City of Morenci, Michigan 5-Year Parks + Recreation Plan Draft

MORENCI, MICHIGAN

5-YEAR PARKS + RECREATION PLAN

2023-2028

DRAFT

Stephenson Park

Credit: Lisa DuRussel

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

City Council

Sean Seger, Mayor

Kori Christle, Councilor

Kandice Speiser, Councilor

Jerome Bussell, Councilor

Jeff Lampson, Councilor

Diane Molitierno, Councilor

Dave Lonis, Councilor

City Adminstration

Brad Moran, City Administrator/Clerk

Heather Sarnac, Director of Community + Economic Development

Julie Lonis, City Treasurer/Utility Clerk

Ashley Ables, Deputy Clerk

Timothy Schisler, Public Works Team Leader

Donald Thompson, Police Chief

Bradley Lonis, Fire Chief

Chad Corbin, EMS Director

Planning Consultant + Project Support

Lisa DuRussel Landscape Architect, PLLC.

David Green

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter 1: Executive Summary

Key Findings

What The Plan Contains

Chapter 2: Goals + Objectives

Mission Statement

Goals + Objectives

Chapter 3: Action Program

Summary

Implementation Strategies

Chapter 4: Planning + Public Input Process

Planning Process

Recreation Survey + Trends

Chapter 5: Community Background

Physical Characteristics

Social + Economic Characteristics

Chapter 6: Recreation Inventory

Recreational Opportunities + Programs

Prior MDNR Grant Awards

Chapter 7: Planning Coordination

Lenawee County Parks and Recreation Plan

Chapter 8: Administrative Structure

City Officials + Staff

Volunteers

Appendices

Parks & Recreation Budget

Public Notices - To be Updated

Minutes of Public Hearing - To be Updated

Council Resolution - To be Updated

Letters of Transmittal - To be Updated

Public Input Summary

List of Figures

Figure 1 - Importance of maintaining existing parks and recreation facilities

Figure 2 - Importance of access to passive use facilities

Figure 3 - Top 15 activities that survey participants currently participate in

Figure 4 - Top 15 amenities that survey participants would like to see/see improved

Figure 5 - Overall level of satisfaction of each of Morenci’s Parks

Figure 6 - Overall openness to a special millage for Morenci Parks

Table 1 - Top Outdoor Recreation Activities - Year 2020

Table 2 - Top Outdoor Recreation Activities for Persons Under Age 18

Table 3 - Top Outdoor Recreation Activities in Michigan

Table 4 - Population

Table 5 - Age Distribution

Table 6 - Household Size

Table 7 - Employment and Income

CHAPTER ONE

Executive Summary

The 2023-2028 Parks and Recreation Plan represents the dedication that the City of Morenci and its public officials have to providing high quality parks and recreation opportunities to area residents. This document is intended to address the wants and needs of the residents while preserving the existing qualities of the City and is a road map for parks and recreation planning over the next five years.

Key Plan Findings

The City plays an important role in providing recreation opportunities for all ages. Public input for the plan indicated an increased desire for amenities such as walking paths, restrooms and play areas. Shifting demographics show that parks and recreation features geared toward both a younger and older population are desired. For 78.8% of survey participants, maintaining existing parks and equipment is of primary importance.

A complete summary of community needs, survey data, and meeting responses can be found in Chapter 4 “Planning + Public Input Process.”

Morenci Little League in Action

Credit: Ashley Joughin

What the Plan Contains

This plan follows the format suggested within the document titled “Guidelines for the Development of Community Parks and Recreation Plans” (IC 1924, revised 4/26/21) published by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR). This document is an update of a similar five-year plan prepared in 2018 that was formally adopted for the time period between 2018 and 2022. In order to serve as a useful planning tool, this document aligns with the requirements provided by MDNR and is organized as follows:

Executive Summary: A description of the processes used to prepare the plan.

Goals and Objectives: Identification of a broad set of values which drive recreation development in the City.

Action Program: Steps and strategies for implementing the plan.

Planning + Public Input Process: Presents the input from local officials and area residents which help to form the plan’s goals and objectives.

Community Background + Description: Information on the physical, social and economic characteristics of the community.

Recreation Inventory: Describes the existing park and recreation facilities in the community.

Planning Coordination: An assessment of related planning documents from the City, County and Region.

Administrative Structure: Information on logistics such as staffing, funding and budgets.

Appendices: Supporting documents, such as survey results, resolutions and notices that document the plan’s adoption.

CHAPTER TWO Goals + Objectives

The goals and objectives of this plan encompass the needs expressed from the public, City officials, and staff (as determined by a comprehensive survey), as well as respond to the expertly-observed deficiencies in the recreation resources. They also consider the community’s demographics, growth, forecasted development and the area’s physical resources and recreation trends.

As part of this planning process, the parks and recreation goals established in the 20182022 5-year Parks and Recreation Plan were reviewed and updated to reflect current conditions and circumstances. Some goals established in the previous Plan have been met, or will be met in the coming years. The goals, objectives and actions presented below are considered reasonable to be accomplished within the next five years. Other projects may arise during the life of this plan update that may meet the mission and intentions of the parks and recreation plan. The City and City Council reserve the right to secure additional opportunities without amendment to this plan.

Mission

The overall mission for Morenci’s Parks and Recreation Plan for 2023-2028 is to provide safe, functional, clean, well-maintained and aesthetically pleasing outdoor parks and recreation opportunities for persons of all ages and all abilities. The primary focus of efforts over the next five years shall be on continued maintenance, care and improvement of existing parks and expanding park connections. The secondary focus shall be on the development of collaborative partnerships and the effective securement and administration of parks and parks funding.

This mission will be addressed through the following goals and objectives:

Bridge Walk

Credit: Morenci Area Chamber of Commerce

Goal #1 MAINTAIN EXISTING PARKS

The continued maintenance and update of park facilities is important to the quality of parks and recreation in Morenci. Recreation facilities must be safe, functional, and well-maintained and give the perception that the park is cared for. This includes upgrading aging facilities, removing barriers to accessibility, improving the appearance of the parks through appropriate landscaping and maintenance to secure their continued and active use, as well as encouraging additional use by the residents of and the visitors to the City.

Objective 1: Maintain and enhance the perception of the parks and recreation area as being properly maintained, clean, and safe.

Proposed actions include: Establish a reporting system for parks and recreation issues within the City. Consider the development of an anonymous call line to report maintenance issues.

Designate a DPW employee to monitor the park system and to help establish priorities and maintenance ownership.

Continue to dedicate annual funding for maintenance of the parks and recreation facilities based upon assessment by staff of identified issues over the preceding year;

Continue to support activities, such as the Town and Country Festival or other celebrations incorporating park space to encourage the active use of the park by a broad cross-section of the population.

During the ‘Annual City Goals Session’, visit the parks system to review conditions, needs and address and prioritize maintenance and improvements.

Objective 2: Establish a Parks + Recreation Advisory Committee to assist the City in maintaining, monitoring and keeping the appearance of parks and other recreational facilities.

Proposed actions include: Restructure the current “Parks Committee” to provide more support in an advisory capacity.

Consider creating a “friends of the parks” group for Riverside Natural Area by advertising, promoting and providing other types of support to encourage participation from the public.

Objective 3: Repair on-going maintenance issues and identify problem areas that inhibit the full use and functioning of the park.

Proposed actions include:

Maintain safety surfaces under play structures to regulated depth and fall zones;

Replace/add park furnishings such as benches, trash receptacles, and other items as needed;

Refurbish/replace park signs as needed;

Maintain buildings, structures, and picnic shelters in good condition with roof repair, exterior painting, and other needs;

Remove dead trees and replace them with tree/ shrub plantings. Prune trees yearly for safety purposes;

Monitor, maintain and repair electrical service and fixtures as needed.

Goal #2 IMPROVE AND ENHANCE EXISTING PARKS

Continue to enhance and improve existing parks and recreation facilities to ensure that activities are appropriate to the community’s needs and desires, ensure facilities are modernized to accommodate changing needs and desires, and that recreation areas are connected to a greater system of activities for use by all.

Objective 1: Improve and enhance facilities and amenities at Wakefield Park.

