2012
HAMBURG TOWNSHIP, LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN
PARKS AND RECREATION
MASTER PLAN
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]
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
Distribution DRAFT – October 2012
Page i
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
Distribution DRAFT – October 2012
Page ii
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
Map 2
Map 3
Map 4
Regional Location ................................................................................... 1-3
Manly W. Bennett Memorial Park .......................................................... 3-3
Parks and Recreation Inventory ............................................................ 3-6
Regional Parks and Recreation ........................................................... 3-12
List of Figures
Figure 2.1 – Administrative Structure ........................................................................... 2-2
Appendix
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Page iii
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
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1 – Community Description
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).
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1 – Community Description
Map 1
Regional Location
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1 – Community Description
Table 1.1
Change in Community Population, 2000 – 2040
% Change
2000
2010
(2000 to 2010)
20,627
21,165
2.6%
2040
23,987
% Change
(2000-2040)
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
Total
20,627
22,496
21,165
23,069
Households
2000
2005
2010
2020
Total
7,086
8,013
7,860
8,837
Household Size
2000
2005
2010
2020*
Total
2.91
2.81
2.69
2.61
2040
23,987
2040
9,196
2040
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 NonFamilies, 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
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1 – Community Description
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
2010
Age Group
Life Phase
Pop.
0–4
Preschool
1,052
5 – 19
School Age
4,761
20 – 34
Young Adult
2,647
35 – 64
Adult
10,370
65 +
Retirement
2,335
%
5%
22%
13%
49%
11%
2040
Pop.
1,439
4,078
4,078
7,436
6,956
%
6%
17%
17%
31%
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
Age 0-5
1,251
Age 5 – 17
4,388
Age 18 – 34
2,951
Age 35 – 64
10,566
Age 65 – 74
1,375
Age 75 +
851
Total
21,382
With a Disability
0
195
231
785
248
437
1,896
Percent
0%
4.4%
8.5%
7.4%
18.0%
51.4%
8.9%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2008-2010 American Community Survey
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1 – Community Description
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.
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1 – Community Description
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
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1 – Community Description
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
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1 – Community Description
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 northsouth 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. M36 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.
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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.
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2 – Administrative Structure
Figure 2.1
Administrative Structure
Pinckney
Community
Schools Board
Hamburg Township
Residents
Pinckney
Community
Schools
Superintendent
Hamburg Township
Board of Trustees
Community Ed
Recreation
Providers
HCSC
HERO
HPYFA
PBSC
PHBSA
Flyers RC Club
Others
CRSO
Board
Volunteers
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.
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2 – Administrative Structure
Table 2.1 Recreation Budget, 2010-2013
Actual
Expenses
2010/2011
Parks and Recreation Items
Per Diem
4,334
Full-Time Employee Salaries
Part-Time Employee Salaries
9,035
Overtime
93
Township FICA
1,030
Workers’ Compensation
Long/Short Term Disability
Retirement
Life Insurance
Blue Cross
Liability/Casualty Insurance
CRSO Items
Supplies & Small Equipment
1,542
Vehicle Fuel
1,017
Trash Disposal
965
Engr/Consultant/Prof Fees
Legal Fees
6,128
Legal Notices/Advertising
Utilities
4,998
Sewer Bill
1,047
Natural Gas
482
Building Main – Park Buildings
20,639
Reserve For Parks Main
Fertilizer
Equipment Main/Repair
2,255
Portable Toilets
5,531
CRSO Events Committee
Expenses
Sundry
640
Special Projects
30,144
Capital Equip/Improvement
129,055
Reserve For Equip Purchase
Transfer Out to Gen Fund
Transfer to Enterprise
1,899
Total Expenses
$220,834
Amended
Budget
2011/2012
2012/2013
1,800
23,275
451
2,003
93
438
2,641
66
13,840
1,970
3,900
26,394
600
2,318
116
352
2,639
56
14,042
2,000
3,000
1,000
1,300
1,500
6,000
4,500
600
1,400
7,000
7,500
10,000
1,500
6,000
2,500
500
1,200
1,000
3,000
200
4,500
600
1,000
6,000
7,500
15,000
1,000
6,000
5,151
-
1,000
31,000
20,000
735
3,000
$158,763
1,000
44,000
20,000
$167,417
Budget
Source: Hamburg Township 2012-2013 Recommended Budget
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2 – Administrative Structure
Table 2.2 Lakelands Trail Budget 2010-2013
Actual
Expenses
2010/2011
Lakelands Trail
Liability/Casualty Insurance
Trash Disposal
Legal Fees
Utilities
379
Reserve For Trail Maintenance
Equipment Main/Repair
60
Trail Maintenance
4,826
RR Maintenance Fee
1,000
Sundry
DNR Land Purchase
383,343
Transfer Out to Gen Fund
Transfer to Enterprise
300
Total Expenses
$389,907
Amended
Budget
2011/2012
2012/2013
390
200
200
500
15,000
1,100
7,500
1,000
150
6,500
1,500
$34,040
400
200
200
500
15,000
500
4,000
1,000
250
2,500
1,000
$25,550
Budget
Source: Hamburg Township 2012-2013 Recommended Budget
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2 – Administrative Structure
Table 2.3 Senior/Community Center Budget 2010-2013
Actual
Amended
Expenses
Budget
2010/2011
2011/2012
Senior/Community Center
Full-Time Employee Salaries
36,554
36,057
Part-Time Employee Salaries
8,378
10,300
Overtime
1,760
1,800
Payment in Lieu of Insurance
3,000
3,150
Township FICA
3,801
3,730
Workers’ Compensation
510
Long/Short Term Disability
514
556
Retirement
3,703
3,786
Life Insurance
119
184
Blue Cross
Liability/Casualty Insurance
1,541
Supplies & Small Equipment
5,037
4,000
Contractual Services
252
250
Trash Disposal
640
850
Phone/Comm/Internet
1,087
1,100
Mileage
661
900
Workshops/Seminars
969
750
Utilities
5,633
5,400
Consumers Power/Fossil Fuel
2,801
2,400
Center Maintenance
3,751
3,500
Reserve Maintenance
10,000
Fertilizer
400
Equipment Main/Repair
1,729
2,000
Improvements
540
2,500
Dues/Subscriptions/Certifications
210
250
Sundry
1,758
2,000
Capital Equip/Improvement
2,180
2,700
Reserve For Equip Purchase
Transfer Out to Gen Fund
Transfer to Enterprise
Total Expenses
$85,079
$100,614
Budget
2012/2013
37,807
10,300
1,800
3,000
3,910
529
514
3,961
158
2,000
3,500
250
750
1,000
750
750
5,000
2,400
3,000
10,000
500
1,500
2,500
250
2,000
2,500
$100,629
Source: Hamburg Township 2012-2013 Recommended Budget
Hamburg Township Parks and Recreation Master Plan
Distribution DRAFT – October 2012
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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 decisionmaking 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.
