Recreation Department

2000-2001 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.

During the past twelve months, public recreation continued to thrive throughout the community. Resident participation remained strong in all areas including programs, services and during the planning process. The community’s commitment to “Quality of Life” issues was again demonstrated by the passage of a one-half mill for recreation in the month of August. This broad support marks the fourth consecutive time residents have approved a five-year tax funding the public recreation department.

The year began with the recreation staff and commission members working closely with the Township Manager and Supervisor to secure a new operator for the Centennial Farm Equestrian Center. This process involved the advertisement for proposals, interviews, community meetings and a stringent selection process. On September 29, 2000, the Township finalized an agreement with Findlay University to operate the equestrian center for a period of five years. The University of Findlay is located in Ohio and has a highly respected, nationally known equine program. The Recreation Commission and Township Board were impressed with Findlay’s proposal and with their sensitivity to a community-based program for all ages.

Beginning with a community wide workshop in early 2000, the commission and staff held several public meetings from April through September focusing on the development of a Centennial Farm Master Plan. The planning process was designed to generate citizen input, record ideas, consider community perceptions, facilitate communication among the many user groups and assist the department in the development of policies regarding the future of the farm. On September 11, 2000, the Township Board adopted the Centennial Farm Master Plan which continued the Task Force’s original commitment to preserving this valuable community asset in relationship to civic, cultural, historical, equestrian and recreational uses.

After completing the Centennial Farm document, the Recreation Commission turned their focus to updating the overall recreation master plan for the entire community. The last plan was adopted in 1996 and expired on December 31, 2000. The need to update the plan was discussed throughout the year with primary emphasis on creating a new plan taking place from October 2000 through February 2001. The Township Board supported the Recreation Commission’s funding request to contract the services of Wade-Trim Associates to assist the staff in developing a plan that would meet Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) standards. The process allowed for maximum public involvement in developing the plan elements including goals and objectives, program and facility inventories, basis for action and a five-year capital improvement schedule. The Commission held several public meetings during the process. Many of the planning meetings were televised and replayed on the local cable access channel. On February 19, 2001, the Township Board adopted the Grosse Ile Recreation Master Plan based on the recommendation of the Recreation Commission. The approved plan qualifies the community to submit grant applications to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) for funding considerations. The plan will be a valuable tool for years to come.

The department was extremely successful in completing several facility improvement projects during the year. At the farm, improvements included structural and insulation repairs to the apartment, lighting upgrades to the historic barn and arena, and the installation of equipment completing the play area. The other major improvements consisted of the development of two soccer fields at the Airport Recreation area and the installation of an asphalt pathway connecting key community recreation athletic fields at the schools. The pathway and play equipment would not have been possible without the support of the Township Board designating Community Development Block Grant funds (CDBG) for ADA projects. The soccer fields became reality as a result of the Grosse Ile Soccer Association’s generous donation of $28,000 matching a MDNR grant.

The focus on plan development and facility improvements did not impede the department’s role as a strong recreational programming and service-oriented team. Participation continued to be high in all age categories throughout the year. Pre school programs, family events, dance lessons, teen activities, drop in sports nights and senior services all experienced an increase in resident participation.

The new equestrian program offered by Findlay University was extremely popular with residents. Initial program enrollment was higher than expected when considering the early winter that remained in the region much longer than recent years. At year’s end, the equestrian boarding facility was full and registrations for lessons continued to increase, as the community became familiar with the available services.

In the service area, the department continued to provide the community van service for senior citizens, low-income residents, disabled and homebound individuals. Both the service runs and home delivered meals increased from the prior year. These vital services were partly funded by the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) and Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG).

As was the case in 1999-2000, the Centennial Farm recreation building was a beneficial resource to over thirty community groups. In addition to the approximate 4,868 community group users, another 3,053 people use the facility for private rentals. The 45 rentals generated needed income for the department.

Many groups came to the aid of the department by volunteering their time in support of programs and services. These groups included school organizations, the Herb Society, Garden Club, Lions Club, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, the VFW, Island Business Association, Dance Grosse Ile, Grosse Ile Soccer Association and the Grosse Ile churches.

Individual residents volunteered their time and support to the senior nutrition program, van services, special events, senior information programs and farm projects. Four residents even purchased and donated benches for public use at the farm. Without the generosity of many people, the department would not be able to maintain the high level of service the community has come to expect over the years.

The “Channels” program guide was mailed to residents three times during the year. The guide has been the primary method of informing residents of the department’s programs and services for the past fourteen years. In addition to the guide, the Internet was utilized to promote programs, update residents on planning projects, research information and recruit personnel. The department worked closely with G.I. Cable Television to broadcast Commission meetings, promote activities and provide informational updates.

Throughout the year, the department received continuous support from other Township departments. The team concept was evident when the need for support was required in providing safe, efficient service to the residents. This strong inter-departmental cooperation can be attributed to a dedicated management team and a skilled staff committed to public service.

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 the funding sources with quality customer service as the goal.

2001-2002 Performance Objectives

1. Repair Centennial Farm barn silo.
2. Install insulation and heating source in arena and adjoining stable building.
3. Develop interpretive trail in Centennial Farm Open Space.
4. Secure funding sources for and implement Phase 2 of Airport Recreation Area.
5. Remove barriers and install new ADA accessible playground equipment at the recreation area located behind East River Administrative Building.
6. Assist equestrian staff in marketing strategies to increase lesson and special event registrations on a local and regional basis.
7. Work collectively with Township departments and organizations to secure EPA property and develop the Gibraltar Bay Nature Center and Outlook.
8. Increase revenue through program expansion in all age groups.
9. Continue to provide staff members with educational opportunities that will provide for their personal and professional growth.
10. Continue to provide administrative and clerical support to the Festival Commission to ensure events are coordinated and beneficial to the community.
11. To work cooperatively with neighboring communities to expand programs and service opportunities.
12. Continue to work with school staff and administration to expand program opportunities for school age children.

2000-2001 Programs, Participation, and Usage

2000-2001 Annual Report

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