Main/Repair 2,255 1,500 1,000

Portable Toilets 5,531 6,000 6,000

CRSO Events Committee

Expenses - 5,151 -

Sundry 640 1,000 1,000

Special Projects 30,144 31,000 44,000

Capital Equip/Improvement 129,055 - -

Reserve For Equip Purchase - 20,000 20,000

Transfer Out to Gen Fund - 735 -

Transfer to Enterprise 1,899 3,000 -

Total Expenses $220,834 $158,763 $167,417 Source: Hamburg Township 2012-2013 Recommended Budget




Table 2.2 Lakelands Trail Budget 2010-2013

Actual

Expenses

Amended

Budget Budget

2010/2011 2011/2012 2012/2013

Lakelands Trail

Liability/Casualty Insurance - 390 400

Trash Disposal - 200 200

Legal Fees - 200 200

Utilities 379 500 500

Reserve For Trail Maintenance - 15,000 15,000

Equipment Main/Repair 60 1,100 500

Trail Maintenance 4,826 7,500 4,000

RR Maintenance Fee 1,000 1,000 1,000

Sundry - 150 250

DNR Land Purchase 383,343 - -

Transfer Out to Gen Fund - 6,500 2,500

Transfer to Enterprise 300 1,500 1,000





Table 2.3 Senior/Community Center Budget 2010-2013

Actual

Expenses

Amended

Budget Budget

2010/2011 2011/2012 2012/2013

Senior/Community Center

Full-Time Employee Salaries 36,554 36,057 37,807

Part-Time Employee Salaries 8,378 10,300 10,300

Overtime 1,760 1,800 1,800

Payment in Lieu of Insurance 3,000 3,150 3,000

Township FICA 3,801 3,730 3,910

Workers’ Compensation - 510 529

Long/Short Term Disability 514 556 514

Retirement 3,703 3,786 3,961

Life Insurance 119 184 158

Blue Cross - - -

Liability/Casualty Insurance - 1,541 2,000

Supplies & Small Equipment 5,037 4,000 3,500

Contractual Services 252 250 250

Trash Disposal 640 850 750

Phone/Comm/Internet 1,087 1,100 1,000

Mileage 661 900 750

Workshops/Seminars 969 750 750

Utilities 5,633 5,400 5,000

Consumers Power/Fossil Fuel 2,801 2,400 2,400

Center Maintenance 3,751 3,500 3,000

Reserve Maintenance - 10,000 10,000

Fertilizer - 400 500

Equipment Main/Repair 1,729 2,000 1,500

Improvements 540 2,500 2,500

Dues/Subscriptions/Certifications 210 250 250

Sundry 1,758 2,000 2,000

Capital Equip/Improvement 2,180 2,700 2,500

Reserve For Equip Purchase - - -

Transfer Out to Gen Fund - - -

Transfer to Enterprise - - -




Chapter 3

Parks and Recreation Inventory

Developing a complete inventory of recreation facilities, programs, and events is an

essential component of a five year Parks and Recreation Master Plan as it provides a

base of information to use in developing the Action Plan. Understanding what facilities,

programs, and events are available to Hamburg Township residents will assist decision-

making in the future. It should be noted that not all facilities listed in this chapter are

available to the public, but they provide additional recreation opportunities for

Township residents who choose to utilize their services. The inventory covers the

following components:

Public Parks and Facilities (managed or owned by Hamburg Township) Undeveloped Park Land School Parks and Facilities Regional Parks and Facilities Local Parks and Facilities Private Parks and Facilities Community Recreation Programs Funding Resources

Public Parks and Facilities

Hamburg Township owns one community park and contains a number of facilities

owned by the Pinckney Community School District. An inventory of the public parks and

facilities is described below and shown on Map 2 – Parks and Recreation Inventory and

Table 3.1 – Public Parks and Recreation Facilities Inventory. These parks and facilities are

broken down into categories based on size and function. These categories are

suggested by the National Recreation and Parks Association and are meant to aid in

determining the primary purposes and uses of existing facilities in the Township.

Mini/Neighborhood Parks

Mini parks are categorized as small, specialized parks that are usually less than one acre

in size and serve the needs of the residents in the immediate area, approximately less

than one-quarter mile away. These parks usually serve a limited, isolated, or unique

population. Neighborhood parks are typically multi-purpose facilities that serve as the

recreational and social focus of a neighborhood. They provide areas for both passive

and active recreation activities such as fields, playgrounds, picnicking, and trails. These

parks are typically between five and ten acres in size and serve residents within one-half

mile.

