HAMBURG TOWNSHIP, LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN
PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN
2012
Hamburg Township
Livingston County, Michigan
Parks and Recreation Master Plan
Distribution Draft – October 2012
Prepared by
235 East Main Street, Suite 105
Northville, Michigan 48167
Tel.: 248.596.0920
Fax: 248.596.0930
www.mcka.com
http://www.mcka.com/
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Acknowledgements
Community Recreational Services Organization (CRSO)
Jim Neilson, CRSO Director
Deby Henneman, CRSO Coordinator
CRSO Board
Pat Hohl, Supervisor
Jim Neilson, Clerk
Mike Dolan, Trustee
Christine Hoskins, Senior Director
Jim Bennett, Member at Large
Tim Wiggle, Member at Large
Township Trustees
Patrick J. Hohl, Supervisor
Jim Neilson, Clerk
Allen Carlson, Treasurer
Chuck Menzies, Trustee
Phil Semprevivo, Trustee
Mike Dolan, Trustee
Bill Hahn, Trustee
Planning Commission
Chuck Menzies, Trustee
Fred Goetz, Chairman
Howard Dillman, Secretary
Andy Eckman, Commissioner
Annette Koeble, Commissioner
Victor Leabu, Commissioner
Ron Muir, Commissioner
Planning and Zoning Department
Patrick Hagman, Planning & Zoning Administrator
Pinckney Community Schools
Dan Danosky, Superintendent
Jim Hayden, Director of Building & Grounds
Anne Colone, Board President
Michelle Crampo, Board Vice President
Terri Banks, Board Treasurer
Margaret Eibler, Board Secretary
Laura Burwell, Board Trustee
Richard Gilligan, Board Trustee
George Rogers, Board Trustee
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Table of Contents
Chapter 1 – Community Description ........................................................................ 1-1
Regional Setting ............................................................................................................. 1-1
Demographic Characteristics...................................................................................... 1-1
Economic Characteristics ............................................................................................. 1-6
Physical Characteristics ................................................................................................ 1-7
Chapter 2 – Administration Structure ....................................................................... 2-1
Administration ................................................................................................................. 2-1
Parks and Recreation Funding ..................................................................................... 2-2
Chapter 3 – Parks and Recreation Inventory .......................................................... 3-1
Public Parks and Facilities ............................................................................................. 3-1
School Parks and Facilities ............................................................................................ 3-8
Barrier Free Accessibility ................................................................................................ 3-8
Regional Parks and Facilities ........................................................................................ 3-9
Local Parks and Facilities ............................................................................................ 3-13
Private Parks and Facilities .......................................................................................... 3-13
Community Recreation Programs ............................................................................. 3-14
Funding Resources ....................................................................................................... 3-15
Chapter 4 – Basis for Action Plan .............................................................................. 4-1
Planning and Public Input Process .............................................................................. 4-1
Park Land Analysis and Services Areas ....................................................................... 4-3
Facilities Analysis ............................................................................................................. 4-6
Programming Analysis ................................................................................................. 4-10
Chapter 5 – Action Plan............................................................................................. 5-1
Goals and Objectives ................................................................................................... 5-1
System Wide Recommendations/Long Range Planning ........................................ 5-6
Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan ......................................................................... 5-8
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List of Tables
Table 1.1 Change in Community Population, 2000 – 2040 ................................ 1-4
Table 1.2 Community Population and Housing Statistics, 2000 – 2040 ............. 1-4
Table 1.3 Community Age Distribution, 2010 – 2040 ............................................ 1-5
Table 1.4 Persons with Disabilities, 2010 ................................................................. 1-5
Table 2.1 Recreation Budget, 2010 – 2013 ............................................................ 2-3
Table 2.2 Lakeland Trail Budget 2010 – 2013 ........................................................ 2-4
Table 2.3 Senior Center Budget 2010 – 2013 ........................................................ 2-5
Table 3.1 Public Parks and Recreation Inventory ................................................ 3-7
Table 3.2 Recreation Grant History ...................................................................... 3-16
Table 4.1 MDNR Public Park Land Acreage Analysis .......................................... 4-5
Table 4.2 Park Facility Analysis ................................................................................ 4-7
Table 5.1 Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan ................................................... 5-8
Table 5.2 Capital Improvement Plan Budget ..................................................... 5-13
List of Maps
Map 1 Regional Location ................................................................................... 1-3
Map 2 Manly W. Bennett Memorial Park .......................................................... 3-3
Map 3 Parks and Recreation Inventory ............................................................ 3-6
Map 4 Regional Parks and Recreation ........................................................... 3-12
List of Figures
Figure 2.1 – Administrative Structure ........................................................................... 2-2
Appendix
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Chapter 1
Community Description
The Community Description is a picture of the various physical and socioeconomic
characteristics of Hamburg Township. This information provides valuable insight into
determining future parks and recreation facility development and programming needs
for the community.