Hamburg Township Parks and Recreation Master Plan
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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.
Typical Neighborhood Open Space
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 communitybased 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.
Hamburg Township Parks and Recreation Master Plan
Distribution DRAFT – October 2012
Manly W. Bennett Memorial Park
Page 3|2
3 – Parks and Recreation Inventory
MAP 2- Manly W. Bennett Park
Hamburg Township Parks and Recreation Master Plan
Distribution DRAFT – October 2012
Page 3|3
3 – Parks and Recreation Inventory
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.
Pinckney High School
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.
Hamburg Township Parks and Recreation Master Plan
Distribution DRAFT – October 2012
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3 – Parks and Recreation Inventory
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 Senior/Community Center
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 Township Parks and Recreation Master Plan
Distribution DRAFT – October 2012
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3 – Parks and Recreation Inventory
Hamburg Township Parks and Recreation Master Plan
Distribution DRAFT – October 2012
Page 3|6
3 – Parks and Recreation Inventory
Acres
Accessibility2
Baseball/Softball
Basketball Courts
Dog Park
Equestrian Ring
Fitness Center
Football
Golf Course
Grills
Gymnasium
Ice Skating Rink
Multi-Purpose Field3
Parking
Picnic Table(s)
Picnic Shelter
Play Equipment/
Structure
Restroom
Sledding Hill
Soccer Field
Swimming Pool
Tennis Court
Track/Walking Path
Volleyball Court
RC Airplane Runway
Table 3.1
Public Parks and Recreation Facilities Inventory1
─
2
─
─
─
─
─
─
─
─
─
─
─
X
─
─
─
X
─
─
─
─
─
─
─
─
3
─
─
─
─
─
─
─
─
─
─
─
X
X
─
─
X
─
─
─
─
─
─
─
─
384
0.91
2
2
2
─
4/5
─
─
─
─
─
─
─
─
─
─
─
─
─
─
3
─
─
─
─
─
X
X
─
─
─
─
─
─
─
X
─
X
X
X
X
X
X
─
X
X
─
2
1
X
X
─
─
─
─
─
13
─
─
─
─
─
─
─
─
1
1
─
1
─
─
1
─
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
Navigator/Pathfinder Middle
School
Pinckney High School
20.34
2
1/0
1.5
─
─
─
─
─
─
1
─
X
X
─
─
1
X
─
─
─
─
─
─
─
51.89
101.03
583.26
2
2
─
1/2
2/2
11/9
2.5
3
9
─
─
─
─
─
─
1
1
2
─
2
5
─
─
─
─
─
X
1
1
5
─
─
─
X
X
X
X
X
X
─
─
X
─
─
X
─
─
6
X
X
X
─
─
─
1
2
16
1
1
2
8
8
16
2
2
6
─
1
2
Park/Facility Name
Community Parks and Facilities
Hamburg Historical Society
Museum
Hamburg Senior Community3
Center
Hamburg Township Library3
Manly W. Bennett Memorial Park
Winkelhaus Park
School Parks and Facilities
TOTAL
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.
─
─
1
3 The Township Library and Senior Community Center are located on the 384 acre Bennett Park.
Hamburg Township Parks and Recreation Master Plan
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3 – Parks and Recreation Inventory
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
Pinckney High School Softball Facility
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
Hamburg Township Parks and Recreation Master Plan
Distribution DRAFT – October 2012
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3 – Parks and Recreation Inventory


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
Lakelands Trail State Park
Township and Deerfield Township)
Pinckney State Recreation Area (Putnam Township and Unadilla Township)
Unadilla Wildlife Area (Unadilla Township)


Hamburg Township Parks and Recreation Master Plan
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3 – Parks and Recreation Inventory
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)
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3 – Parks and Recreation Inventory
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)
Hamburg Township Parks and Recreation Master Plan
Distribution DRAFT – October 2012
Huron Meadows Metropark
Page 3|11
3 – Parks and Recreation Inventory
MAP 4- Regional Parks and Recreation
Hamburg Township Parks and Recreation Master Plan
Distribution DRAFT – October 2012
Page 3|12
3 – Parks and Recreation Inventory
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,
Hamburg Township Parks and Recreation Master Plan
Distribution DRAFT – October 2012
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3 – Parks and Recreation Inventory
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.
Hamburg Township Parks and Recreation Master Plan
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3 – Parks and Recreation Inventory
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.
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3 – Parks and Recreation Inventory
Table 3.2
Recreation Grant History
Project
Funding Source
Name/Number
Grant
Amount
Michigan Land
and Water
Conservation Fund
(LWCF) (1980)
Manly Bennett
Field (Project No.
26-01104 B)
Michigan Land
and Water
Conservation Fund
(LWCF) (1983)
Merrill Field
(Project No. 2601274)
$29,133
Bond Fund(1989)
Manly W. Bennett
Park (Project No.
BF89-092)
$100,800
Clean Michigan
Initiative (1999)
Manly W. Bennett
Park (Project No.
CM99-077)
$247,000
$25,044.83
Project Description
Concession/restroom
building, utilities,
sewage disposal, site
restoration and
landscaping, parking
area, LWCF sign.
Landscaping,
entrance signs, road
and parking lot
improvements, play
structure asphalt
walkway, litter barrels,
bleachers, service
gate, and LWCF sign.
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.
Nature trails (8,000’),
paved trails (8’ wide,
3,800’), boardwalk
(600’), fishing dock,
picnic tables, picnic
shelters with storage
shed, playground
equipment.
Current
Condition
Good (some
upgrades
needed)
Good (some
upgrades
needed)
Good (some
upgrades
needed)
Good (some
upgrades
needed)
Source: Hamburg Township, Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR)
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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,
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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.
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4 – Basis for Action Plan
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
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4 – Basis for Action Plan
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 onehalf 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
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4 – Basis for Action Plan
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
Mini/Neighborhood
Parks3
0.25 – 2
5.3 – 42.3
0
0
Community Parks4
5
105.8
384.91
0
Subtotal
-
111.1 – 148.1
384.91
0.0
10
211.7
0
5,047
0
-
-
322.8 – 359.8
384.91
5,047
198.35
Numerous
Regional Parks
Total
Other5
Hamb
urg
Twp.
Total
Surplus
(Deficiency)
45.43
Numerous
45.43
3.13+
152.92
-
198.35
Numerous
537.8
3
583.2
6
5,047
5,630.
26
432.53+
435.16+
4,835.3+
5,270.46+
1 Per
1,000 Residents.
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.
2 Based
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.