Proposed actions include:

Update restroom facilities for enhanced usability and ADA accessibility;

Repair and upgrade tennis courts;

Repair and upgrade ball fields, including fences, seating areas and lighting systems;

Improve the surface below playground equipment to enhance safety;

Upgrade all parking areas and drive lanes to asphalt surfacing with clearly marked drive aisles and parking stalls. Reconfigure parking to meet parking demand for large events;

Install walking paths to connect park facilities and amenities.

Objective 2: Improve and enhance facilities and amenities at Stephenson Park.

Proposed actions include: Install walking paths to connect park facilities, including curb cuts for accessibility at crosswalks;

Upgrade play equipment for enhanced usability and ADA accessibility; Repurpose and upgrade concrete pads for active recreation, such as basketball and pickleball courts;

Upgrade ballfields to include a graded infield with suitable surface material and related improvements, including dugouts;

Upgrade parking areas with clearly marked parking stalls;

Install pedestrian scale lighting to improve safety.

Objective 3: Improve and enhance facilities and amenities at Riverside Natural Area.

Proposed actions include:

•

Clean brush from understory to encourage new growth, remove fallen logs from pathways, remove hazardous trees, and plant new vegetation where necessary;

Remove invasive species where possible; Stabilize creek edge with planting, or other built interventions (walls, geogrids, etc.);

Develop a legible hierarchy of pathways, including vehicular and pedestrian;

Consider facilitating additional programmatic opportunities (naturalist led hikes, etc) to further activate the space.

Goal #3 EXPAND RECREATION OFFERINGS AND OPPORTUNITIES

As opportunities present themselves, consider enhancement of recreation facilities through park expansions and enhancements, trail construction, or other forms of recreation development. Procure, improve and/or implement opportunities for recreational activities and facilities that cannot be accommodated by existing facilities or where new facilities can be used to enhance the use of existing facilities.

Objective 1: Create water access and/ or a platform along Bean Creek on property owned by the City to provide opportunities for fishing, kayaking, swimming, and wildlife viewing access.

Proposed Actions Include: Conduct appropriate land surveys to establish boundaries of the areas that may accommodate water access;

Develop a preliminary site plan. Hold public meetings and invite those located in the surrounding areas to comment on the proposed use;

Seek funding for development through appropriate sources, and develop once acquired.

Objective 2: Create an outdoor water feature at Wakefield Park.

Proposed Actions Include: Study incorporating a water feature into the parks system. Such a feature could range from a pool to a less costly splash pad;

Conduct appropriate land surveys to establish boundaries of the areas that may accommodate water access;

Develop a preliminary site plan. Hold public meetings and invite those located in the surrounding areas to comment on the proposed use;

Seek funding for development through appropriate sources, and develop once acquired.

Goal #4

EXPAND LINKAGES WITHIN AND BETWEEN CITY PARKS AND INTO THE GREATER REGION

The establishment of a network of non-motorized linkages (bike, walkways, trails, etc.) to form a continuous system tying parks, schools, neighborhoods, businesses, and community facilities is a continued priority for Morenci.

Objective 1: Formally plan for and build non-motorized connections throughout the city that not only connect parks, but also create formal connections between major community facilities and key destinations.

Proposed Actions Include:

Complete a detailed study to identify priority linkages and important connections between community facilities and destinations;

Develop a complete non-motorized transportation plan that includes both pedestrian/bike pathways and bike lanes in the road right-of-way.

Objective 2: Connect Wakefield Park and Riverside Natural Area via a greenway/trail system along the west side of Bean Creek.

Proposed actions include: Determine future land acquisition or easement needs to establish a continuous greenway/trail system to provide public access to Bean Creek, contact with nature, and opportunities for physical activity;

Include “points of interest” along the pathways such as picnic tables, interpretive signage, mileage markers, benches, drinking fountains, etc; Install a bridge to physically connect the two parks over Bean Creek;

Establish a plan to protect and enhance creekside habitat and biodiversity along the length of the proposed trail system; Promote and develop a Bean Creek Greenway Initiative in coordination with Lenawee County Parks.

Goal #5 STRATEGIZE OPTIONS FOR CONTINUED PARK FUNDING + ADMINISTRATION

A quality parks system is dependent on available funds. Park improvements have primarily been funded through grants, and operations have been funded through the City’s general fund . A means of generating revenues through grants, millage, and other means must continue to be a priority to provide for park capital improvement projects.

Objective 1: Provide for effective park administration and funding.

Proposed actions include: Continue to pursue state, federal, and other grants for park improvements;

Consider seeking a dedicated Parks & Recreation millage to allow continued development and maintenance of area parks, trails, and other recreation amenities.

Build funding for priorities and improvements from the 5-year Parks Plan into yearly budget and into Annual City Goals Session process.

Main Street Morenci, Michigan

Credit: City of Morenci

CHAPTER THREE Action Program

Summary

The action program details the manner in which the goals and objectives will be met. It includes a list of specific improvement projects as well as strategies for implementation.

The table below lists each individual project and its specific tasks to be accomplished at Morenci’s parks. The table includes an order of magnitude cost, potential funding sources, and a general time frame for implementation. It should be noted that the action plan is aspirational; it is unlikely that funding will be available to complete all of these projects within the next five years. They should, however, be implemented as funding and/or resources are available, and considered in future plans of this nature.

Short-term (S) projects are recommended for completion within one to two years, while long-term (L) projects may take longer to be completed, five years or beyond. Mid-term (M) falls between the two other categories. Ongoing (OG) items are activities that do not necessarily apply to a particular project but instead could and should be adopted as a standard daily practice.

Credit: Getty Images

Goal #1

MAINTAIN EXISTING PARKS

Goal #2

IMPROVE AND ENHANCE EXISTING PARKS

Goal #3

EXPAND RECREATION OFFERINGS AND OPPORTUNITIES

Morenci Town and Country Festival

Credit: City of Morenci

Goal #4

EXPAND LINKAGES WITHIN AND BETWEEN CITY PARKS AND INTO THE GREATER REGION

Goal #5

STRATEGIZE OPTIONS FOR CONTINUED PARK FUNDING + ADMINISTRATION

Implementation Strategies

In order to accomplish the recommended actions during the next five years, it will be necessary to secure adequate funding. Exploring the following source is recommended.

Apply For State Funding - or Federal Funding, Administered by the State Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP)

TAP is a competitive grant program that funds projects such as non-motorized paths, streetscapes, and historic preservation of transportation facilities that enhance Michigan’s intermodal transportation system and provide safe alternative transportation options. These investments support place-based economic development by offering transportation choices, promoting walkability and improving the quality of life. The program uses federal transportation funds designed by Congress for these types of activities. TAP grant funding requires matching funds of at least 20 percent of the eligible project cost, or a higher percent to be considered more competitive.

https://www.michigan.gov/mdot/programs/ grant-programs/transportation-alternatives

https://www.michigan.gov/mdot/-/media/ Project/Websites/MDOT/Programs/GrantPrograms/TAP/TAP-Applicant-Guide

The Rural Task Force Program

MDOT awards federal money to rural counties for road and transit improvements. Under the Rural Task Force umbrella, Surface Transportation Program (STP) Rural will fund winning proposals relevant to federal aid; and Transportation Economic Development Fund (TEDF) Category D will fund winning proposals to improve all-season transportation network improvements. These opportunities are only available to municipalities with populations

under 5,000 within a county whose population is below 400,000.

https://www.michigan.gov/mdot/programs/ grant-programs/rural

The Safe Routes to School Program

A national movement to make it safe, convenient, and fun for children to bicycle and walk to school. When routes are safe, walking or biking to and from school is an easy way to get the regular physical activity children need for a healthy lifestyle. In Michigan, the program is sponsored by the Michigan Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and has gained momentum over the past few years. With the passage of the federal transportation legislation in 2005, Michigan’s Safe Routes to School program made schools eligible for transportation enhancement funds, providing for infrastructure improvements and education campaigns. The program provides mini grants for programming and major grants to help communities build sidewalks, crosswalks, and other infrastructure. Up to $300,000 per school is available for infrastructure projects, and up to $15,000 to create programming around the project. Communities must undergo an indepth planning process prior to submitting an application. For Major Grants, there are typically three deadlines per year with the recommendation that applicants get in touch with Grant Coordinators roughly 3 months before each due date.. The Mini Grants deadline is usually in early March. SR2S funding is 100 percent federal; no match is required.

https://saferoutesmichigan.org/

https://saferoutesmichigan.org/wp-content/ uploads/2016/06/module-1.pdf

The US Forest Service’s Urban & Community Forestry Inflation Reduction Act Grants

Provide a minimum of $100,000 for a five year period with a due date of June 1st (for 2023). Eligible projects must be matched 100% — but match waivers are also permitted if the grant would fund the entirety of the project. Eligible projects will enhance environmental and socio-economic impacts, and equitable access to the urban canopy cover in disadvantaged communities; expand community engagement; and foster community and ecological resilience to threats such as pest, disease, climate change, and storms. The grant targets state and local governments and nonprofits.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/ urban-forests

The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund

The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) continues to be the primary funding source for parkland acquisition and development. The MNRTF provides funding for the purchase and development of parkland for natural resource based preservation and recreation. Goals of the program are to protect natural resources while providing sensible access, public use and enjoyment; and meet regional, county and community needs for outdoor recreation opportunities, among others. Grant proposals must include a local match of at least 25 percent of the total project cost. There is no minimum or maximum for acquisition projects. For development projects, the minimum funding request is $15,000 and the maximum is $300,000. Applications are due in April and August for acquisition projects and April (only) for development projects.

Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)

A federal appropriation to the National Park Service, that distributes funds to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment for development of outdoor recreation facilities. The focus of the program has been on trailway systems and other community recreation needs such as playgrounds, picnic areas, skate parks, ball fields, soccer fields and walking paths. Minimum grant requests are $30,000 and maximum grant requests are $500,000. The match percentage must be 50 percent of the total project cost. Applications are accepted throughout the year, but must be submitted by April 1 to be considered for the following year’s grant funds.

https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/buy-andapply/grants/rec/lwcf

The Michigan Recreation Passport Grant Program

This grant program offers funding for the capital improvement plans and the development of public recreation facilities for local units of government. The primary focus is on improving and renovating existing parks. Minimum grant requests are $7,500 and maximum requests are $150,000. The local match obligation is 25 percent of the total project cost. The application deadline is April 1st, with a November grant award announcement. Duration of the grant usually runs three years.

https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/buy-andapply/grants/rec/rec-pp#:~:text=The%20 objective%20for%20the%20 program,the%20renovation%20of%20 old%20facilities.

https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/buy-andapply/grants/rec/mnrtf

The MDNR Michigan Spark Grant

A grant program released in 2022 and administered by the MDNR is a $65 million dollar grant program derived from coronavirus state and local fiscal recovery funds, and made available through Public Act 53 of 2022. The program is intended to help communities create, renovate, or redevelop public outdoor opportunities for residents and visitors. Eligible applicants must be local units of government or public authorities legally designated to provide public recreation, or regional or statewide organizations of such entities working together. Individual grant amounts range from $100,000 to $1 million, and will be distributed in three rounds. All projects must be completed by 2026. As of the writing of this plan, the City of Morenci has received a MDNR Spark Grant for the revitalization of Stephenson Park.

https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/buy-andapply/grants/rec/sparkgrants

Community Forestry Grants

A grant program to provide information and technical assistance to municipal governments, schools, nonprofit organizations, and volunteer groups for urban and community forest activities such as tree inventories, management plans, planting and other maintenance activities. Criteria: Projects that develop or enhance urban and community forestry resources in Michigan. Project categories are: Management and Planning, Education and Training, Library Resources and Tree Planting. Applications are announced each summer (June-July), submitted to the Forest Resources Division by late September, and then reviewed by Division staff. Grant requests may be $1000 to $25,000, depending on the project type. Contact Forest Resources Division/Kevin Sayers (517-284-5898) sayersk@michigan.gov

Apply for Local, Nonprofit and/ or Corporate Funding

Lenawee Community Foundation provides grant support to Lenawee county nonprofits. Organizations must be not-for-profit and provide benefit in the areas of civic, cultural, health, education, or social services. Applicant organizations seeking or receiving boarddesignated grants exceeding $2,000 in any calendar year must submit an Intent to Apply and complete a precertification process thirty days prior to the due date of any grant for which the nonprofit would like to apply. Area “community grants” are due August 1, with a notification date of Oct 30.

http://lenaweecommunityfoundation.com/ grant-guidelines/

PeopleForBikes funds bicycle infrastructure projects, such as bike paths, lanes, trails, bridges, racks/parking, repair stations and storage for road bikes. PeopleForBikes funds these improvements for mountain biking as well, along with parks and pump tracks. The organization approves grants for up to $10,000 to cover materials, labor and equipment rental and reasonable volunteer or staff costs. There is no match requirement, but funding partnerships will strengthen application. The organization will not consider applications in which PeopleForBikes would amount to 50% or more of the project budget. The submission deadline is in the fall.

https://www.peopleforbikes.org/grantguidelines

DTE Energy Foundation announces its Tree Planting Grants in June for up to $4,000. Applications are due in August, winners are notified in October, and projects must be completed by the following September. They fund public tree installation at parks, along

streets or in rights-of-way, nature areas, schoolyards, and neighborhood revitalization projects.

https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/buy-andapply/grants/forestry/dte

The Rotary Club, an international community service organization offers District grants for a wide range of community-level activities and enhancements. Local chapters must become qualified through a questionnaire and related documents, and a grant management seminar. Funds available for District grants are up to 50% of the District Designated Fund (DDF; a sum of the yearly budget for each local chapter that is impacted by total donations).

https://www.rotary.org/myrotary/en/takeaction/apply-grants

Kaboom Grants support the community construction of play spaces.

https://kaboom.org/grants

The Grantsmanship Center centralizes grant opportunities, with pages for funding sources that are particular to Michigan.

https://www.tgci.com/funding-sources/ michigan

The Public Spaces, Community Places Initiative is a Michigan Economic Development Corporation initiative to match donations up to $50,000 for projects in which communities and nonprofits achieve their funding goals on Patronicity for revitalization or activation of public space. Through Patronicity, communities and nonprofits collect donations for such projects.

Apply for/Collect other Funding

The City should continue to search for additional sources of funding. Seeking donations, attracting sponsors, holding fundraising events and seeking out other revenue sources are methods that should be pursued aggressively to raise funding for park acquisition and development.

In 2015, Consumers Energy began funding tree planting initiatives for sustainable urban forests across the state. They continue to fund community improvement projects up to $50,000. Projects would fall into the “planet” category and thus must preserve or restore land, freshwater, and/or air quality in the state.

https://www.consumersenergy.com/ community/foundation/grant-seekers.

There are also a variety of smaller grant programs available for the establishment of greenways/ pathways or greenway-related facilities such as Bikes Belong Coalition. The Bikes Belong Coalition is sponsored by members of the American Bicycle Industry. Their mission is to put more people on bikes more often. The program funds projects in three categories: Facility, Education and Capacity Building. Requests for funding can be up to $10,000 for projects such as bike paths, trails, lanes, parking, and safe routes to school. Applications are reviewed on a quarterly basis.

https://www.miplace.org/programs/publicspaces-community-places/

Access to Recreation is a grant program available for universal access of people of all abilities to a wide variety of recreation opportunities, such as nature viewing and photography areas, hiking trails, scenic outlooks, waterfalls and water activities of all kinds, beaches, fishing and boating, playgrounds, picnic areas, campgrounds, and much more. There are two primary grant programs under this source of funding:

Recreation Access Matching Grant provides up

to 50 percent matching funds (up to $10,000) for the purchase of universally accessible recreation equipment and materials such as all terrain hiking wheelchairs, pool lifts, accessible playground surface, transfer systems, beach access mats, trail surface enhancements, and accessible picnic tables that enhance recreation participation by people with disabilities; and Accessible by Design Awards is designed to stimulate the development of creative universally designed recreation experiences that invite, welcome, and support the inclusion of people of all abilities. Winning designs demonstrate how going above and beyond the minimum requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act can create greater access and usability for people of all abilities in the community. Winning designs are awarded cash prizes to build the projects up to $250,000 with 25 percent minimum match.