Regional Setting
Hamburg Township contains the communities of Hamburg Village, Lakeland, and
Pettysville. Hamburg Village was first settled by Jesse Hall who purchased Section 25
from the United States government in 1831 and built a cabin in the northeastern quarter
section. A few years later in 1835, E.F. Gay, a merchant from Ann Arbor, bought 30
acres and built a dam and sawmill. That same year, property owners established the
organization of the Township within Livingston County and elected the first Township
officials. Two years later in 1837 Gay sold his land to three Germans known as the
Messrs. Grisson, who added a grist mill, store, and hotel. Also in 1837, a Plat was
recorded, and although the names of Steuben and Knox were considered, the village
was named Hamburg after the hometown of the Messrs. Grisson.
The community of Lakeland is located in the center of the Township surrounded by
Oneida Lake and Zukey Lake, and is historically known as a summer retreat area for
residents of southeastern Michigan. It emerged as a “port of entry” to the lakes upon
completion of its railroad station. Pettysville is located in the vicinity of Pettysville and
Rush Lake Roads. The Township has continued to grow and prosper, and the
development of the community has been evident in both residential and commercial
growth. The Township consists of approximately 36 square miles and grew from 20,627
residents in 2000 to 21,165 residents as of 2010.
Hamburg Township is located on the south side of Livingston County. The Township is
bordered by Genoa Township to the north, Putnam Township and the Village of
Pinckney to the west, and Green Oak Township to the east, all in Livingston County.
Webster Township in Washtenaw County is located to the south. See Map 1 – Regional
Location.
Demographic Characteristics
The following is a demographic report of Hamburg Township, which reveals some
unique characteristics of the community. Age, household, and disability statistics for the
Township are included. The demographic makeup of the community helps determine
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the quality and quantity of parks and recreation facilities and programs necessary to
serve Hamburg Township residents.
Population and Housing. Recent projections indicate that the Township’s population is
expected to continue to increase with small gains. The population increased 2.6% from
2000 to 2010, as indicated in Table 1.1. Population growth in the Township over the years
has been closely related to suburban development in the southeast Michigan region.
New residential development and migration of residents has increased in the Township
and Livingston County as a whole. The Township is expected to grow to almost 24,000
residents by 2040 based on projections by the Southeast Michigan Council of
Governments (SEMCOG).
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Map 1
Regional Location
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Table 1.1
Change in Community Population, 2000 – 2040
2000 2010 % Change
(2000 to 2010) 2040
% Change
(2000-2040)
20,627 21,165 2.6% 23,987 16.3% Source: U.S. Census 2000 (SF 1), U.S. Census 2010 (SF 1), SEMCOG 2040 Forecast
Households are defined as a person or group of people occupying a housing unit.
Table 1.2 indicates that there was a peak in population and households that occurred
around 2005 during the “building boom”. Then, during the subsequent real-estate
bubble burst and recession there was a decline in population and households as the
market adjusted. Now that the market has re-stabilized, the number of households in
the Township is expected to increase slightly between now and 2040. The increase in
population and households will mean additional park and recreation demands.
Average household size, defined as the number of persons per household, has been
declining and this trend is expected to continue. The decline in household size will
create a more dispersed population if housing densities do not increase accordingly.
Future parks and facilities will need to be accordingly dispersed.