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4 – Basis for Action Plan
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 greenways and pedestrian linkages. Additional park
land can help the Township achieve these goals as it continues to grow.
Facilities Analysis
In addition to park land, existing facilities were compared against the projected need
for each facility as determined by the individual recreation providers in the Township
and the recommended guidelines set by the National Recreation and Park Association
(NRPA) and MDNR to determine if they are adequate to meet the needs of residents
based on national averages. The analysis also takes into account a variety of additional
factors including the existing conditions in the Township, information obtained from the
public, site conditions, and the national averages. Public comments indicate that
several types of facilities need improvement or expansion, including baseball and
softball fields, basketball courts, football fields, soccer fields, concession stands, storage
facilities and trails.
Table 4.2 indicates the total facilities, recommended facilities, and projected need. The
comments below the table provide further prospective and assist in identifying key
issues related to specific facilities.
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4 – Basis for Action Plan
Table 4.2
Park Facility Analysis
Public
Hamburg
Township
Facility
Public
Regional
Facility1
Public
School
Facility
Total
Facilities
NRPA
Minimum
Guideline2
NRPA
Recommended
Facilities3
Hamburg
Township
Projected Need
0
3
0
0
16
3
16
6
1/2,000
1/3,000
11
7
0
1
9
0
11
20
1/5,000
4
0
0
1
13
3
0
0
0
0
9
1
3
2
9
2
16
5
1/5,000
1/5,000
1/10,000
1/20,000
4
4
2
1
0
24
0
0
2
0
4
6
1/20,000
1
0
0
0
2
2
1/20,000
1
0
0
0
0
0
1/25,000
1
0
0
2
0
2
1/50,000
1
0
2
0
0
2
1/100,000
1
0
1
0
0
1
n/a
n/a
0
Tennis
Playground
Baseball/
Softball
Basketball
Volleyball
Soccer
Football
Running
Track
Swimming
Pool
Golf Course
9 Hole
Golf Course
18 Hole
Ice Rink
Flyers RC
Club Field
1 The
only regional facilities included in the count are public golf courses located in the Township (Rush Lake
and Whispering Pines).
2 Source: Lancaster, Roger A., Ed. 1983. Recreation, Park and Open Space Standards and Guidelines.
Alexandria, VA: NRPA.
3 Based on Hamburg Township 2010 Census population count of 21,165.
4 An additional volleyball court is planned for East Bennett Park.
School Facilities
A number of the facilities noted in Tables 4.1 and 4.2 are owned by the Pinckney
Community School District. Schools provide limited hours and access to the general
public and do not serve primarily parks and recreation functions. Nationally recognized
sources suggest that school sites satisfy only some of the recommended park space.
Currently, school sites comprise 100% of the recommended mini/neighborhood park
acreage. Additionally, the total acreage of the individual school sites is included in the
park land analysis, but it should be noted that a large portion of the total site is
dedicated to educational and not recreational functions.
Athletic Fields (Baseball/Softball, Soccer, Football, Running Tracks)
The different types of athletic fields are specifically discussed below based on
recommended and projected need.

Baseball/Softball Fields. All the ball fields are currently used to capacity, and the
condition of some fields warrant improvements. Also, there is a need for ball
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4 – Basis for Action Plan
fields of different sizes depending on the level of play. Boys over the age of 12
play on fields with either 80-foot or 90-foot bases, and there are a limited number
of fields in Hamburg of this size. An additional baseball field at East Bennett Park
has been identified as needing new lighting, and the Township plans to install 10
foot high safety screening and increase the height of existing fencing in areas
that must be raised for safety purposes. Batting cages near the baseball and
softball diamonds are also planned for safe areas for practice and warm-up. The
Township has also identified a need to reconfigure the existing baseball
diamonds to maximize the efficiency of the facilities.

Soccer Fields. The increase in the number of youth and adults participating in
soccer has been considerable, resulting in a large demand for practice and
game fields. The soccer fields also experience a significant strain due to their
dual use for other sports practices. The Township would like to build a green wall
for soccer drill practice in West Bennett Park, and would also like to convert
soccer field #6 to an official field equipped with universally accessible bleachers
and paved walkways. In addition, the Township would like to construct cyclone
fencing around West Bennett Park’s soccer fields #4 and #5 to catch errant balls.
The Township has identified a need to reconfigure the existing soccer fields on
not less than an annual basis to maximize the turf quality and efficiency of the
facilities.
The Township is developing an upgraded scheduling system for the use of the
soccer fields. This system will allow the fields to be used more efficiently, greater
participation, better field maintenance, and rotation. It will also allow the fields
to be used for other sports like lacrosse without impacting soccer schedules or
field conditions.
 Football Fields. The need for football facilities for games is met by the Pinckney
Community Schools, and both the Township and the schools provide practice
fields. The Township has identified a need for lighting at the football practice
areas at Manly W. Bennett Memorial Park.

Running Tracks. Running tracks are provided by Pinckney Community Schools.
The Lakelands Trail also supports running; however, recreation survey respondents
have indicated that there is a desire for an unpaved cross-country running path
in the Township, which could also support equestrian usage.
Court Sports (Basketball/Gymnasiums, Tennis, Volleyball)
The different types of courts are specifically discussed below based on recommended
and projected need.

Basketball Courts/Gymnasiums. Although the basketball courts and gymnasiums
currently meet the needs of the community, all of them are located at the
schools and therefore have limited hours and access. Given the multi-use nature
and popularity of indoor basketball facilities, the Township should consider
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4 – Basis for Action Plan
working with Pinckney Community Schools/Community Ed to address the
inclusion of basketball facilities/gymnasiums in any future expansion of the parks
and indoor facilities.

Tennis Courts. A total of 16 tennis courts are provided in the Township, and this
exceeds the minimum number of tennis courts recommended by the national
guidelines.

Volleyball Courts. Currently the Township has a projected need for two volleyball
courts, and the Township has created one outdoor sand volleyball court at East
Bennett Park. Although this improves the shortage of volleyball facilities, there
may still be an outstanding need for additional facilities based on demand and
the number of residents. Additional volleyball courts are available in downtown
Dexter.
Flyers’ Field
The Hamburg Flyers club is a 501c.3. At the present time the field is around 700' wide x
400' deep, and it's a great place to call home if you're an avid flyer.
Hamburg Flyers is one of the oldest clubs in Michigan to remain in the same location
throughout its existence. The community has been supportive of the Hamburg Flyers
and recognizes the organization a learning facility for young & old alike. The Flyers are
very community minded. Over the past few years the club has grown significantly and
generally maintains 30 - 50 members.