3 – Parks and Recreation Inventory



Mini and neighborhood parks are provided through Hamburg Township’s award winning open space program. It has been the policy of Hamburg Township over the past 15 years to require new residential developments to provide open space areas within each project to meet the passive and active recreational needs of these neighborhoods. In addition, several older residential developments have open space set aside for these purposes. It is estimated that there are over 750 acres of open space dedicated to serve the recreation needs of the Township’s neighborhoods. Country Elementary School. Country Elementary is classified as a neighborhood park. Recreational amenities include three baseball diamonds, basketball hoops, a gymnasium, a multi-purpose field, and playground equipment. Hamburg Elementary School. Although the school and its building are closed, Hamburg Elementary is still classified as a neighborhood park because its outdoor recreational facilities remain accessible to the public. Recreational amenities include a basketball hoop, a multi-purpose field, and playground equipment. Lakeland Elementary School. Lakeland Elementary is classified as a neighborhood park. Recreational amenities include basketball hoops, a gymnasium, a multi-purpose field, and playground equipment.

Community Parks Community parks typically contain a wide variety of recreation facilities to meet the diverse needs of residents in the Township. Community parks may include areas for intense active recreation as well as passive recreation opportunities not commonly found in mini or neighborhood parks. The focus of these parks is to meet community-based recreation needs, as well as preserve unique landscapes and open spaces. Community parks are generally at least 30 acres in size and serve residents within one-`half to three miles of the park. Community parks may also include smaller parks that are more specialized in nature and are meant to serve the entire community. Hamburg Township has four facilities that can be classified as Community Parks, as follows: Manly W. Bennett Memorial Park (Bennett Park). Bennett Park (Map 2) is a 384-acre park located in the southeast portion of the Township, and is divided between West Bennett Park and East Bennett Park on either side of Merrill Road. The park is owned and maintained by Hamburg Township. West Bennett includes playground equipment, soccer fields, nature trails, a boardwalk, a concession stand, a picnic shelter, and preserved natural features. East Bennett includes playground equipment, several baseball diamonds, the Hamburg R/C Airplane Flyers Club Field, football practice areas, a concession stand, and picnic shelters.

Typical Neighborhood Open Space

Manly W. Bennett Memorial Park




MAP 2- Manly W. Bennett Park




Navigator/Pathfinder Middle School. Due to its

extensive recreational facilities, Navigator/

Pathfinder is classified as a community park.

Recreational amenities include a swimming pool,

community theater, indoor running track, outdoor

track, soccer field, weight room, performing arts

room, basketball courts, a baseball field, two softball

fields, and eight tennis courts.

Winkelhaus Park. The former site of the Hamburg Hotel is being redeveloped into a

Village Park in memory of the Winkelhaus family and the old Hotel itself. The park will

provide open space adjacent to Lakelands Trail with covered seating, an open play

area, and a permanent exhibit highlighting life at the Hotel.

Pinckney High School. Due to its extensive recreational facilities, Pinckney High School

(located in Putnam Township) is classified as a community park. Recreational amenities

include a swimming pool, weight room, performing arts room, indoor running track,

outdoor running track, a football practice field, a football playing field, two soccer

practice fields, tennis courts, three basketball courts, two softball diamonds, and two

baseball diamonds.

Lakelands Trail State Park. Lakelands Trail State Park is a statewide linear park from Lake

Huron to Lake Michigan, 6.8 miles of which are located within and maintained by

Hamburg Township. It passes through wooded areas, rolling farmland, lakes, marshes,

parkland, commercial, and residential properties. Lakelands Trail is designed for hiking,

bicycling, wheelchair use and horseback riding. Cross-country skiing is popular in winter.

Motorized vehicles and hunting are prohibited. Trailheads are located at West Bennett

Park in the parking lot adjacent to Merrill Road (Merrill Trailhead), on the south side of

the intersection of M-36 and Pettysville Road (Pettysville Trailhead), and there is a

recently acquired unimproved trailhead on Hamburg Road adjacent to Winkelhaus

Park (Hamburg Village Trailhead). The Township intends to complete the unimproved

portion of the trail and to develop and improve the Hamburg Village Trailhead as funds

become available to do so.

Community Facilities

Hamburg Township has three facilities that fall into the category of Community Facilities,

based on use characteristics, and are used extensively by Township residents.

Pinckney High School




Hamburg Historical Society Museum. This museum was established in 2004 and is

located on Stone Street just off of Hamburg Road. It is open Wednesdays and

Saturdays. The goal of the museum is to preserve and present the history of Hamburg,

and it is located in one of Hamburg's major historic buildings. The building began in the

mid-1850's as a Methodist Church, housed the Township offices in the mid-1900's, and

was the home of the Hamburg Township Library for over 20 years.

Hamburg Senior/Community Center. The

Hamburg Senior/Community Center is located

on Merrill Road and opened in 1990. The center

offers a daily lunch and a variety of

programming and activities for seniors such as

social, fitness and health, games, art and music,

and travel excursions. The building is available

evenings and weekends for group meetings and

functions.

Hamburg Township Library. Located

on Merrill Road, the library collection

consists of over 60,000 items

including books, magazines,

newspapers, music CDs, sheet

music, DVDs, audio books, e-books,

and a literacy collection. In

addition, there are meeting rooms,

computers (desktops and laptops),

Wi-Fi, and various types of

equipment for public use.