Public-Private

or Public-Public Partnerships

may be pursued to accommodate specialized large-scale recreation demands. Crowd funding on-line has been a growing source to reach individuals as well. Several examples are provided below:

http://homedepotfoundation.org/page/ grants

http://www.tgci.com/funding-sources/ michigan

http://www.crowdfundingmi.com/1-2/

The Michigan Municipal League has launched a website, www.crowdfundingmi.com, which will provide extensive background information, how to get started, as well as highlight successful funding projects and serve as a clearing house for Michigan Investment crowdfunding projects as they develop. The website will also act as a portal to “Fundrise’’ and Localstake, two existing leading crowdfunding platforms.

Although they both serve as web portals for crowdfunding investment, “Fundrise’’ lets you invest directly in local real estate. It will connect investors directly to individual properties online. Localstake helps connect businesses looking for capital with local investors.

Increase Support for Parks

A Special Millage – A property tax millage can be used to finance specific park and recreation projects such as park land improvements and facility upgrades. A millage is an effective method to divide costs over time amongst all the taxpayers in the community to provide matching grant funds or finance projects outright. A millage allows more flexibility in how the money is utilized than a bond.

Children Playing at Wakefield Park Credit: Teri Lee

CHAPTER FOUR Planning + Public Input Process

The Planning Process

An essential task in the recreation planning process is to determine the needs of the community, which inform parks and recreation action planning and improvement. Needs provide the rationale for goals and objectives and identify areas for capital improvements. To assess needs, current recreation trends were considered, and shaped the questions in the online survey. This survey was conducted through Google Forms and a Community Open House held to receive and record opinions from residents. The survey responses and feedback were an essential component in crafting a strategic solution to address the parks and recreation needs of Morenci residents.

The City of Morenci encourages resident participation in all forms of community planning and views community planning as a process. This plan is an update to a similar document that was formally adopted for the time period between 2018 and 2022. In that document, resident surveys yield recurring themes: upgrades to existing facilities, trails, access to Bean Creek and the need for water features. That document also relays that Wakefield Park is the most highly utilized park. Across all planning documents, it is clear that parks and parks maintenance rank highly among community members, including the City of Morenci’s Master Land Use Plan, prepared and adopted in June 2016, and amended in March 2017. Resident survey results for this past effort demonstrate that “parks” were highly favored among all community development services Similarly, community priorities described in the 2016-2017 Master Plan indicate the need for improvements to municipal parks.

Recreation Survey

Community Open for Parks and Recreation Planning

Credit: Lisa DuRussel

Building on past planning efforts and citizen engagement, a new survey aimed specifically at parks and recreation issues was conducted in early 2023. The survey itself explained that the City of Morenci was updating its Five Year Park and Recreation Plan and as part of this process was assessing community conditions and needs. In doing so, as also explained, the survey responses could identify potential projects which can become the subject of future grant applications. Residents were asked for opinions on specific questions and were also given an opportunity to share any thoughts through open-ended questions.

The survey was offered online and via print. A link to the survey was shared electronically in the City of Morenci’s monthly newsletter, on its social media, and a QR code linked to the survey included within resident utility bills. Paper copies were available at City Hall, as well as at a Community Open House held at Stair District Library. The Open House was a freeform event, during which residents were invited to write their thoughts, concerns or ideas for each park on post-it notes to attach to an aerial photo of each respective park. Whiteboards invited open ended feedback. The survey was open from March 1st, through April 20th and received 90 unique responses, 78% of which came from City residents. A complete list of tabulated responses is provided in the Appendix. The survey results elucidate respondents’ top

Community Open for Parks and Recreation Planning

Credit: Heather Sarnac, Lisa DuRussel

FIGURE 1: Importance of maintaining existing parks and recreation facilities

FIGURE 2: Importance of access to passive use facilities (playgrounds, picnic shelters, walking paths, etc.)

FIGURE 3: Top 15 activities that survey participants currently participate in (including other parks/recreation facilities)

FIGURE 4: Top 15 amenities that survey participants would like to see more of or improved in Morenci’s Parks in the next five years.

priority as maintaining existing parks and facilities (78.9%). Many residents agreed on high level recreation needs: passive recreation (76.1%), access to paths and trails (61.4%) and protecting natural resources (60.2%) were ranked as “very important” to the community. There was less interest in acquiring or developing new parks. The majority of respondents felt that Morenci had “about the right number of parks” (80.7%), with Wakefield Park being the most visited (95.5%), followed by Stephenson Park (44.9%) and Riverside Natural Area (33.7%).

Popular recreation activities include walking and trail sports (80.7%), followed by picnicking (67%), water activities (65.9%), outdoor park activities (64.8%) and farmer’s markets (61.4%). Access to paths and trails was rated as very important by 80.7% of respondents. Openended responses convey a desire for navigable paths within parks, and along Bean Creek, indicating interest in connections to facilities across the area. Looking ahead to the next five years, the most requested amenity was multi-

use walking/biking paths (77.3%). Other popular items include bathrooms (60.2%), picnic areas and pavilions (59.1%) and a splash pad (54.5%), which correlates with the demographic data showing more young families.

Recreation programs also scored high among survey participants, with 81.8% of responses noting that they participate in the various recreation programs offered in Morenci. Over half of respondents indicate that special events and festivals are “very important” with many references to the Town and Country Festival. Youth sports and fitness also ranked highly, with many references to the Little League program. Less important recreation programming included skills workshops and nature education. Maintaining the existing park system was frequently mentioned in the open ended questions with various responses noting desired improvements to parking and accessibility, upgraded equipment and better maintenance of park grounds.

FIGURE 5:

Overall level of satisfaction of each of Morenci’s Parks: Wakefield, Stephenson and Riverside Natural Area

Survey participants indicated an 81.8% willingness to support ongoing recreation facility maintenance and development through a millage, leaving only 18.2% of residents in opposition to any form of millage. As Morenci’s parks system continues to improve, a millage would secure financing for both maintenance of existing facilities and development of new recreation projects.

Recreation Trends

Recreation trends on a national and regional level provide insights into activities that show the greatest growth in popularity and may affect the future direction of parks and recreation. The National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA) regularly measures participation in recreational activities. In their 2020 report, trends show an increase in individual sports, fitness activities and indoor sports. Outdoor, team and open

water sports continue to grow in popularity, while shooting sports, personal contact sports and wheel sports have seen a decline in participation. Top outdoor activities include exercise walking, hiking, swimming, running/ jogging, and bicycle riding, shown in table 1.

These recreation trends are consistent with

TABLE 1: Top Outdoor Recreation Activities - Year 2020

FIGURE 6: Openness to a special milage for Morenci Parks

those observed in Michigan. According to a survey of Michigan residents conducted as part of the 2023-2027 Michigan Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP), walking outdoors was the top activity ranked by survey participants. In this study, going for a walk was identified as the most important recreation activity (on local unpaved trails or paths was identified as the most important outdoor activity by 62% of users statewide and going for a walk on local streets or sidewalks was identified as the most important outdoor activity by 80% of users statewide.) Additionally, the Aspen Institute’s Project Play State of Play 2021 reports a sharp and continuing decline in youth sports participation, and a steady decline in physical activity by youth. On the flipside, pickleball has been named the fastest growing sport in America by the Economist, with over 4 million people playing annually.

TABLE 3: Top Outdoor Recreation Activities in Michigan

TABLE 2: Top Outdoor Recreation Activities for Persons Under Age 18

Public Review and Public Hearing

A draft plan was reviewed by City officials for public review and comment. The plan was then made available for public review beginning on XXX through to the public hearings. Hard copies of the plan were made available on a limited basis at City offices and Stair District Library. The plan was also available online on the City website. The plan’s availability for public review was advertised via the monthly Morenci newsletter, social media, on community websites. Public input into the plan culminated in an advertised public hearing and subsequent adoption by City Council on XXX.

Historic truss bridge over Silver Creek

Credit: City of Morenci Facebook Page

CHAPTER FIVE

Community Background

Physical Characteristics

This section describes the physical characteristics of Morenci. This information helps to provide context to the natural features of the area.

Location

The City of Morenci is located in Seneca Township, within southern Lenawee County. Lenawee County is in southern Michigan and is bordered by Jackson County and Washtenaw County to the north, Monroe County to the east, the state of Ohio to the South, and Hillsdale County to the west. Morenci is 12 miles southwest of Adrian, 20 miles southeast of Hillsdale and lies on the Michigan/Ohio border adjacent to Ohio’s Fulton County.