Ice Rinks
Weather permitting, there is currently one outdoor ice rink located in West Bennett Park
south of the parking lot, in addition to numerous rinks located in the surrounding
communities. There is also some discussion of converting the sand volleyball court
located in East Bennett Park to an ice rink in the wintertime. The popularity of skating
continues to rise, and users frequently travel to neighboring communities to participate
in their clubs and on their teams. The national guideline reveals that there is no local
need for an indoor ice rink unless the population exceeds 100,000 people.
Playgrounds
Currently most of the playgrounds in the Township are located at school facilities, in
addition to playgrounds at East and West Bennett Park. There is a need for additional
playgrounds and mini parks in both new subdivisions, and at Township facilities,
potentially in the southwest corner and the eastern end of the Township. The
playgrounds should also be ADA accessible and additional playgrounds could be
located throughout the Township to better serve the entire population.
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4 – Basis for Action Plan
Swimming Pools
The current swimming facilities fulfill the need for an indoor pool facility, and according
to the national guidelines the Township does not have a need for an additional
swimming pool.
Golf Courses
There are no Township-owned golf courses included in the table. According to the
national guidelines the Township does not have a need for additional golf facilities.
Senior/Community Center
The Township does not have an all-ages community center for use by residents,
although the Township does provide a community center primarily for senior citizens. A
need for an all-ages community center with classroom and meeting space,
gymnasiums, teen center, and additional facilities has been identified by a number of
residents. The Township may also consider coordinating with neighboring communities
to investigate the feasibility of a new joint community center to serve all of the residents
in the surrounding area.
Passive Recreation
In addition to active recreation facilities, it is important for the Township to provide
opportunities for passive recreation and un-programmed activities, such as walking,
jogging, hiking, equestrian activities, picnicking, nature observation, or just sitting in the
park reading a book. The Township has identified a need to provide more passive
recreation and include natural areas in the development of the new parks. When
developing and improving parks it is important to incorporate walking paths, unpaved
paths to accommodate horses and cross-country runners, picnic areas, benches, open
spaces, non-motorized links between recreation facilities, and other amenities that
further enhance the passive recreation opportunities. New road projects will ensure
access for people of all ages and abilities creating a network of complete streets within
the Township.
The Township’s award winning open space program will continue to provide passive
and active recreation opportunities for new neighborhoods as they continue to
develop in the Township.
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Programming Analysis
The Hamburg Township recreation programs offered through The Hamburg Township
Library, the Hamburg Senior Community Center, Pinckney Community Ed, and other
providers are very popular. The variety of sports and programs offered and residents’
participation in them speak to the importance of recreation programming in the
Township. It is important for the Township to continue its relationship with the Pinckney
Community School District, Pinckney Community Ed, the Hamburg Township Library, the
Hamburg Senior Community Center, and other providers to ensure a high quality of
programming and offerings for Township residents.
Hamburg Township Library
The Hamburg Township Library offers the following community resources:










Audio Books
Books
DVDs
E-Books
Enrichment Programming
Literacy Collection
Magazines
Music CDs
Newspapers
Sheet Music
Hamburg Senior Community Center
The Senior Community Center currently offers the following recreational activities and
classes at a nominal fee for senior residents:
















Exercise Classes Provided by Michigan Rehabilitation Specialists
Yoga Classes
One-on-One Computer Lessons
Watercolor Painting
Acrylic Painting
Card-Making
Origami
Quilting
Crafting
Flower Arrangement
Assistance with Veteran’s Benefits
Euchre
Pinochle
Mah-Jongg
Ripple
Travel Excursions
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4 – Basis for Action Plan
Pinckney Community Ed
Pinckney Community Ed currently offers the following recreational programs and
classes:
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Aerobics
Arts and Crafts
Baton Twirling
Belly Dance
Basketball for Children
CPR
Dance Classes
Enrichment Classes
Financial and Estate Planning
Golf for Children
Gymnastics for Children
Hula Hooping for Adults
Hypnosis
Lifeguard Certification
Kickboxing
Marine Safety
Martial Arts
Mom and Tot Playgroup
Music Classes
Pilates
Pinckney Aquatic Club (PAC)
Pinckney Players
Preschool
Soccer Camp
Swimming
Tennis Lessons
Volleyball
Yoga
Zumba
Hamburg Community Soccer Club (HCSC)
HCSC is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization and is a community youth soccer
organization that manages boys and girls soccer teams ranging from ages three to 19.
The club is comprised of players from Hamburg Township, Pinckney, Whitmore Lake,
Brighton, Dexter, South Lyon, Howell, Gregory, and Ann Arbor as well as other
communities in Michigan and Canada. All HCSC outdoor activities and home games
are held at West Bennett Park.
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Hamburg Enhanced Recreation Organization (H.E.R.O.)
H.E.R.O. is a non-profit, 501(C)(3) organization formed in 2005 for the purpose of
supporting the continued development of recreational opportunities and facilities
within Hamburg Township. H.E.R.O. plans, organizes, and hosts the annual Hamburg
Family Fun Fest. H.E.R.O.’s goal is to provide an affordable, convenient, close to home,
family event offering daily activities such as shows, concerts, a petting zoo, circus, etc.
free of charge. The intent of the Hamburg Family Fun Fest is to help fund future
enhancements of the recreational programs in the Hamburg area through a grant
process when funds are available.
Hamburg Flyers RC Club, Inc.
The Hamburg Flyers RC Club is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization serving Hamburg
Township and surrounding communities and provides opportunities for youth, adults,
veterans, and senior citizens to build, fly, and discuss model aircraft. The Flyers RC Club
field is located in East Bennett Park.
Hamburg Pirate Youth Football Association (HPYFA)
The mission of HPYFA is to promote a positive environment in competitive youth tackle
football, cheer, and pom that fosters character, athleticism, teamwork, and
sportsmanship. Four levels of youth football are offered including 1st and 2nd grade
Instructional, 3rd and 4th grade Freshman, 5th and 6th grade JV, 7th and 8th grade Varsity.
Pinckney Blues Soccer Club (PBSC)
The PBSC is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization that offers a Recreational Soccer
Program for boys and girls ages four through 11 (U6 – U12) and provides every player
the potential to respect and enjoy the game. The Core Values of PBSC include social
comprehension, opportunity, articulation of an athletic program, and a route to
success (SOAR).
Pinckney Hamburg Baseball Softball Association (PHBSA)
The PHBSA is a member of the Kensington Valley Baseball and Softball Association.
PHBSA offers the following levels of youth baseball: T-Ball (ages 4-5), Coach Pitch (ages
6-7), Wildcat (age 8), Colt (ages 9-10), Pony (ages 11-12), Mustang (ages 13-15). In
addition, two levels of softball are offered and include 10U (ages 8-10) and 14U (ages
11-14).