Hamburg Senior/Community Center




Table 3.1

Public Parks and Recreation Facilities Inventory1

Park/Facility Name

Ac

res

Ac

ce

ssib

ility

2

Ba

seb

all/S

oft

ba

ll

Ba

ske

tba

ll C

ou

rts

Do

g P

ark

Eq

ue

stria

n R

ing

Fitn

ess

Ce

nte

r

Fo

otb

all

Go

lf C

ou

rse

Grills

Gy

mn

asi

um

Ice

Sk

atin

g R

ink

Mu

lti-

Pu

rpo

se F

ield

3

Pa

rkin

g

Pic

nic

Ta

ble

(s)

Pic

nic

Sh

elte

r

Pla

y E

qu

ipm

en

t/

Str

uc

ture

Re

stro

om

Sle

dd

ing

Hill

So

cc

er

Fie

ld

Sw

imm

ing

Po

ol

Ten

nis

Co

urt

Tra

ck

/Wa

lkin

g P

ath

Vo

lle

yb

all

Co

urt

RC

Airp

lan

e R

un

wa

y

Community Parks and Facilities

Hamburg Historical Society

Museum ─ 2 ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ X ─ ─ ─ X ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─

Hamburg Senior Community3

Center ─ 3 ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ X X ─ ─ X ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─

Hamburg Township Library3 ─ 2 ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ X X ─ ─ X ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─

Manly W. Bennett Memorial Park 384 2 4/5 ─ ─ ─ ─ 3 ─ X ─ ─ X X X X 2 X ─ 13 ─ ─ 1 1 1

Winkelhaus Park 0.91 2 ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ X ─ ─ ─ X X X 1 ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ 1 ─ ─

School Parks and Facilities

Country Elementary School 11.94 2 3/0 1.5 ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ 1 ─ X X ─ ─ 1 X ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─

Hamburg Elementary School 13.15 2 ─ 0.5 ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ X X ─ ─ 1 ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─

Lakeland Elementary School 20.34 2 1/0 1.5 ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ 1 ─ X X ─ ─ 1 X ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─

Navigator/Pathfinder Middle

School 51.89 2 1/2 2.5 ─ ─ 1 ─ ─ ─ 1 ─ X X ─ ─ ─ X ─ 1 1 8 2 ─ ─

Pinckney High School 101.03 2 2/2 3 ─ ─ 1 2 ─ ─ 1 ─ X X ─ ─ ─ X ─ 2 1 8 2 1 ─

TOTAL 583.26 ─ 11/9 9 ─ ─ 2 5 ─ X 5 ─ X X X X 6 X ─ 16 2 16 6 2 1

1 Some facilities included in the inventory are not open to the public because they are school facilities.

2 See Chapter 3 (Barrier Free Accessibility) for further information regarding the accessibility assessment. 3 The Township Library and Senior Community Center are located on the 384 acre Bennett Park.




School Parks and Facilities

The school facilities within the Township contain various types of indoor and outdoor

facilities that are used by school teams, organized youth sport organizations such as

Community Ed, and residents. Although the

primary users are school teams and classes,

they are widely used by athletic organizations

and residents so they are incorporated into the

plan analysis. A complete inventory of public

school sites within Hamburg Township is listed in

Table 3.1 as well. For the purposes of this

inventory, all public school facilities were

classified as neighborhood parks with the

exception of Pinckney High School and

Navigator/Pathfinder which were considered

community parks.

Barrier Free Accessibility

The passage of the American Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) requires all areas of public

service, including parks and other recreation facilities, to have barrier-free accessibility.

An evaluation of Hamburg parks and recreation facilities has been conducted as part

of the inventory. In accordance with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources

(MDNR) standards, facilities were evaluated to determine if a person with any of the

following criteria can safely and independently access and use the park or facility:

Has limited sight or is blind Uses a wheelchair Has a hearing impairment or is deaf Uses a walking aid Has a mental impairment

A five-point evaluation system was used to rank each facility’s accessibility. The system

is described below and the accessibility rankings can be found in Table 3.1 – Public

Parks and Recreation Facilities Inventory.

Level 1. The park is not accessible to people with a broad range of physical disabilities. The site includes little paved areas and the facilities such as play

equipment or picnic areas are not easily accessible.

Level 2. The park is somewhat accessible to people with a broad range of physical disabilities. Either the parking area or pathways are paved, but not both.

Many of the facilities such as play equipment or picnic areas are not easily

accessible.

Level 3. The park is mostly accessible to people with a broad range of physical disabilities. Most of the parking areas and pathways are paved, and some of the

Pinckney High School Softball Facility




facilities such as play equipment or picnic areas are accessible but may not be

completely barrier-free.

Level 4. The park is completely accessible to people with a broad range of physical disabilities. Parking areas and pathways area paved, and most of the

facilities such as play equipment or picnic areas area easily accessible.

Level 5. The entire park was developed or renovated using the principles of universal design, a design approach which enables all environments to be

usable by everyone, to the greatest extent possible, regardless of age, ability, or

situation.

Regional Parks and Facilities

Regional parks offer unique natural features that are particularly suited for outdoor

recreation, such as viewing and studying nature, fishing, boating, hiking, and trail use.

