Recreation Department

1999-2000 Annual Report

Mission Statement

To provide leisure opportunities that contribute to the social, physical, educational, cultural, and general well being of the community and its people.

The value of public recreation was never more apparent than the past year. Resident demand for programs, services and facilities dramatically increased from the previous year. This demand and increased participation can be partly attributed to the versatility of the Centennial Farm and improved recreational facilities at several school buildings.

The farm not only serves as the home for the Recreation Department, it has become a beneficial resource to over thirty community groups who utilized the recreation building and outdoor areas for their specific needs. The fact that over 6,000 people used the recreation building in a year’s time, demonstrates the enormous appeal the residents have for the farm.

As a result of expansion and improvements to school facilities, youth and adult enrichment programs and sports and fitness activities are more easily coordinated and scheduled. In the coming years, the department will continue to expand programs and services as a result of the improvements to the gyms, cafeterias, libraries and computer facilities.

The impact of school renovations on programming is easily demonstrated when comparing participation numbers from years 1998-99 and 1999-2000. While the schools were under major construction in 1998, a total of 111 children participated in summer camps. This past year when renovations neared completion, a total of 582 children were involved in 14 summer camps.

The department continues to play an active role in community wide special events. The recreation staff supported volunteer organizers in the planning and coordination of the Island Festival and Island Glow. These two events attracted thousands of people to Macomb Street and other island sites. The department also sponsored popular family events such as Breakfast with Santa, Hurray for Halloween, Fall Harvest Day, Daddy/Daughter Valentine Dance, Easter Egg Hunt and outdoor concerts. Family events will be expanded to include winter activities at the farm.

Youth and adult enrichment programs remained popular in several areas of interest. Dance continued to be the most popular youth program increasing from 260 to 310 registrations. Fitness and computer programs were huge favorites with adult residents.

Senior citizen participation remained high in the Morning Walk Program, Wednesday Morning Drop-In Coffee Hour and dinner theatre trips. The most popular of several special event parties was the St. Patrick’s event where over 65 seniors celebrated Irish music and fine food.

The van service continued to serve a vital community need. Service runs increased from 424 in 1998-99 to 568 during the past year. The van service is available to senior citizens, low-income residents, and disabled individuals who do not own a vehicle, or who are unable to drive due to medical reasons. The van is also used for the nutrition program for homebound seniors. The van driver delivered an average of 16 meals per day.

The department utilized the Internet to promote programs, recruit staff and as a research tool for projects that will benefit operations. The “Channels” program guide continued to be the primary method in advertising programs and services. The program guide is mailed to over 4,200 addresses three times a year. G.I. Cable Television was also used to promote the department and provide residents with information and updates. During the past year for the first time, residents were able to view Recreation Commission meetings on cable and enjoy taped replays of several Recreation Department activities.

In addition to the importance of providing quality programs and services,the staff and Recreation Commission maintained their steadfast commitment to planning and preparation for the future. During the month of January, the Recreation Commission invited residents to a public meeting where input was requested for the development of a Centennial Farm Master Plan. The Commission decided that an organized plan was needed based on strong community interest in preserving the farm’s agricultural setting, while still providing use for a variety of activities and services. The Recreation Commission determined that a plan allowing maximum public involvement with the aid of a professional planner provided experienced guidance and a systematic procedure to obtaining resident preferences in relationship to management methods and preservation practices for the farm.

The department was responsible for several improvements at the farm. With the support of a D.P.W. staff member and the 33rd District Court Alternative Work Force, all the fences on the farm were painted and repaired during the summer and early fall months. The department also did major work on the gravel parking areas behind the arena and next to the recreation building. The riding path was improved on the southwest end of the farm to allow for better accessibility for both pedestrian and equestrian traffic.

Based on stall occupancy and the number of riding lessons, the leased equestrian center continued to be a popular activity area of the farm. The current operators have notified the Commission they will not seek to renew their lease after the deadline of May 31, 2000. Currently the department is seeking a new operator by advertising nationally for “Requests for Proposals” to operate the center. The Commission and staff are confident an operator will be found who will be community oriented and supportive to horse boarders at the farm.

Individual volunteers dedicated their time and labor to creating beautiful entryway gardens at the farm. The Herb Society made great strides in the development of a Children’s Garden near the red barn. This garden area is both attractive to the surroundings, and educational to all who visit this special place.

As the Recreation Commission and staff prepare for the coming year, the main focus will again be to preserve and improve assets by developing successful programs and services that compliment and expand funding sources with quality customer services as the goal. The Recreation Millage of .5 mills expires December 2000.

2000-2001 Performance Objectives

1. To gain community support for a .5 Recreation Millage Renewal and an additional increase of .25 mills for staffing and program support to improve the quality of overall services to the public.
2. Update the Grosse Ile Recreation Department Master Plan.
3. Complete the Centennial Farm Master Plan.
4. Continue to work cooperatively with Middle School staff and administration in developing intramural / enrichment programs for students.
5. Secure new operator for Centennial Farm Equestrian Center.
6. To work cooperatively with new equestrian center operators to develop community oriented equestrian activities.
7. Complete Centennial Farm Play Area - Phase II (final phase).
8. Repair Centennial Barn silo.
9. Complete Phase I of Airport Recreation Area and submit grant application for Phase II.
10. Expand senior programs and services over 1999-2000 level.
11. Continue to provide staff members with educational opportunities that will provide for their personal use and professional growth.
12. Continue to provide administrative and clerical support to the Festival Commission to ensure events are successfully coordinated and beneficial to the community.
13. To work cooperatively with neighboring communities in expanding ice skating opportunities for residents.

1999-2000 Programs, Participation, and Usage

*Accurate Count Not Available

1999-2000 Annual Report

1999-2000 Annual Report

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