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Chapter 5
Action Plan
By using the comprehensive planning process of trend identification, focus group
interviews, surveys, and public meetings, the Hamburg Township community has
effectively established a framework for the Action Plan. The Action Plan describes
recommendations for improvements and enhancement of the Hamburg Township
parks and recreation facilities and programming, as well as identifying the tools needed
for implementation of the plan components.
A complementary component of the Action Plan is the Capital Improvement Plan.
Action strategies that may require significant capital investment from the community
have been organized into a five-year plan. The specific projects have been prioritized in
the Capital Improvement Plan in order to better manage the parks and recreation
budget and equally distribute the projects over a five-year cycle. The timing of these
projects may be influenced, moved, or eliminated depending upon economic
conditions, available funding, and/or grant awards. However, the spirit and intent of the
project priorities are well defined in the Capital Improvement Plan.
The Action Plan is organized into three sections:
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Goals and Objectives
System Wide Recommendations
Five Year Capital Improvement Plan
Goals and Objectives
To provide a guideline for decision making, the CRSO has developed a list of goals and
objectives based on the previous 2000 Parks and Recreation Master Plan, input
received from the 2007 Parks and Recreation Master Plan process, the 2010 Hamburg
Township Master Plan, and the results of analysis and public input. The following goals
and objectives are intended to provide an operational framework for future decisions
related to the provision of parks and recreation for Hamburg Township. These goals and
objectives should be reviewed annually and modified as necessary.
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Goal #1:
Improve security and alleviate any current safety concerns at park
facilities.
Objectives:
 Update faulty or in adequate equipment on an ongoing basis through the
cooperation with the parkland user groups.
 Install security/safety lighting at Flyers’ Field and investigate the use or
surveillance equipment in areas of parkland and Lakelands Trail where
appropriate.
 Implement a public announcement system to improve the safety of facilities.
 Install new lighting for sports fields at Manly W. Bennett Memorial Park including
an additional baseball field and at the football practice area.
 Build a cyclone fence along West Bennett Park’s soccer fields #4 and #5 to
catch errant balls.
 Increase all baseball fencing in Manly W. Bennett Park to a conforming height
based on current safety standards and provide additional screening for safety
near parking areas and playground.
 Install safety and field barrier around the north end of the Flyers’ Field facility
consisting of shrubs and signage.
 Enclose practice area between diamonds #2 and #3 to provide a safe place to
warm-up by converting area into a batting cage.
 Investigate enhancement of pedestrian public safety.
Goal #2:
Improve and maintain existing facilities on a regular basis and continuing
basis.
Objectives:
 Install benches and respite areas along Lakelands Trail.
 Screen existing portable restrooms and develop a plan to upgrade restroom
facilities.
 Upgrade the electrical capacity at the concession stands.
 Install picnic facilities.
 Repair / upgrade nature trails damaged by minor soil erosion in West Bennett
Park.
 Install a park sign at the entrance to West Bennett Park and upgrade the sign at
East Bennett Park.
 Install information kiosks at West Park, East Park, and the Lakelands Trail
trailheads.
 Install a well and sprinkler system for maintenance of Flyers Club grassed areas.
 Adhere to high standards of maintenance for all parks and recreation facilities.
 Develop and improve the trailheads with restrooms, paved parking, and picnic
pavilions. Hamburg Village Trailhead is currently unimproved.
 Enhance the existing pump track.
 Upgrade existing sprinkler system in the park.
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Goal #3:
Maximize the Design and Use of Facilities – Fully develop and utilize parks
and recreation facilities based on the multiple-use concept, whereby a
variety of active and passive opportunities are provided in each park.
Objectives:
 Develop centrally located calendar of events/information signage, and website.
 Develop secondary connections to Lakelands Trail, both with the existing
Township and State park facilities and from the community at large.
 Relocate or enhance permanent music stages.
 Include a broad range of facilities within each park where feasible.
 Develop park sites to their optimal use in consideration of changing community
needs and resource limitations.
 Maintain a logical balance between active and passive pursuits in the parks.
 Develop undeveloped Township park land.
 Develop a marketing strategy for facilities as well as programming for CRSO and
Township recreation functions.
 Pursue the development of a natural ampitheatre on Township parklands.
Goal #4:
Continue to provide the necessary recreation services to the expanding
population of Hamburg Township.
Objectives:
 Develop scheduling software for parks facilities and provide training for
personnel scheduling park use.
 Build a green wall for soccer drill practice in West Bennett Park.
 Convert soccer field #6 to an official field equipped with universally accessible
bleachers and paved walkways.
 Develop one additional sand volleyball court at East Bennett Park.
 Construct a new Flyers Club pavilion with storage.
 Develop a helicopter/model rocket launch pad at the Flyers’ Field.
 Reconfigure the baseball and softball fields in East Bennett Park to maximize the
efficiency of the facilities.
 Reconfigure the soccer fields in West Bennett Park not less than an annual basis
to maximize the turf quality and efficiency of the facilities.
Goal #5:
Preservation of Natural and Cultural Resources – Protect natural and
cultural features, such as wooded areas, wetlands, wildlife habitat, natural
drainage ways, and historic structures and facilities.
Objectives:
 Create a native prairie planting area with a nature trail near the northerly end of
West Bennett Park and Pettys Road-Lakelands Trail property.
 Preserve natural features on proposed park sites to the maximum extent feasible,
in consideration of the proposed multiple-use character of the Township's parks.
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Develop programs and utilize sites in a manner that results in a greater
appreciation of the Township's natural resources.
Incorporate natural and historic resource protection, including protection of
groundwater recharge areas, into the parks and recreation program whenever
the opportunity presents itself.
Include informational signage in areas of significance as it relates to natural and
historical resources.
Promote recreational opportunities associated with the Huron River.
Goal #6:
Funding – Develop stable sources of funding and practice sound fiscal
management of the parks and recreation system.
Objectives:
 Pursue all available funding sources for capital improvements and operations
and maintenance, including local sources, state and federal grant programs,
local businesses, and other sources.
 Explore opportunities for greater private sector participation in the provision of
recreation and leisure services in the Township.
 Continue to cooperate and interact with all other community recreation
organizations in providing recreation resources in order to avoid duplication of
services and make efficient use of public funds.
 Develop long-range projections of costs and revenues as a management tool.
 Develop a fee structure for the use of Township parks by recreation providers
and organizations based on actual gross costs for user groups offset by millage
money for Hamburg Township resident users.
Goal #7:
Quality of Design – Provide residents with high quality parks and
recreation facilities.
Objectives:
 Comply with ADA requirements and adhere to high quality universal design
specifications when developing or replacing recreation facilities or equipment.
 Design well-built parks and recreation facilities and equipment with quality
materials that will reduce routine maintenance costs.
 Consider the cost of maintenance and operation in designing new recreation
facilities.