Many also include active play areas such as ball fields or courts. While these parks are

not used for formal programming by Hamburg Township, they provide active and

passive recreational opportunities to the residents of the community. Regional facilities

are provided by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the Huron-Clinton

Metropolitan Authority, and Livingston, Jackson, Genesee, Oakland, Wayne, and

Washtenaw Counties. The regional parks located within close proximity of the Township

are shown on Map 3 – Regional Parks and Recreation.

Michigan State Parks

There are a number of Michigan State Parks that provide recreational opportunities to

Hamburg residents. These state facilities provide a variety of activities including

camping, picnicking, swimming, hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, hiking, cross-county

skiing, mountain biking, and horseback riding.

Brighton State Recreation Area. The 4,909 acre Brighton Recreation Area is located in

Hamburg Township and provides opportunities for swimming, picnicking, hiking,

camping, boating, and fishing, as well as playground equipment.

Lakelands Trail State Park. A comprehensive

description of Lakelands Trail State Park is provided

in the Community Facilities section of this chapter.

Five other state parks are also located within

Livingston County including:

Gregory State Game Area (Unadilla Township) Island Lake State Recreation Area (Green Oak

Township)

Oak Grove State Game Area (Cohoctah Township and Deerfield Township)

Pinckney State Recreation Area (Putnam Township and Unadilla Township) Unadilla Wildlife Area (Unadilla Township)

Lakelands Trail State Park




There are also 11 other state parks located within approximately 30 miles or less of the

Township:

Chelsea State Game Area (Lima Township, Washtenaw County) Dodge #4 State Park- Cass Lake (Waterford Township, Oakland County) Highland State Recreation Area (White Lake Township, Oakland County) Holly State Recreation Area (Holly Township, Oakland County) Maybury State Park (Northville Township, Wayne County) Meridian Baseline Historic State Park (Henrietta Township, Jackson County) Pontiac Lake State Recreation Area (White Lake Township, Oakland County) Proud Lake State Recreation Area (Commerce Township, Oakland County) Seven Lakes State Park (Holly Township, Oakland County) Sharonville State Wildlife Management Area (Sharon Township, Washtenaw County) Waterloo State Recreation Area (Waterloo Township, Jackson County)

County Parks

The Livingston County parks system consists of one park, Lutz County Park, which is

currently under development. The park is 320 acres of former farmland that was

donated to the County by a former resident named Owen Lutz. The site contains

numerous natural features as well as a number of buildings. The County is in the process

of improving the park by adding a parking lot with a trailhead display case, over 7,000

linear feet of groomed trails, interpretive signs explaining local flora and fauna, picnic

tables, and park benches.

The Genesee County, Oakland County, and Washtenaw County park systems also

maintain extensive park lands within 30 miles or less from Hamburg, providing additional

recreational resources, including picnicking, playgrounds, swimming, and trails:

Cavanaugh Lake County Park (Sylvan Township, Washtenaw County) Clear Lake County Park (Waterloo Township, Jackson County) County Farm Park (Pittsfield Township, Washtenaw County) Gillett’s Lake County Park (Leoni Township, Jackson County) Grass Lake County Park (Grass Lake Township, Jackson County) Groveland Oaks County Park (Groveland Township, Oakland County) Independence Lake County Park (Webster Township, Washtenaw County) Linden County Park (Linden Township, Genesee County) Little Wolf County Lake (Napoleon Township, Jackson County) Lyon Oaks County Park (City of Wixom, Oakland County) Parker Miller County Park (Ann Arbor Township, Washtenaw County) Park Lyndon (Lyndon Township, Washtenaw County) Park Northfield (Northfield Township, Washtenaw County) Pleasant Lake County Park (Henrietta Township, Jackson County) Portage Lake County Park (Waterloo Township, Jackson County) Rolling Hills County Park (Ypsilanti Township, Washtenaw County) Rose Oaks County Park (Rose Township, Oakland County) Sharon Mills County Park (Sharon Township, Washtenaw County) Springfield Oaks (Springfield Township, Oakland County) Waterford Oaks (Waterford Township, Oakland County)




Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority

The Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority (HCMA) is a regional park district that

encompasses the counties of Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw and Livingston.

Since its inception in 1940, the HCMA has obtained over 20,000 acres of park land, all

located in the metro Detroit region. The parks provide a variety of outdoor recreation

and educational activities including picnicking, hiking, golf, biking, winter sports, golf,

water-related activities, horseback riding, and special programs. The HCMA regional

parks within approximately 30 miles or less from Hamburg Township are:

Delhi Metropark (Scio Township, Washtenaw County)

Dexter-Huron Metropark (Dexter Township, Washtenaw County)

Hudson Mills Metropark (Dexter Township, Washtenaw County)

Huron Meadows Metropark (Green Oak Township, Livingston County)

Indian Springs Metropark (Springfield Township, Oakland County)

Kensington Metropark (Milford Township, Oakland County)

Lower Huron Metropark (Van Buren Township, Wayne County)