Climate

Morenci, like all of Michigan (and the Midwest), experiences seasonal weather changes. This means the area can support a variety of activities from swimming in the summer to skiing in the winter. Generally, January is the coldest month and has the highest snowfall in Lenawee County. July is generally the warmest month in the County. It generally snows as early as October and as late as May. May generally has the most precipitation and January usually has the least precipitation.

Land Use

Morenci and the surrounding townships have a traditional pattern of land use development for a small rural community where agriculture is the primary land use in the surrounding townships with some forested areas. Residential development, industry, commercial uses and public uses such as schools, churches, the library and the City Offices are concentrated within the city limits.

Topography

The area lies in the southwestern portion of Lenawee County’s upland. Topography is generally flat and slopes in areas around Morenci are not a common obstacle for most types of development activity. The highest elevation recorded by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) is 764 feet.

Watersheds and Surface Water

The recreation plan area includes two (2) major watersheds: River Raisin and Maumee. Major lakes in the area include Demings, Durfee, Fisher, Rice and Lake Hudson. First order streams include Bean, Black, Lime, Mansfield, and Silver Creeks. Bean Creek is the main artery of the Maumee Watershed that extends into Morenci. Bean Creek is the center of two major recreational places within Morenci – Riverside Natural Area and Wakefield Park – that makes up the natural features of both of those recreational places.

Wildlife

Wildlife in the area is typical of Lower Michigan. Wildlife includes deer, raccoon, opossum, rabbit, muskrat, beaver, squirrel, rodents and other small mammals. The area is also home to a variety of birds including owls, wild turkeys, pheasants, and many others. 92 species of birds have been reported at Riverside, 86 at the adjacent cemetery and 162 at nearby sewage ponds. Migratory birds including ducks and Canada Geese reside here seasonally.

Vegetation

When settlers first came to the area that is now Lenawee County, they found dense forests. The trees were predominantly hardwoods of various kinds. Red, white and black oaks, sugar maple and beech were the principal species on the well-drained rolling and undulating soils. Oak and hickory were dominant on the well to excessively-well drained, sandy and gravelly soils. The imperfectly drained soils had a growth of sugar maple, beech and elm, and some walnut, hickory and oak.

Transportation

The City of Morenci is well-served by transportation routes. M-156 passes through the City in a north-south orientation. Estimated traffic volumes on M-156 are about 1,700 vehicles

per day. Morenci Road runs east- west through the City and connects to Hillsdale County and places in Ohio. About eight miles south of Morenci, the Ohio Turnpike provides direct east-west linkages to Toledo, Ohio and Chicago, Illinois.

Non-motorized transportation is also important. In recent years, greater efforts have enabled the completion of non-motorized connections near school facilities and upgraded sidewalks in downtown Morenci where pedestrian movement is highest.

Other Relevant Public Facilities

Morenci is served by common public facilities found in most Michigan municipalities. A brief summary is provided below:

• Schools: The Morenci Area School District serves the City of Morenci and surrounding townships. The district has one elementary school, one middle school, and one high school. These facilities are all located on the east side of town, along Coomer Road.

• Health care facilities: The nearest health care facility is Fulton County Health Center in Wauseon, Ohio. Other larger regional medical facilities are found within about an hour away in Adrian, Hillsdale, Toledo and Ann Arbor.

• Police, Fire and EMS: Morenci has a police force with full and part time staff. The Morenci Fire Department serves the City and some surrounding townships. The fire station is located at the corner of E. Main Street and Baker Street and the EMS station is located at Sims Highway and West Coomer Street.

• Water and Wastewater Treatment: Morenci provides both drinking water and wastewater treatment for residents. Wastewater is collected

in a sewer system and treatment includes lagoons which discharge into Bean Creek on the north side of town.

• Utilities: Consumers Energy and Midwest Energy Cooperative provide electric service to the City. Gas service in Morenci is provided by Michigan Gas Utilities.

Social + Economic Characteristics

This section describes the population and economic characteristics of Morenci, adjacent Townships, and the State of Michigan as a whole. This information about adjacent areas and the state helps to provide some context with respect to residents and their general characteristics.

Population Trends and Projections

Recreation requirements are directly related to the size of an area’s population: the more people, the greater the need for facilities and programs. A community’s recreation system should grow and expand to ensure adequate programs and facilities exist to meet the changing needs of area residents. The Table below illustrates population change from July 2021 Census Data compared to the population reported in 2010 in the Morenci Master Land Use Plan.

The data show a slight population increase in Morenci and Medina township, and a larger decrease in population within Chesterfield and Seneca townships over the last decade. Population decline is not uncommon for rural communities, where a long-standing increase in deaths coupled with a lower birth rate is typical as described by The University of Michigan’s Research Seminar In Quantitative Economics. However, according to the City’s Asset Management Plan, produced in late 2016, reference is made to projections that show the City’s population being somewhat stable at around 2,500 to the year 2035.

Age Distribution

While the overall population size is the most important consideration, there are other population characteristics to consider when planning for a community’s recreation. The age distribution of a community influences the types of facilities and programs needed. The table to the right shows Morenci’s age characteristics compared with the State of Michigan as a whole. The median age of Morenci residents is lower than the statewide median age. On average, Morenci’s population is higher than the state average both for residents under the age of 18, and over the age of 65.

Households

Residents of Morenci form households of predominantly two types: family and nonfamily households. A household that has at least one member of the household related to the householder by birth, marriage, or adoption is a “Family household.” “Nonfamily households” consist of people living alone and households which do not have any members related to the householder. Households and family sizes are in line with the State of Michigan; however, there are more households with young children, and households with seniors, than the State average.

Employment and Income

The economic stability of a community is directly related to local incomes and employment opportunities. Rural areas often experience more challenging economic conditions as demonstrated by lower incomes, higher unemployment rates and higher incidences of poverty. Morenci has economic characteristics similar to other relatively rural communities in the Midwest.

CHAPTER SIX Recreation Inventory

The City of Morenci owns and operates 3 parks/natural areas: Wakefield Park, Stephenson Park and Riverside Natural Area. These combined 28 acres of land provide a mix of active and passive-use amenities, and are gathering places for a variety of events.

STEPHENSON PARK (2 ac )

WAKEFIELD PARK (15 ac )

BEAN CREEK

SCHOOL CAMPUS

ST.

Credit: Google Earth

Bean Creek Viewed from Riverside Natural Area

Credit: Lisa DuRussel

Wakefield Park

Located adjacent to Bean Creek, and at the west of Morenci on West Main Street, is Wakefield Park. The 15-acre park hosts the annual Morenci Town & Country Festival. It caters to various athletic needs and pastimes, including baseball, softball, T-ball, tennis, skating and fishing and features a large playscape for kids along with a seasonal concession stand, parking, and restrooms.

at a glance...

• 15 acres

• Baseball field

• Softball field

• T-ball field

• Pavilions

• Tennis courts

• Skate park

• Playground

• Seasonal concessions

• Restrooms

• Fishing on Bean Creek

• Parking Area

1 BEAN CREEK 2 SKATE PARK 3 TENNIS COURT

4 OPEN LAWN ALONG BEAN CREEK

7 LITTLE LEAGUE FIELD

5 PLAYGROUND 6 CONCESSIONS 8 PAVILIONS

Wakefield Park Aerial Photograph, 2020

Credit: Google Earth

Stephenson Park at a glance...

• 2 acres

Stephenson Park occupies 2 acres of land situated two blocks south of Main St. and one block west of East Street. Adjacent to its mature trees in a flat, open lawn, are a playground, shuffleboard court, basketball court, T-ball field. Passive use is also encouraged with seating, and visitors will find parking in the small lot at the east side of the park.

• Playground

• Open, grassy lawns

• T-Ball field

• Basketball court

• ShufflebOard court

• Parking area

• BBQ Grills

1 BASKETBALL COURT

2 PLAYGROUND

3 T-BALL FIELD

4 BBQ GRILLS

5 OPEN, GRASSY LAWN WITH MATURE TREES

6 SHUFFLEBOARD COURT

T-Ball field

Basketball court

Shuffleboard court

Playground

Parking Area

BBQ Grills

Former Location of Restrooms

Stephenson Park Aerial Photograph, 2020 Credit: Google Earth

Riverside Natural Area at a glance...