 When planning and developing a park site, consider its overall appearance and
its potential impact on adjoining uses and the surrounding neighborhood.
 Design future parks in Hamburg Township to be compatible with the environment
on and surrounding the park sites.
 Design the parks so they contribute to the aesthetic quality and cultural values of
the Township.
 Design and develop linking trail system for greater access.
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Goal #8:
Provide recreational opportunities to Hamburg Township residents that are
either unavailable or inaccessible to its residents in the regional or state
recreation areas.
Objectives:
 Create equestrian amenities at Hamburg Village Trailhead and other areas to
support equestrian activities.
 Purchase and operate an existing golf course.
 Create a community garden at the Senior Community Center.
 As the Township develops, acquire additional land for future park development
and to provide more uniform geographic distribution of facilities.
 Develop linking paths, greenways, and complete streets to provide better
access to amenities and to allow for equestrian use as well as cross-country
running.
Goal #9:
Access and Transportation – Improve access and transportation to parks
and recreation facilities.
Objectives:
 Develop an east/west under- or over-pass at Manly W. Bennett Memorial Park.
 Pave Manly W. Bennett Memorial Park parking lots.
 Construct a new 200 vehicle parking lot at West Bennett Park.
 Construct a new 200 vehicle parking lot at East Bennett Park.
 Connect the Lakelands Trail with the parking areas wherever appropriate.
 Develop biking/hiking path systems to meet the alternate transportation, scenic,
and athletic needs of the Township.
 Provide pedestrian and bicycle paths that are separate from the vehicular
routes to create safe circulation to and within all parks.
 Utilize natural features areas as connections between parks and recreation
facilities.
 Complete the Township owned unpaved portion of the Lakelands Trail between
Hamburg Road and Hall Road.
Goal #10:
Recreation Programs – Work with Pinckney Community Ed, the Hamburg
Library, the Hamburg Senior Community Center, Hamburg Community
Soccer Club (HCSC), Hamburg Enhanced Recreation Organization
(HERO), Hamburg Flyers RC Clubs, Hamburg Pirate Youth Football
Association (HPYFA), Pinckney Blues Soccer Club (PBSC), and the
Pinckney Hamburg Baseball Softball Association (PHBSA) to develop,
improve, and offer a comprehensive range of recreation programs for
residents.
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Objectives:
 Promote and implement recreation programming at parks, in cooperation with
all community recreation organizations who offer their services.
 Encourage programs to serve the changing demographics of the Township,
including passive and active recreation programs, instructional programs, sports
leagues, adaptive recreation programs, and other programs to address the
varied interests of residents.
 Encourage programs which address the needs of special segments of the
population, such as senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and youth.
Goal #11:
Planning – Maintain an ongoing parks and recreation planning process.
Objectives:
 Review and update the parks and recreation plan, particularly the five-year
capital improvement plan, annually.
 Provide for citizen input in recreation planning and decision-making.
 Adopt a current Parks and Recreation plan no less than every five years.
Goal #12:
Development of a variety of recreational facilities and opportunities for
residents of all ages at Manly W. Bennett Memorial Park.
Objectives:
 Create a multi-generational Community Center.
 Create a sledding hill.
 Create a multi-use recreational sports facility that can accommodate adults and
youth.
System Wide Recommendations/Long Range Planning
In addition to capital investments into the parks and recreation system, the Township
must also evaluate the current system and review long-range options for providing
parks and recreation for the residents. The following are system wide recommendations
that should be evaluated annually and used in the long-range planning of parks and
recreation in Hamburg.
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Establish a Parks and Recreation Commission or Department. The current CSRO
serves an advisory role to the Township Board in making parks and recreation
decisions. As the Township contemplates expanding the parks and recreation
system, a governing body or department may need to be established to oversee
the park design, establish rules for the facilities, ensure proper maintenance,
acquire park land, seek funding, and coordinate with other recreation providers.
The Township may establish a Parks and Recreation Commission through a
general election of members as provided in Michigan Public Act 157 of 1905.
The Commission would have the authority to acquire, maintain, manage, and
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5 – Action Plan
control Township parks and places of recreation while reporting to the Township
Board for budget purposes. A Parks and Recreation Department may also be
established to oversee the management of parks and recreation in the Township
under the current Township Board who would be responsible for establishing and
overseeing the budget for the department.
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Barrier-Free Accessibility. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has
established guidelines to provide barrier-free accessibility at all public facilities. It
is important to provide access to Hamburg’s facilities according to these
guidelines so that all residents may enjoy them. As parks and facilities are
improved or developed, a high priority must be placed on upgrades that
improve barrier-free accessibility with improvements to proper surfaces for
wheelchairs, accessible picnic tables, and play equipment that provides
universal access.
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Emergency Access. All parks should be designed to be accessed by emergency
vehicles.
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Pathway/Bike Path Connections. Hamburg Township is committed to providing
pedestrian and bicycle pathways and connections to existing recreation
facilities. The development of more connections is a high priority to residents in
the Township as well.
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Acquisition of Park Land. As the community grows the need for park land in the
four corners of the Township may become more evident as illustrated when
mapping the service areas of the existing parks. These parks could be utilized for
additional passive and active recreation facilities. Along with the acquisition of
land for larger parks in the outlying areas of the Township, new open space
projects will continue to provide passive and active recreation areas that serve
all of the residents.
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Community Center. As discussed previously in this plan, the Township has a
community center that is primarily for the use of seniors in the community. A
need for a community center with classroom and meeting space, gymnasiums,
teen center, and additional facilities for residents of all ages has been identified
by a number of residents. Given the significant funds necessary to build such a
facility, the Township should consider pursuing this endeavor in the future through
a combination of grants and donations along with Township funding. The
Township may also consider coordinating with neighboring communities to
investigate the feasibility of a new joint community center to serve all of the
residents in the surrounding area.
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Fundraising. The Township should continue to develop new and creative ways to
raise funds for park development and improvements. Events, service projects,
developer contributions, sponsorships, and local fundraising are some of the
ways in which this can be done.
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Continued Public Involvement. The Township should continue to solicit residents’
suggestions on planning, use, and improvement of parks and programming. This
can be accomplished with focus groups, public meetings, surveys, or through
resident feedback solicited at parks and recreation events.
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Additional Facilities. Please refer back to the Facilities Analysis for additional
indoor and outdoor facilities needed in the Township.
Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan
This section summarizes the overall system recommendations as well as specific
improvements. Some are multi-year efforts that will involve time and coordination, while
others are park improvements that require largely monetary investment. Table 5.1 –
Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan incorporates the top recommendations that
require capital improvement in the next five years.