Huron Meadows Metropark




MAP 4- Regional Parks and Recreation




Local Parks and Facilities

Surrounded by the communities of Brighton, Pinckney, Howell, and Dexter, Hamburg

residents benefit from the proximity of neighboring communities’ parks and recreation

facilities. The following parks are located a short distance from the Township:

Brighton Mill Pond (Brighton) Selcra Meijer Skate Park (Brighton) Baldwin Park (Howell) Genoa Township Fields (Genoa

Township)

Howell City Park (Howell) Howell Area Aquatic Center (Howell) Howell Recreation Center (Howell) Lakeside Drive Park (Howell)

Marion Disc Golf Course (Marion Township)

Oceola Township Soccer Fields (Oceola Township)

Page Field (Howell) Paul Bennett Field (Howell) Putnam Township Square (Pinckney)

Private Parks and Facilities

Private Businesses. Several privately owned recreation facilities located within or near

Hamburg provide recreational opportunities that complement those provided by the

Township and other recreation providers. Although these facilities are privately

operated and may charge a user fee or require membership, they are considered in

the plan analysis because they meet specific community needs. Private facilities

include:

Bowling Alleys. Brighton Bowl, Howell Bowl-E-Drome, Bel-Mark Bowl, Chelsea Lanes, Whitmore Lanes and Lounge.

Camps. Camp Birkett, Camp Talahi, Crooked Creek Farm, DiBrova Camp, Hamburg Fitness Center and Camp, Varsity Day Camp, Voice of Christian Youth

Pine Hills,

Fitness Clubs. Anytime Fitness, Crossfit Brighton, Curves for Women, Gold’s Gym, Jazzercise, Lady of Livingston, Michigan Rehabilitation Specialists, Snap Fitness,

Total Fitness Center.

Gymnastics. Champion Gymnastics, High Flyers Education Gymnastics Center, Infinity Gymnastics Academy, Michigan Academy of Gymnastics.

Ice Skating. Ann Arbor Ice Cube, Arctic Coliseum, Grand Oaks Ice Arena, Kensington Valley Ice House, Veterans Memorial Ice Rink, Yost Ice Arena.

Golf Courses (Private/Members Only). Chemung Hills Country Club, Lakeland Golf and Country Club, Oak Pointe Country Club.

Golf Courses (Open to the Public). Hawk Meadows at Dama Farms, Faulkwood Shores Golf Club, Huron Meadows Metropark Golf Course, Ironwood Golf Club,

Kensington Metropark Golf Course, Majestic at Lake Walden, Rush Lake Golf

Course, Timber Trace Golf Club, Whispering Pines Golf Course, Woodland Golf

Course. Miscellaneous Facilities. Brighton Riding Stable, Golf-o-Rama, Emrich Conference

Center, Howell Nature Center, Kicks and Sticks Sports Arena, Livingston County Wildlife and Conservation Club (Archery, Hunting, Gun Safety, Trap Shooting,




Hunting and Boater Safety Classes, etc.), Mt. Brighton Ski Area, Hamburg Pump

Track (publicly owned), Rollerama II, Spotlight Dance Studio, Whitmore Lake Road and Gun Club, Woodland Racquet Club.

Private Open Space. In addition to the private facilities listed above, Hamburg Township is proactive in obtaining privately-owned open space throughout the community to protect natural features and preserve the character of the Township. A number of residential developments have included open space for the residents. These private open spaces are a valuable resource not only for the homeowners and to protect natural resources, but also for additional park areas throughout the Township and add aesthetic appeal to the neighborhoods.

Community Recreation Programs

Hamburg Township does not currently sponsor any recreation programs or activities. Township residents participate in programs and activities through providers such as Community Ed, the Hamburg Township Library, and the sports groups who utilize the facilities. A number of other recreation providers and organizations exist in the Township as well that offer programming through their privately owned facilities. It should be noted that participants in these recreation programs are not limited to Hamburg residents. Moreover, anyone who resides generally within the Pinckney Community School District can participate. This means that the facilities have a demand that exceeds those of only Township residents.

Community Ed Community Ed is offered through the Pinckney Community School District offering sports and programs for youths, adults, and seniors. A partial list of programming offered

through Community Ed can be found below, with more detailed listings in Chapter 4 of this plan, and on their website at www.pinckneyschools.org/community-education.

Basketball Baton Twirling Dance Enrichment Classes Fitness Classes Golf Gymnastics Hula Hooping Kickboxing Marine Safety Martial Arts

Pilates Senior Activities Soccer Swimming Tennis Volleyball Weightlifting Yoga Zumba

Hamburg Library Located within the Township municipal campus, the Hamburg library offers a number of services to community residents and has been a strong supporter and provider of free or low-cost community recreational activities for all ages.




Senior/Community Center

The Senior/Community Center offers a wide range of personal enrichment activities to

senior members of the community for a nominal fee. These activities include travel

excursions, two exercise classes provided through Michigan Rehabilitation Specialists,

two yoga classes, one-on-one computer lessons, watercolor and acrylic painting

classes, crafting classes, quilting instruction, and card-playing groups. A Military

Veteran’s Benefits Specialist also comes into the center on a monthly basis to provide

assistance to veterans.