• 11 acres

Riverside, at the north of Morenci, was designated a Natural Area in 2004 by the City Council. It is adjacent to Bean Creek and Oak Grove Cemetery. Along with native wildflowers, native floodplain trees abound in the 11 acres, including hackberry, honey locust, pawpaw, Ohio buckeye, wahoo, bladdernut, and wafer ash. Riverside Natural Area visitors can fish and hike, and canoe or kayak in Bean Creek.

• Nature trails

• Rich native ecosystem

• Kayaking

• Canoeing

• Swimming

• Parking area

1 DRIVE LANES

2 SIGNAGE

3 ACCESS DRIVE

4 OVERGROWN TRAILS

5 VIEW OF BEAN CREEK

6 BARRIERS TO DETER ATV’S

KEY

Access to Bean Creek

Walking trails

Parking area

Riverside Natural Area Aerial Photograph, 2020 Credit: Google Earth

Accessibility

Resources provided in MDNR’s Guidelines for the Development of Community Parks and Recreation Plans were reviewed in the context of these three parks. Specifically, each facility was compared to the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design and ranked from 1-5. The value of 1 relates to a condition wherein none of the site elements meet 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design. A score of 3 indicates that most site elements meet 2010 ADA Standards, and 5 is the highest score, denoting that a site meets Principles of Universal Design. An accessibility evaluation for each of the three parks is provided below.

Wakefield Park

Two of the largest ADA issues at Wakefield Park include the condition of the parking lot and restrooms. A portion of the parking lot at Wakefield Park is a hard surface. The rest of the drive lane and parking does not provide a hard surface which presents an issue for mobility. It is also more difficult to identify handicapped parking spaces and areas on the gravel surface. The bathrooms, pavilions and shelters here are also in need of accessibility upgrades that would make them easier to access for those with mobility impairments.

ADA Rating: 3

Stephenson Park

Despite its small size and limited number of recreational improvements, Stephenson Park has several ADA-related issues. First, there are no curb-ramps at the street that would allow wheelchair access to the park, and there is no sidewalk along the perimeter of the park. The internal picnic areas, benches and related facilities are accessible only by traveling across long stretches of grass. The playground can be considered dated and should be replaced with equipment that can be used by those

with physical handicaps to the greatest extent feasible.

ADA Rating: 2

Riverside Natural Area

As an undeveloped natural area on the banks of Bean Creek, this area has significant accessibility issues that largely relate to mobility. The implementation of longer-term plans to connect Wakefield Park with trails in Riverside Park along Bean Creek will provide the opportunity to design ADA improvements, such as ADA compliant canoeing and kayaking infrastructure and facilities, pathways and interpretative signage.

ADA Rating: 1

Additional Recreational Areas

School Campus: The Morenci school campus provides educational facilities and recreational opportunities. Specific facilities at this campus include:

• Baseball diamond for school

• Football field for school

• Softball diamond for school and Little League

• Playground with equipment for school

• Running / walking track for the school and the public

Public Regional Facilities: Residents of Morenci have access to nearby publicly-owned regional facilities.

• Lake Hudson Recreation Area

A large, state-owned recreation facility located 7 miles north of Morenci. It offers 2,796 acres of recreational opportunities around Lake Hudson. Fishing and kayaking are popular activities and the surrounding area offers hunting opportunities.There is a beach area and 50 semi-modern campsites with electric hookups. Potable water is available and the park

has vault toilets, but no dump station. There are volleyball nets and a picnic area with a shelter. Lake Hudson has also been designated a dark sky preserve for learning more about the night time sky.

• Medina Park

A 40 acre park that is part of the Lenawee County Park system located 5 miles north of Morenci. In the park are picnic areas, ball field, horseshoe pit, playground, and a latrine. In the late 1970s, Land and Water Conservation Fund grants funded several improvements. Other attractions at Medina Park include an enormous hollow sycamore tree and the banks of Bean Creek.

Private Recreation Facilities: Residents of Morenci have access to nearby privately-owned regional facilities:

• Green Valley Campground

• Michigan International Speedway

• College and University sporting events

• Oakshade Raceway

• Toledo Zoo

Recreational Programs

Morenci’s parks and school properties provide the space for many recreation programs offered to both City residents and residents of the adjacent townships. The following programs and community events are organized and sponsored by civic groups, sports organizations, and others.

• Stair District Library

• League Sports

• Youth Sports

• Rec Sports/Associations

• Senior Activities

• Scouts

• Farmers Market

• Festivals

Prior MDNR Grant Awards

Three MDNR grants have been provided in the past. The first grant (1976) provided $15,116.62 to install a play area in Wakefield Park. The second grant (2001) provided $86,940 to acquire 28 acres to expand Wakefield Park. These two grants have been completed and closed out. The third grant (2023) will provide $865,000 through the MDNR Spark Grant program to revitalize Stephenson Park. This grant will be utilized in full by December 2026.

Morenci Little League Activities

Credit: Brad Heineman

CHAPTER SEVEN Planning Coordination

The City of Morenci plays a role in the development of a regional park and recreational system. According to the MDNR’s Guidelines for the Development of Community Parks and Recreation Plans, the importance of coordinated planning within a community, at a regional level, and among government agencies, private organizations, businesses, and the public is becoming increasingly clear. The potential benefits include better environmental protection; greater efficiency in providing park and recreation opportunities; increased funding sources; greater potential for tapping into new, creative ways of accomplishing recreation goals; and enhancing public support for parks.

Lenawee County

Lenawee County has a current Parks and Recreation Plan that was adopted in early 2020 and will expire at the end of 2024. That plan provides similar content to this document, at a county-wide scale. A notable element is the plan’s call to action to develop greenways throughout Lenawee County, specifically along Bean Creek.

Goal #8 in the Lenawee County Parks and Recreation Plan purports to “support greenway systems as a means of preservation and linkage of existing parks” (page 48). Objectives include the exploration of options of the Bean Creek Greenway which traverses Bean Creek, Mallory Lake, Devils Lake, and Round Lake. Community survey respondents indicated their support for outdoor activities such as hiking and biking, which bolsters support for a connective and linear system of greenways, and was ultimately the rationale for this goal.

Goal #5 in the Lenawee County Parks and Recreation Plan should “improve and expand administrative and personnel management in the area of the County’s park and recreation delivery system” (page 47). The objectives for this goal note that county-wide parks projects will require intergovernmental and public-private partnerships. Cooperative relationships with municipal governments may help to achieve this goal.

Excerpts from Lenawee County Parks and Recreation Plan (2020-2024) and Connecting Lenawee Plan (2015)

Credit: Lenawee County

CHAPTER EIGHT Administrative Structure

City Officials + Staff

A 7-member City Council headed by the Mayor is the governing elected body which has authority over all City operations, including parks and recreation. The Mayor holds office for two years, while Councilmembers hold their offices for the term of four years. The City’s legislative body is responsible for appointing various employees to positions within local government including: City Administrator/Clerk, Superintendent, Police Chief, Fire Chief, EMS Director, and City Treasurer/Utility Clerk. The City also employs a Director of Economic and Community Development.

The Department of Public Works is responsible for park maintenance and development in Morenci. It also manages a range of other responsibilities, such as maintaining: streets, water/ sewer systems, city buildings, infrastructure and grounds. The Public Works Committee of the City Council oversees activities of the Department of Public Works. Chapter 15 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Morenci, Michigan addresses Park and Recreation issues such as park hours.

Volunteers

Volunteer efforts are an important driver in the development and maintenance of Morenci’s park facilities. Commonly, volunteers attend events or participate in specific projects. The Town & Country Festival Committee, for example, has regular meetings and volunteer opportunities range from organizing, to fundraising, to cleaning up after the festival. Other volunteer groups that have supported Morenci’s parks include the Morenci Garden Club, Revitalize Morenci Initiative, and Morenci Little League.

Morenci Festivals: Town and Country Festival and Fall Fest

Credit: City of Morenci

APPENDIX A Parks + Recreation Budget

The projected parks and recreation budget for the fiscal year dated July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024 is $72,312.67. Parks expenditures are 4.36% of all general fund revenue.

