Time is running out for the public to offer input on Berrien County’s proposed Five Year Parks Plan.
Speaking to the Berrien County Board of Commissioners Thursday, Parks Director Jill Adams said her staff has been working on the plan since the spring, while the public has been able to view it and comment since the late summer.
One common thing Adams has heard from people is that they want more trails, so the plan includes continued support for the Berrien County Trails Master Plan. The Five Year Parks Plan also calls for work at Madeline Bertrand County Park.
“And those improvements include a new pavilion, as well as expanding our recreation out to the new property that’s just north,” Adams said. “We haven’t gotten out there yet, but with the demo of the dilapidated facilities out there, we can now safely get out onto that property and expand some of our recreation.”
That could include an expanded disc golf course.
Adams says the Five Year Parks Plan includes a separate master plan for Silver Beach County Park. It envisions completing the new playground, enhanced concessions and public safety facilities, better traffic flow and parking, and updated restrooms.
However, the Five Year Parks Plan isn’t all about facilities.
“This plan does include invasive species management programs, both using park staff as well as volunteers and outside agencies to do so. And although this is an important topic at all of our parks, the focus is at Love Creek and at Galien River County Park.”
Paw Paw River County Park isn’t left out. Adams says the Five Year Parks Plan calls for a paved parking lot and restroom facilities there. It also envisions a bridge to property north of the existing park with trails.
The deadline for the public to comment on the Five Year Parks Plan is November 18, and then she’ll submit it to the state by the end of the year. The county must have a regularly-updated parks plan in order to qualify for grants.