Other Recreation Providers and Organizations

Other recreation providers and organizations in the Township include the Hamburg

Community Soccer Club (HCSC), Hamburg Enhanced Recreation Organization

(H.E.R.O.), Hamburg Flyers RC Clubs, Hamburg Pirate Youth Football Association

(HPYFA), Pinckney Blues Soccer Club (PBSC), and the Pinckney Hamburg Baseball

Softball Association (PHBSA), to name a few. There are a number of smaller providers

who meet the needs of specific sports and activities within the Township.

Funding Resources

Hamburg Township has received four state grants for the development of Manly W.

Bennett Park formerly known as Merrill Field. Table 3.2 summarizes the state recreation

grants awarded to the Township.




Table 3.2

Recreation Grant History

Funding Source Project

Name/Number

Grant

Amount Project Description

Current

Condition

Michigan Land

and Water

Conservation Fund

(LWCF) (1980)

Manly Bennett

Field (Project No.

26-01104 B)

$25,044.83

Concession/restroom

building, utilities,

sewage disposal, site

restoration and

landscaping, parking

area, LWCF sign.

Good (some

upgrades

needed)

Michigan Land

and Water

Conservation Fund

(LWCF) (1983)

Merrill Field

(Project No. 26-

01274)

$29,133

Landscaping,

entrance signs, road

and parking lot

improvements, play

structure asphalt

walkway, litter barrels,

bleachers, service

gate, and LWCF sign.

Good (some

upgrades

needed)

Bond Fund(1989)

Manly W. Bennett

Park (Project No.

BF89-092)

$100,800

Division A soccer field,

Division B soccer field,

lighting for 2 ballfields,

parking lot, 4

shuffleboard courts,

picnic tables, picnic

pavilion, playground

equipment, 2

basketball courts, 9

bleachers, 4” well, 2

tennis courts, 2 batting

cages.

Good (some

upgrades

needed)

Clean Michigan

Initiative (1999)

Manly W. Bennett

Park (Project No.

CM99-077)

$247,000

Nature trails (8,000’),

paved trails (8’ wide,

3,800’), boardwalk

(600’), fishing dock,

picnic tables, picnic

shelters with storage

shed, playground

equipment.

Good (some

upgrades

needed)

Source: Hamburg Township, Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR)


Distribution DRAFT – July 2012

Chapter 4

Basis for Action Plan

An essential task in the recreation planning process is to determine the needs of the

community. The needs serve as a basis for the development of the action plan. This task

is accomplished using a compilation of several methods, including comparing the

community to national recreation guidelines for the size of the community, information

obtained during the public input process, consultation with the Community

Recreational Services Organization (CRSO), Township Board, Planning Commission,

Hamburg Library, and Pinckney Community Ed, and by reviewing current offerings and

programming.

Planning and Public Input Process

Planning Process. The Township Board directed the update of the Hamburg Township

Parks and Recreation Master Plan. Citizen and Township input played a critical role in

the development of the plan. As a result, recommendations described within the action

plan reflect the needs and ideas of those who use the Township’s parks and recreation

facilities. The plan process included seven tasks which are discussed below.

Task One: Community Profile. The first task was to obtain a description of Hamburg Township’s physical and social features. These features include

location, land use, natural features, and a description of the area’s

transportation network as well as population features including age distribution,

people with physical disabilities, types of households, employment, and income.

Task Two: Administrative Structure. The second task was to obtain and review the administrative structure of the Township and CSRO. This analysis also includes a

review of the current and projected recreation, Lakelands Trail, and Senior

Community Center budgets for the Township.

Task Three: Parks and Recreation Inventory. The recreation inventory included site visits and written descriptions of recreation facilities in Hamburg Township

including public parks, schools, community facilities, and private facilities. The

information included acreage, barrier-free accessibility, types of recreation

activities, types of equipment, and other descriptions of the physical attributes of

the area’s recreation facilities. A list of neighboring communities’ facilities, State

Parks, Genesee County Parks, Oakland County Parks, Wayne County Parks,

Washtenaw County Parks, and Huron-Clinton Metroparks within a short distance

of Hamburg is also included.

Task Four: Public Participation. McKenna Associates conducted stakeholder focus group interviews with key people and community members involved with

recreation, natural resources/preservation, historical/cultural activities, seniors,

4 – Basis for Action Plan



and the schools. A public open house workshop to gain input from the general

public on proposed improvements to Bennett Park was also held to gain

additional insight on the community’s recreation priorities. Finally, a parks and

recreation survey was distributed to the youth in the community to gather more

information about the types of programs and facilities they would like to see in

Hamburg Township. In addition, comments from recreation providers were

gathered and used in the plan. A joint public hearing was held by the Hamburg

Township CSRO and the Planning Commission on 10/17/12. The Township has a

copy of the public comments received.