Improvements are divided into categories based on their location such as East Bennett
Park or the Lakelands Trail. Although East and West Bennett Park are included as their
own categories, we are also including Manly Bennett Park as a category for general
park improvements that encompass both East and West Bennett Park. A TBD category is
also provided for recreation improvements that are not associated yet with a specific
place such as portage and livery access. Occasionally no cost (listed as n/a, not
applicable) was provided for volunteer (V) projects because it is anticipated that the
volunteers’ donated time and materials will off-set any costs associated with the
improvement project.
Priorities should be reviewed on an annual basis and adjusted to respond to updated
findings and identification of funding opportunities. In particular, costs should be closely
monitored, as the proposed plan estimates are in 2012 dollars and are strictly
preliminary. Actual costs for each project will be more specifically determined as site
surveys, programming elements, and engineering plans are developed.
Table 5.1: Capital Improvement Plan
Facility/Improvement
Estimated
Cost
Funding Sources
Year 1: 2012-2013
Manly Bennett Park:
Install Public Announcement Safety System
Manly Bennett Park:
Buy Scheduling Software and Staff Training
East Bennett Park:
Install Informational Kiosk
East Bennett Park:
Replace T-Ball Benches
East Bennett Park:
Replace 4-6 Baseball Bleachers
$22,000 to
$30,000
TF, M, G
$1,500
TF, M, RP
$1,700
V, G
$600
$13,750
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TF, G, M
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East Bennett Park:
Increase Height of Back Stops, Install 10’
East Bennett Park:
Safety Screening, & Construct Batting Cage
East Bennett Park:
Install New Lighting at Football Practice Field
East Bennett Park:
Construct 2-4 Picnic Tables at East Concession
East Bennett Park:
Install Security Lighting at Flyers
Runway/Pavilion
West Bennett Park:
Install Kiosk Sign at Park Entry
West Bennett Park:
Purchase Movable Soccer Goals
Lakelands Trail:
Secondary Connections to Lakelands Trail
Lakelands Trail:
Install Flora Identification Sign and Boardwalk
Sign with Park Rules/History
Lakelands Trail:
Pave Trail Between Hamburg and Hall Roads
Lakelands Trail:
Replace Historical Information Signage
Lakelands Trail:
Construct Benches Along Trail/Trailheads
Lakelands Trail:
Improve cub scout pack 391 picnic respite
Lakelands Trail:
Equestrian Amenities at Hamburg Village
Trailhead
Lakelands Trail:
Dev. & Improve Hamburg Village Trailhead
Lakelands Trail:
Install Hamburg Village Trailhead
Informational Kiosk Signs
Lakelands Trail:
Develop & Improve Merrill Trailhead
Lakelands Trail:
Install Merrill Trailhead Informational Kiosk Sign
Lakelands Trail:
Construct Picnic Tables at Merrill Trailhead
Lakelands Trail:
Develop & Improve Pettysville Trailhead
Senior Community Center:
Build & Stain Flower Boxes for Patio Brick Wall
Lakelands Trail:
Develop respites along all trails
$14,000
TF, G, M, RP
$20,000
M, G, RP, TF
$12,000
M, G, RP, TF
n/a
$10,000
n/a
V
TF, M, G, RP
V, G, RP
$7,500$9,000
TF, M, RP, G
$TBD$
TF, M, PD
n/a
V, RP
$80,752
M, G, PD, V
$2,000
V, G
$1,000
(or $170 ea.)
n/a
V, G, RP
V
$2,800$3,500
TF, M, PD, G
$TBD$
M, G, PD, V
$1,700
V, TF, G
$TBD$
M, G, PD, V
$1,700
V, TF, G
n/a
V, TF, G
$TBD$
n/a
$TBD$
M, G, PD, V
V, PD, RP
M, G, RP, TF, V
Year 2: 2013-2014
East Bennett Park:
$40,000
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Develop Natural Ampitheatre
Manly Bennett Park:
Establish East/West Crosswalk Improvements
Manly Bennett Park:
Relocate/Enhance 2 Permanent Music Stages
Manly Bennett Park:
Install New Lighting, Generally
East Bennett Park:
Replace 4-6 Baseball Bleachers
East Bennett Park:
Increase Height of Outfield Fencing
East Bennett Park:
Install Maintenance Vehicle Access Gates
East Bennett Park:
Expand and Reconfigure Existing Parking Lot
Near Baseball Field #1, Volleyball, and
Football to ~200 Cars
East Bennett Park:
Reconfigure Baseball and/or Softball Fields
East Bennett Park:
Install Flyers’ Runway Safety Screening
West Bennett Park:
Pave Existing Soccer Gravel Lot (280 Cars)
West Bennett Park:
Expand Existing Soccer Lot by 200 Cars
West Bennett Park:
Purchase Movable Soccer Goals
Lakelands Trail:
Develop Respite Areas Along Trail
Senior Community Center:
Create Community Garden
Lakelands Trail:
Develop interconnects
$TBD$
TF, M, G, PD
$TBD$
TF, M
$80,000
TF, M, G
$13,750
TF, G, M, RP
$18,000
TF, G, RP, M
$2,000
TF, G, M, RP
$38,000$98,000
TF, M, G
$TBD$
TF, M, G
$1,000
TF, M, RP, V
$98,000$115,000
$38,000$98,000
$7,500$9,000
TF, M, G
TF, M, G
TF, RP, M, G
$3,000
TF, M, PD, V, G
$TBD$
V, G, PD
TF, M, G
Year 3: 2014-2015
Manly Bennett Park:
Wi-Fi Access at Parks
Manly Bennett Park:
Screen or Replace Portable Restrooms
Manly Bennett Park:
Install Picnic Pavilions, Generally
East Bennett Park:
Replace 4-6 Bleachers
East Bennett Park:
Upgrade Concession Electrical Capacity
East Bennett Park:
Install New Lighting at an Additional Baseball
Field and Football Practice Areas
West Bennett Park:
Upgrade Bathroom Facility at Soccer Fields
West Bennett Park:
Purchase Movable Soccer Goals
$5,000
$3,200 per
toilet
$22,000$35,000
TF, M, G, RP
TF, M, G, RP, V
TF, M, G, V
$13,750
TF, G, M, RP
$4,000$6,000
TF, M, G
$70,000
TF, M, RP, G
$85,600$98,000
$7,500$9,000
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TF, M, RP, G
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5 – Action Plan
Lakelands Trail:
Install Picnic Pavilions at Lakelands Trailheads
$20,000 ea
TF, M, G, V
Year 4: 2015-2016
Manly Bennett Park:
ADA-Compliant 60’x60’ Universal Play Area
East Bennett Park:
Replace 4-6 Bleachers
East Bennett Park:
Replace Wooden Posts in Parking Lot