APPENDIX B

Public Notices

TO BE UPDATED

APPENDIX C Minutes of Public Hearing TO BE UPDATED

APPENDIX D

APPENDIX E

Letters of Transmittal TO BE UPDATED

APPENDIX F

Public Input Summary

City of Morenci Parks + Recreation Planning - Public Input Survey

The City of Morenci is updating its Five Year Parks and Recreation Plan. As part of this process, the City is issuing a public input survey to stakeholders as a way to set goals, assess community conditions and needs, and to identify potential projects which can become the subject of future grant applications.

The survey should take approximately 10 minutes to complete. The data and information that you provide is anonymous but extremely useful to our effort. Thank you for participating.

Physical copies of this survey are available at City Hall.

1.

2.

Single family home, less than 1 acre lot 71.1%

5.

6.

Acquiring and developing new parks and recreation facilities

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

62 responses

- Maintain current amenities like existing courts, playground equipment, and bathrooms.

- Keep park clear of leaves and brush in a timely manner.

- Care for the landscaped areas. Make sure weeds are pulled around signs and mulched areas around trees.

- Open bathrooms from spring through fall. There have been nice days in fall and the bathroom has been closed.

- Remove and replace broken equipment with efficiency.

1) Updating tennis courts

2) Building a full-court public basketball court

3) Access to walking trails/cement paths

4) Updating or eliminating the sand volleyball courts

There are very limited things for our teenagers to do in town (with the elimination of Night Light, closure of bowling alley, etc) and finding ways to provide something for them to do is important. Access to bathrooms, basketball/volleyball courts would be amazing. We used to love the trails at Riverside park.

Add walking path and improved lighting Stephenson Park area

Bathroom doors on the stalls at wakefield

Benches are needed at Stephenson park, driving access improvements at Riverside and benches

Better maintenance of park grounds and equipment

Better paths for walking, less branches in the way, less trash along path

Better paths, stephsens park needs to be revamped a little thats all!

Better taken care of, better equipment. Stephenson park is run down, natural area is almost inaccessible. Even Wakefield needs updates. River Rock pebbles not wood chips would be great!!

Better upkeep, more options especially for littles, need walking paths like in Wauseon! Build shelter houses and restrooms in Stephenson Park so they can use it for reunions and sports more.

Clean them up. Fix broken equipment. Make then more functional.

clean up riverside make it usable

Clean up Riverside Park, so it can actually be used. It's a mess of overgrown weeds and bugs. It is completely useless - unless you are taking ATVs down there and messing it up further.

Clean up road and accessible area. Better use of sone of that money than lights and traffic in a residential area.

clean up road area at the natural preserve

Do something about the ticks in Riverside park.

Fix them up

I believe you will be addressing my concerns with Stephenson Park as grant money is applied to the various upgrades this year. I don't know where to begin describing the unkept state of Riverside Park. It's in shambles.

I wish there was more to do at the parks. We never go to Stephenson because there's nothing for an adult to enjoy doing there. We used to live going to the nature area, but the last several times we have been there it hasn't been a great experience. Burnt trash, looks like homeless people living there, ruined trails by four wheeler and dirt bikes, and trails that are not maintained. I would like a walking/ bicycle path.

If you were unsatisfied with any of Morenci’s recreation facilities, what can we do to improve your experience

Improve tennis courts, and create trail from town to Riverside park along Bean creek.

Improve them

Install a Pickleball Court at Wakefield park instead of 2 tennis courts. Repair/replace the tennis court surface. Accessible and Useable hiking/ cross country ski trail along Bean Creek like there use to be. Invest in the parks, have DPW do more

IF YOU WERE UNSATISFIED WITH ANY OF MORENCI’S RECREATION FACILITIES, WHAT CAN WE DO TO IMPROVE YOUR EXPERIENCE?

It seems improvements are already on the way!!

Restroom facilities and doggie waste stations are very important. Please replace the damaged/missing signage/map at the Riverside Natural Area. Also, please make sure there is a navigable path around it.

Keep them more updated

Maintain current parks better keeping things updated and repaired. Tennis courts at Wakefield Park are a focal point of the park and are in extremely poor condition. Those should be refurbished and pickle ball lines could be an added feature to the tennis lines, which would attract more people to use the courts.

Make a permanent restroom, mens/womens, on the west side of wakefield by the little league diamond, children's playground and pavilion. Drinking fountain.

Highly maintain tennis courts

Better police surveillance, esp at curfew. Have a larger festival and bring it front and back of park.

A music gazebo at wakefield don't need a walking trail at Stephenson

Don't lose the aesthetic appeal at Stephenson

Make Riverside more accessable.

More activities, more things to do.

More events

More things to do.

My grandkids luv the merry-go-round at Stephsen. Maybe 1 at Wakefield.park.

Natural areas, quiet areas for something like birdwatching, trails, handicap consideration and accomodations, learning areas, picnic grounds, reunion areas. Feels like we have sports coverage, play coverage, and we need to create more natural coverage and that may require more land.

New equipment, upgrade grounds, add bathroom

Newer play equipment

No trails to walk or ride bikes. Tennis courts are in poor shape. Full basketball court with nice boards and floor would be awesome.

Pot holes and overgrown grass redo the skate park

walking paths

make nature area nice

Repair/replace existing courts and playground equipment that is unsafe return riverside park (the old tourist camp) to its former state with ball diamond picnic tables and a clean park not all over grown.

Riverside is a dumping ground for trash

so excited about new plan to renovate (stephenson) please consider plan to utilize this area (riverside natural area), walking trails and picnic area. utilize the tourist camp

Splash pad for little kids at Stephenson Park

Stephenson is already being addressed. Riverside needs some mechanism to keep out destructive motorized vehicles like 4-wheelers. Wakefield offers quite a bit, especially with the playground, but the facilities need to be maintained...like the tennis court.

Stephenson is really ran down but should be getting some much needed upgrades this year

Take care of the parks we have.

Tennis courts at Wakefield need to be repaired.

The recent grant will help bolster Stephenson park which has needed upgrading for years. Very excited for Morenci to have two really nice public use parks. Wakefield could use help with the Tennis Courts. Looking forward to the addition of the pickleball court and full basketball courts for Stephenson Park. The Nature park can be a bit rough but isn't that the beauty of nature? Our Grandchildren are in town often and we use the parks as much as we can.

The upgrade planned for Stephenson Park will be outstanding! The tennis court needs work at Wakefield. It would also be nice if the former sand volleyball court area could be put to use. A basketball rim at Wakefield would be nice. Personally, I would love a paved walking/running path that is at least a 1/2 mile to 1-mile long. Riverside could be such a cool asset if it could be maintained/sustained as a natural area (with walking trails, educational materials, etc), but I know it’ s difficult to keep out vandals and mowers.

There are hornets in the slide at the park, have been telling board members for three (3) years There are no bathrooms at Stephenson park. Wakefield bathrooms desperately need updated and stocked with toilet paper and hand soap.

They need some TLC. Some are not taken care of very well. Also, some upgrades are needed. Update them make them handicap accessible handicap equipment

Update/upgrade equipment. Add additional disposal bins for garbage.

Upkeep

Wakefield- please just take care of the facilities we have. The tennis courts, the bathrooms, the playground equipment, pavilions; we have perfectly good infrastructure but it doesn’t get maintained at all. The tennis courts are used heavily and they have waist high weeds in the cracks by summer’s end. The bathrooms have no doors. The play equipment has missing and broken parts. There are semi trucks parking by the tee ball field where children play. There are beautiful trees but they aren’t cared for and sticks don’t get picked up when they fall. We don’t need to start over, we just need the city to take some pride in what we have by maintaining it like we want to keep it. It’s very clear that whoever is in charge of park maintenance does not value this park, and it’s a real shame.

We need to resurface tennis courts, add pickle ball, and pave a walking trail around Wakefield park. We need to make riverside really nice with signs, and walking trails. Maybe one trail going to Wakefield.

Would be nice to find a way to have real bathrooms open all the time. I know people are ruthless and don’t care anymore I just don’t care for port a potty but am grateful to have them. Just seems like other towns have nice bathrooms and find a way to keep them like that. Maybe have an adult swing too. Places to sit to enjoy our kids.

would like to see a walk path in the natural areas like along creek

23.

24.

26.

Skills workshops (computer education, accounting, etc.)

Nature education (bird watching, plant identification, etc.) Aquatics (swimming lessons, exercise, etc.)

27.

28.

29.

30.

IF YOU ANSWERED YES TO THE PREVIOUS QUESTION, IN WHICH PROGRAMS OR EVENTS DO YOU PARTICIPATE?