Task Five: Analysis. Based on the data collected from tasks one through four, information was analyzed in accordance with national and state standards and

guidelines, local needs, the experience of the Township and consultants, the

desires of the residents, and potential funding sources.

Task Six: Action Plan. Upon completion of the analysis, the draft goals and objectives were reviewed and updated accordingly to provide a framework for

the Action Plan. This created the five-year plan and offers a checklist of what

action is to be accomplished, when and where it will occur, who will accomplish

it, how much it will cost, and potential funding sources.

Task Seven: Plan Completion and Adoption. Once consensus was reached among the CSRO and Township officials, a public hearing was held to present

the plan and to solicit public input prior to adoption. See Appendix for adoption

documentation and meeting minutes.

Stakeholder Focus Group Interviews. Focus group interviews were held on the topic of

parks and recreation on April 16, 2012 at the Hamburg Township Hall. Participants were

selected for their role or specific involvement with groups/organizations or activities.

Those specifically interviewed include representatives or persons involved with the

Senior Citizens and the Community Center, football programs, Lakelands Trail (hiking,

biking, equestrian), baseball programs, Hamburg Flyers, H.E.RO., and soccer programs.

All groups were asked to discuss their specific concerns and issues they felt needed to

be included in the plan. Based on the responses, additional questions were asked

throughout the interviews. The ideas and input obtained during the interviews were

used as the basis for creating the future development concept plan for Manly W.

Bennett Memorial Park. These ideas were presented to the public during the open

house to obtain additional feedback and further refine the concept plan.

Public Visioning Open House. A public visioning open house was held at Hamburg

Township Hall on April 19, 2012 to seek additional input from residents and users of the

parks and recreation facilities to gain a better understanding of the community desires

related to parks and recreation and new facility development. Input received during

the focus group interviews was presented to the open house attendees for further

refinement and prioritization, as well as adding new ideas that may not have been

realized by the Focus Group attendees.




The open house was highly successful at generating additional ideas and priorities while

at the same time supporting the common themes discussed with the CSRO and during

the stakeholder focus group interviews. Attendees were encouraged to discuss all

possible ideas for what is needed in the Township and where these facilities or programs

should be located.

Parks and Recreation Survey. An survey was made available to “tweens” and teens

(residents between the ages of 11 and 19)both online and distributed by Pinckney

Community Schools. The survey was designed to evaluate overall satisfaction with the

parks and recreation facilities and programs in Hamburg Township, determine what is

needed, and gauge support for additional facilities. A summary of key survey results

include the following. These were used to help prepare the Action Plan:

The recreation facilities most frequented by the respondents are Lakelands Trail, soccer fields, and baseball diamonds.

A majority of the respondents felt that existing Township facilities are adequate for their sports group.

Respondents identified having movie days/nights, WI-FI hot spots, music days/nights, family fun events, casual sports areas, and game room/social

activities as the type of activities that would be most beneficial to them.

More than half of the respondents said access to a teen crisis center or counselors would help them or someone they knew.

Public Hearings and Adoption. A joint public hearing was held at Hamburg Township

Hall on 10/17/12 by the Hamburg Township CRSO and the Planning Commission to

obtain comments from residents and users about the draft plan. The Parks and

Recreation Committee recommended adoption to the Planning Commission and

Township Board and it was formally adopted on _____________.

Park Land Analysis and Service Areas

Approximately 5,630 acres of parks and facilities exist in Hamburg Township, of which

385 acres are owned by the Township, approximately 198 acres are owned by the

Pinckney Community School District (including Pinckney High School located in

neighboring Putnam Township), and the remaining 5,047 acres are owned by the State

of Michigan. Acreages for all other public and private facilities have not been included

in the total. As required by the MDNR, the Hamburg Township park land and recreation

facilities were compared to the minimum guidelines set forth by the National

Recreation and Park Association (NRPA, 1983). Although the NRPA’s guidelines were set

over 20 years ago, the MDNR still recommends their use as standards to establish

minimum community needs in terms of land area and number of facilities.

Caution must be exercised in the interpretation of these results given that these

guidelines were set over two decades ago and may not represent current popular

activities and trends. Each community, based on its own particular resources and




resident preferences and demands, are encouraged to establish its needs and

requirements so that the plan best suits the community’s desires for recreation.

Recreation needs are often better documented through public input rather than

relying only on the national guidelines. The NRPA guidelines and the MDNR standards

were considered in the development of the Action Plan but not weighted heavily.

Table 4.1 – MDNR Public Park Land Acreage Analysis and the following discussion

compares the amount of park land as it relates to the conditions of the Township and

the MDNR standards based on the Hamburg Township 2010 Census population of

21,165. Park classifications used by the MDNR are defined as follows:

Mini/Neighborhood Park. Mini/Neighborhood parks serve an area up to a one-half mile distance and are typically less than 10 acres in size. Hamburg’s three

local elementary schools are classified as neighborhood parks and provide the

recommended acreage of this park type. All of the neighborhood parks are

provided by Pinckney Community Schools, which are not controlled by the

Township. Given that the Township does not manage any mini/neighborhood

parks, efforts should be made to create more of this park type, particularly in

various parts of the Township to serve a greater number of residents. New

developments, when proposed, shall include ADA compliant facilities in their

plans.