East Bennett Park:
Flyers’ ADA Accessibility Improvements
West Bennett Park:
Install New Lighting at Soccer Fields
West Bennett Park:
Purchase Movable Soccer Goals
$89,000$105,000
TF, M, G, RP, V
$13,750
TF, M, G, RP
$TBD$
TF, M, V
$TBD$
TF, M, G, RP
$100,000$150,000
$7,500$9,000
TF, M, G, RP
TF, M, G, RP
Long Range Items: 2016 and Beyond
Manly Bennett Park:
Construct Merrill Road E/W Under/Overpass
Manly Bennett Park:
Develop an All Ages Community Center
Manly Bennett Park:
Implement Community Center Transportation
Manly Bennett Park:
Unified Signage and Wayfinding System
Manly Bennett Park:
Bike Racks
Manly Bennett Park:
Develop Disc Golf Course
East Bennett Park:
Design and Construct East Midway
East Bennett Park:
Construct an Additional Sand Volleyball Court
East Bennett Park:
Irrigation at Flyers Area
East Bennett Park:
Install Picnic Pavilions at Flyers Area
East Bennett Park:
Install Electricity to All Baseball Field Backstops
East Bennett Park:
Create New Lot for T-Ball Fields – 90 Cars
East Bennett Park:
Construct a Storage Facility
East Bennett Park:
Provide Walking Trail for Park/Nature Area
East Bennett Park:
Install Surveillance Equipment
East Bennett Park:
Repair Clock Tower
East Bennett Park:
Install Public Art in Gardens
$240,000$310,000
TF, M, G
$TBD$
TF, M, G, RP, V
$TBD$
TF, M, G, RP, V
$28,000
TF, M, G, V
$800 ea
TF, M, RP, V
$65,000
TF, M, G, RP, V, PD
$65,000
TF, M, G
$TBD$
TF, M, G
$32,000
TF, M, G, RP
$24,000
TF, M, G, RP, V
$12,500 $15,000
$36,000$45,000
TF, M, RP, G
TF, M, G
$24,000
TF, M, G, RP
$TBD$
TF, M, G, V
$TBD$
TF, M, G, RP
$TBD$
TF, M, G, PD
$TBD$
TF, M, G, PD
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5 – Action Plan
East Bennett Park:
Upgrade Existing Garbage Cans
West Bennett Park:
Build a “Green Wall” for Soccer Drill Practice
West Bennett Park:
Convert Grass Soccer Field to Turf
West Bennett Park:
Sledding Hill Near Merrill Trailhead Parking
West Bennett Park:
Design and Construct West Midway
West Bennett Park:
Expand and Pave Existing Paths at Soccer Fields
West Bennett Park:
Upgrade Garbage Cans
West Bennett Park:
Construct Soccer Field Dumpster Enclosure
West Bennett Park:
Construct a Storage Facility
Lakelands Trail:
Install Work-Out Stations Along Trail
Lakelands Trail:
Unified Signage and Wayfinding System
Lakelands Trail:
Wayfinding Signage from Major Roads to Trail
Lakelands Trail:
Native Prairie Planting Area and Nature Trail
Lakelands Trail:
Upgrade Garbage Cans
Lakelands Trail:
Bike Racks
Bike Pump Track:
Enhance Existing Pump Track
Senior Community Center:
Storage Expansion
Senior Community Center:
Game Tables and Walkways
Senior Community Center:
Expand and Shade Shuffle Board
Senior Community Center:
Walking Trail from Center to Lakelands Trail
TBD:
Purchase/Operate Golf Course for Revenue
TBD:
Public Access to River & Lakes Livery/Portage
TF
V
Township Funds
Volunteers
RP
PD
$10,000
TF, M, G
$TBD$
TF, M, RP, G
$1,000,000$1,200,000
TF, M, RP, G
$100,000
TF, M, G
$12,000$18,000
TF, M, G
$TBD$
TF, M, G
$10,000
TF, M, G
$9,000$12,000
TF, M, G, RP, V
$24,000
TF, M, G, RP
$25,000
TF, M, G
$28,000
TF, M, G, V
$3,500$6,000
TF, M, G, V
$TBD$
TF, M, PD, G
$10,000
TF, M, G, PD
$800 ea
TF, M, G, PD
$TBD$
TF, M, G, PD
$TBD$
TF, M, G, RP
$3,000$5,000
$12,000$16,000
TF, M, PD, G, RP, V
TF, M, PD, G, RP, V
$18,000
TF, M, G
$TBD$
TF, M, G
$TBD$
TF, M
Recreation Providers
Private Donations
Hamburg Township Parks and Recreation Master Plan
Distribution DRAFT – October 2012
G
M
Grants
Millage
Page 5 | 12
5 – Action Plan
Below, Table 5.2 breaks down the Capital Improvement Plan by cost. For the purposes
of this cost breakdown, when a range of costs were provided for an estimate (for
example $22,000-$30,000), the high end of the range ($30,000) was used in the cost
breakdown in order to err on the conservative side and account for potential cost
overruns, inflation, and unforeseen project circumstances. Also, where costs were listed
per item, such as for portable restrooms, the cost for one item only was used in the cost
breakdown because the total item amount needed is not known at this time.
Table 5.2: Capital Improvement Plan Budget
Year
20122013
20132014
20142015
20152016
Long
Range
Manly
Bennett
Park
$31,500
East
Bennett
Park
$52,050
West
Bennett
Park
$9,000
Lakelands
Trail
TBD
$89,960
Senior
Community
Center
$0
$0
Total
Annual
Cost
$182,510
$81,200
$131,750
$222,000
$3,000
$0
$0
$437,950
$43,200
$79,750
$108,000
$16,000
$0
$0
$246,950
$105,000
$17,250
$159,000
$0
$0
$0
$281,250
$403,800
$223,000
$1,276,000
$69,800
$39,000
TBD
$2,011,600
Hamburg Township Parks and Recreation Master Plan
Distribution DRAFT – October 2012
Page 5 | 13
Staff Acknowledgements
McKENNA ASSOCIATES, INCORPORATED
Community Planning – Urban Design – Landscape Architecture
235 East Main Street, Suite 105
Northville, Michigan 48167
Telephone: 248-596-0920
Fax: 248-596-0930
Website: www.mcka.com
Phillip C. McKenna, AICP, PCP............................................................................... President
John Jackson, AICP, LEED GA..................................................................... Project Director
Amy Neary, AICP ....................................................................................... Project Manager
Adrianna Jordan, AICP ................................................................................. Project Planner
Stacey Tobar, RLA, ASLA, LEED-AP ............................................................Project Designer
Carrie Wakulat........................................................... Graphic Support and Cover Design
Kacy Smith ......................................................................................... Administrative Support
Hamburg Township Parks and Recreation Master Plan
Distribution DRAFT – October 2012