68 responses

Grandchildren participate in the youth sports and as grandparents we attend them as spectators. We also attend, the festivals and special events that are being offered in town.

Holiday events and festivals

town and country festivals

little league

christmas activities

fall bonfire

Town and country. Christmas. Outdoors at flats.

Holiday events and festivals

Holiday festivities/events

holiday parade town + country festival back to school bash fall festival

Holidays, Festivals now but all others when kids were little.

We attend all the festivals and holiday events put on by the city. Our grandchildren don't live locally so we don't use the youth sports but we feel they are very important for the youth in our area and would like to see them grow & flourish. I would love to see maybe a big screen, outside movie events - I have often thought that we could show movies up again the old grocery store wall and people could sit in chairs in the parking lot but I understand that is a privately owned business not a public space - but maybe at Wakefield Park. I would also like to see the parks and recreation department offer a summer program with sports activities, games, arts & crafts, etc.. Something the kids could go and do for a few hours each day M-F to give them FREE activities all summer long.

We sponsor Morenci's Little League and attend many games, girls softball included. We attend special events at the park.

When our kids were young, they participated in all youth league sports. We attended the Fall Fest and thought it was great! Would love to see outdoor music and other summer events with a “DORA” permit.

Youth sports, festivals (we love!), Holiday events, community get togethers

I volunteer and help out with some events. Youth sports, Festivals, holiday programs, parades

All

If you answered yes to the previous question, which programs or events do you participate in?

All Lighted parade, Town & Country, Summer Rec

All festivals and holiday events, parades and car shows. Little league

All of the events that are offered little league

All of them

Little League (newphew), festivals, holiday events

As much as we can Little league and festivals

back to school bash, holiday events, watch little league games

Basketball, football, soccer, wrestling, baseball

Christmas, Town and Country, and Back to School Bash

Little league and youth sports

Little League, festival

Little League, festivals, and holiday events

Fair Little league, festivals, Christmas parade

festival

Festival, holiday events

Festival, Little League, Holiday events

Festivals

Festivals

Festivals

Festivals

Festivals and community events

Little League, festivals, holiday events, etc.

Little league, parades, festivals

Little League, Soccer, Football, Volleyball

Little League, Summer Recreation, Fall Festival, Christmas Tree Lighting, Town & Country Festival

Little League, youth sports, fireworks, festivals, holiday parade

Most

No kids, currently.

Parades and more recently downtown festivals

sports festivals

holiday events

Festivals and holiday events

Festivals and holiday events. Would like to see more vendors and community activities

Festivals and Holiday Programs.

t&c festival and downtown street events

The town & country, tree lighting, fall festival

Festivals, Community/Holiday Events

Festivals, Holiday Events

Festivals, holiday events, loved the fall fest last year!

Town & Country Festival, Back to School Bash, Fall Fest, library-sponsored activities and events. My kids participated in Little League and other youth sports and I'd like to see those continue for current Morenci area youth.

Town & Country Festivals, Summer reading, volenteen program, holiday events

Town & Country, parades

town and country festival

parades

holiday lights

soccer (through morenci school)

Festivalsz Holiday events

Fireworks, car shows, festivals, vegi mobile

go to festivals

holiday parades

stair district library evnets and programs

Town and country festival

Town and Country Festival, Christmas Parade, Back 2 School Bash, Youth Sports

No, I would not support an additional millage

17.8%

Yes, up to a 1.0 mill ($100 annually per $100,000

30%

Yes, up to a .5 mill ($50 annually per $100,000 of property value)

27.8% 24.4%

Yes, up to a .5 mill ($50 annually per $100,000 of property value)

ARE THERE ANY OTHER PARKS AND RECREATION ITEMS THAT YOU’D LIKE TO BRING TO OUR ATTENTION?

68 responses

RC car area such as a track exc

Restrooms are extremely important. It is very frustrating that restrooms are only available at Wakefield Park, and only seasonally (i.e. warmer months). This makes it difficult to use park(s) in all seasons and discourages use in colder months of parks and facilities. please make sure there is year-round access to restrooms.

Also, please make sure there are doggie waste stations available at all parks.

Security

Splash pad or pool

Tennis courts need redone or repurposed. They are very uneven and almost a liability. Christmas lights are looking better. Look forward to seeing bigger displays in the future. Bathrooms need taken care of better. T&C festival has went downhill a bit. It would be nice to get that back. Men’s softball would be nice to have back in town as well.

The swing at Stephenson Park has been broken since October 2022.

Stephenson Park needs more trash cleanup/maintenance and graffiti removal

Things for grandchildren to enjoy

Updated equipment, biggest would be no more wood chips!!

Wakefield Park: reduce holes in the ground created by animals in the grassy area between the creek and the road. Fix the potholes in the park road...repave that whole stretch of road between Main Street and the north end of the park.

Wakefield and Stephenson parks: if any new concrete is laid during projects, consider adding dance steps embedded in the concrete, similar to those here: https://www.kuow.org/stories/what-s-with-these-bronzefootprints-in-the-sidewalk for impromptu dancing opportunities for all.

Walking/bike paths! Pool or splash pad!

A dog park would be extremely beneficial since the closest one is 30+ mins away in Adrian. Add more shade for parents

Addition of Pickleball courts

Are there any other parks and recreation items that you’d like to bring to our attention?

Benches for adults at Stephenson.

Clean up river

community pool

more athletic/ball fields

bringing mens, co-ed and womens softball back into the community is a must

Fix parking lot at Wakefield

Fix tennis courts and improve/install trails

I thowe had someone in office to work on grants. I don’t think taxing is more is the answer. I mean our water and trash have gone up. Everything has gone up and I understand that but you also have to try other ways to get the money to pay for parks. Get a team together and have them start looking into other means. Check with other small towns. See how they do it. Thank you for all you do!’

I would like to address the importance of adult recreational items such as indoor fitness centers - there are not many activities for adults in the Morenci area and an overall increase of healthy lifestyles in the Morenci area would need to be supported by some sort of indoor fitness center. The city could benefit from proceeds, and the townspeople would benefit from better health. Extremely important.

I would not support a millage at this time because the properties we currently have are not being maintained. It's difficult to allow extra money when it doesn't seem as though current funds have been used wisely.

It would be nice to have a hiking path through (around) Riverside Park so more people could enjoy.

Just shelters and restrooms

Make sure whatever is put in place can be maintained and that there is a long-term plan in place. For example when will a picnic shelter need to be painted, a new roof, etc. Also insurance considerations. Staffing? I support all of it and I think the city is on the right trail.

maximize what you already have!

Nature Preserve on the northside of town needs to better maintained or abandoned

Need to install a camp ground at the back of Wakefield Park so that the park will support itself with the revenue gained from the campers. Could be electric only with firepits. Just like Hudson lake hookups for reference.

No

No, but I think a splash pad or public pool is an amazing idea for kids to be able to have a place to hang out, on a hot summer day.

No. Thank-you for your time.

Our family would love to see new amenities in our parks and we are happy that Stephenson Park is going to be updated. We are, however, concerned with the lack of care and pride being taken in Morenci’s park system, especially over the last year. As playground parts break, courts deteriorate, and trees fall, they must be tended to. Money needs set aside to invest in maintaining what we have. Less costly of an endeavor is having workers make more of an effort to keep the grounds and facilities clean. Trashes need changed and bathrooms need cleaned and restocked more regularly on busy ball game weeks and tournament weekends. Weeds should be sprayed before they get out of hand, and branches picked up on a regular basis.

It would be neat to have designated fishing areas with seating along Bean Creek at Wakefield Park. Paving the parking lots and drive around there would be really nice as well.

Pickleball for my 89 year old Father please. He is not getting any younger (LOL) and spends the summers with me in Morenci (gets away from the high heat of Oklahoma to enjoy our much cooler summers here in Michigan). Also - As mentioned before - An Summer Program for the Kids of the Community - Daily supervised activities in the parks. Games, sports, arts and crafts, etc. Something to do for a few hours M-F all summer long. Doesn't have to be scheduled to the "T"- but have things available for the kids to do daily then let them chose how they spend the time. Give them something to look forward to over the summer as not all kids get big vacations/trips or have access to things like arts/crafts, board games, sports equipment to try out, etc..