Community Park. Community parks typically serve an area within one-half to three miles and are between 30 to 50 acres in size. The remaining parks and

school facilities have been categorized as community parks given the

population they serve despite some not meeting the size requirement. With a

recommended provision of 105.8 acres, the Township greatly exceeds this with

more than 538 acres (including Pinckney High School located in Putnam

Township). This surplus is due to the inclusion of the school facilities and partially

developed Manly W. Bennett Memorial Park and Winkelhaus Park, which when

fully developed will serve the greater community and possibly the surrounding

areas as well.

School Park. School properties can fulfill the requirements for other classes of parks such as neighborhood, community, sports complex, and special use. For

the purposes of this inventory Hamburg Elementary (building closed), Lakeland

Elementary, and Country Elementary were classified as neighborhood parks, and

Navigator/Pathfinder Middle School and Pinckney High School (Putnam

Township) were classified as community parks.

Regional Park. Both Brighton State Recreation Area and Lakelands Trail State Park are located within Hamburg Township. Regional facilities offer a variety of

active and passive recreational opportunities that help meet the need for local

parks and balance the deficiencies in facilities. Hamburg Township recently

acquired property between Hamburg and Hall Road including an unimproved

trailhead for the Lakelands Trail. The undeveloped trailhead is commonly known

as the Hamburg Village Trailhead. The Township intends to develop and improve

this portion of the trail including the trailhead as funding becomes. The Township




also maintains two trailheads at the intersection of M-36 and Pettysville Road,

and Merrill Road across from the municipal complex, and intends to develop

them more fully in the future. In addition to the Brighton State Recreation Area

and Lakelands Trail State Park, Hamburg residents utilize other regional parks

located in neighboring communities and benefit from their close proximity.

Table 4.1 MDNR Public Park Land Acreage Analysis

Park Classifications

NRPA Guideline Minimum

Acres1

Recommended Acreage for

Hamburg Twp.2

Public Hamburg Twp. Park

Public Regional

Park

Public School

Park Other5

Hamburg

Twp. Total

Surplus (Deficiency)

Mini/Neighborhood

Parks3 0.25 – 2 5.3 – 42.3 0 0 45.43 Numerous 45.43 3.13+

Community Parks4 5 105.8 384.91 0 152.92 - 537.8

3 432.53+

Subtotal - 111.1 – 148.1 384.91 0.0 198.35 Numerous 583.2

6 435.16+

Regional Parks 10 211.7 0 5,047 0 - 5,047 4,835.3+

Total - 322.8 – 359.8 384.91 5,047 198.35 Numerous 5,630.

26 5,270.46+

1 Per 1,000 Residents. 2 Based on Hamburg Township 2010 Census population count of 21,165. 3 School facilities classified as neighborhood parks: Hamburg, Lakeland, and Country elementary schools. 4 School facilities classified as community parks: Navigator/Pathfinder MS and Pinckney HS (Putnam Township). 5 Other includes playgrounds built as part of the development of new subdivisions.

Although the overall amount of park land in the Township is sufficient by national guidelines, it is important to consider the Township’s goals, type of parks, their location, and their disbursement throughout the Township. According to the above guidelines, Hamburg Township demonstrates a surplus in all of the categories but there may be a need for additional parks in the Township. For instance, the Township doesn’t currently own or operate any “mini parks”, although some subdivisions have play areas built by developers or homeowner associations that partially fulfill this need. When evaluating parks and recreation service areas it is important to closely consider where the residents in the Township live. The MDNR establishes a recommended service area for each park classification to determine the areas in Hamburg that are lacking easy access to parks and facilities. The service area boundary for each type of park is as follows:

Mini/Neighborhood Parks 0.25 – 0.5 miles Community Parks 0.5 – 3.0 miles Regional Parks 30 minute driving time

For the purposes of measuring the service area, a radius of one-half mile was used for mini/neighborhood parks and two miles for community parks. It should be noted that a majority of the Township is served by at least one type of park; however, the area in the southwest of the Township is lacking easy access to public and school facilities. The Township may consider acquiring land in this area and/or requiring the incorporation of recreation and open space area in future developments in the underserved sections of the Township, and accommodate future linking to the Lakelands Trail and recreation facilities by providing paths, greenways, and complete streets.




A long time goal of the Township has been to preserve open space and natural features, as evident in the 2010 Hamburg Township Master Plan. Three environmental goals of this plan are “[t]o protect, preserve, and enhance whenever possible the unique and desirable natural amenities of Hamburg Township”, “[p]reserve the natural and historic character of Hamburg Township by accommodating a reasonable amount of development, but ensuring the development is in harmony with the natural features and environmental requirements of the Township”, and “encourage the development of a non-motorized trail way system as indicated in the Southeast Livingston Greenways Plan”. These goals include the preservation of natural features such as woodlands and wetlands and the promotion of gr

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