Table 1.2
Community Population and Housing Statistics, 2000 – 2040
Population 2000 2005 2010 2020 2040
Total 20,627 22,496 21,165 23,069 23,987
Households 2000 2005 2010 2020 2040
Total 7,086 8,013 7,860 8,837 9,196
Household Size 2000 2005 2010 2020* 2040
Total 2.91 2.81 2.69 2.61 2.61 Source: Source: U.S. Census 2000 (SF 1), U.S. Census 2010 (SF 1), SEMCOG 2040 Forecast
Households are classified as Families with Children, Families without Children, and Non-
Families, which include persons living alone and two or more non-related persons living
in the same home. In Hamburg Township, 36% of households are classified as Families
with Children, 43% as Families without Children, and 21% as Non-Families. The
composition of households in Hamburg is important to help plan the desired park and
recreation facilities and programs in a manner that is consistent with and proportionate
to these characteristics, thus a variety of offerings are necessary.
Age Distribution. An understanding of the age distribution in the Township is essential in
planning for future recreation needs. As we pass through the various stages of life, our
recreational requirements change resulting in the need for different facilities and
programs. In Hamburg, the proportion of the population that is between the ages of 65
years and older is forecast to grow significantly relative to the rest of the population. At
the same time, the proportion of the population that is between the ages of 5 and 64
shows a slight decline. However, the residents from 5 to 64 years of age make up the
majority of the population and require different recreation facilities and programs from
persons over 64. Parks and recreation facilities should change to address the different
needs of an aging population while at the same time account for all age groups and
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the overall increase in total population. Healthy living and recreational opportunities
play a major role in where people choose to live, raise families, and retire.
Table 1.3
Community Age Distribution, 2010 – 2040
Age Group Life Phase 2010 2040
Pop. % Pop. %
0 – 4 Preschool 1,052 5% 1,439 6%
5 – 19 School Age 4,761 22% 4,078 17%
20 – 34 Young Adult 2,647 13% 4,078 17%
35 – 64 Adult 10,370 49% 7,436 31%
65 + Retirement 2,335 11% 6,956 29% Source: U.S. Census 2010 (SF 1), SEMCOG 2040 Forecast, McKenna Associates
Persons with Disabilities. Understanding the status of persons with disabilities will assist in
planning future programs and appropriate locations for recreational activities. The
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) requires that all public services, including
parks and recreation facilities, be subject to barrier-free requirements. Public recreation
providers must eliminate any eligibility requirements for participation in programs,
activities, and services.
Disability data is collected for six age groups. As the population ages, the proportion
with one or more disabilities steadily increases. This trend is consistent with the figures for
Hamburg Township. Approximately 9% of the Hamburg Township population has one or
more disabilities, with a large portion of the population 65 years and older having a
disability. Parks and recreation programs and facilities must account for the needs of
these residents and examine the existing inventory for compliance.
Table 1.4
Persons with Disabilities, 2010
Age Group Total Persons With a Disability Percent
Age 0-5 1,251 0 0%
Age 5 – 17 4,388 195 4.4%
Age 18 – 34 2,951 231 8.5%
Age 35 – 64 10,566 785 7.4%
Age 65 – 74 1,375 248 18.0%
Age 75 + 851 437 51.4%
Total 21,382 1,896 8.9% Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2008-2010 American Community Survey
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Economic Characteristics
A variety of economic indicators suggest that Hamburg Township enjoys robust
economic health. Residential construction permits remained in the triple digits from 1986
to 2005 before slowing down significantly during the recession; however, there are signs
of recovery and 2011 saw more building permits issued than in any of the previous four
years. The median household income of Township residents is significantly higher and
growing at a faster rate than for other residents of Livingston County, Oakland County,
and southeastern Michigan. The relative strong economic health of the Township
suggests that Hamburg residents will continue to demand high-quality parks, recreation
services, and facilities, and that increased funding is necessary to help fund parks and
recreation-related activities.
Construction Activity. The number of local building permits issued fluctuates with market
demands, paralleling national economic strength. According to SEMCOG figures, the
largest residential construction boom in Hamburg Township was between 1995 and
2005 when 53% of the net total building permits over the last 30 years (since 1982) were
issued. Residential construction has slowed significantly since then with only 115 net
total building permits issued since 2006 (2.7% of the permits since 1982). New parks and
recreation facilities should be located appropriately to serve Township residents. Areas
of existing residential concentration are ideal locations for new facilities.
Income. Median household income is a broad measure of relative economic health. It
is defined as the income level where half of all households earn more and half earn less.
In 2010, the median household income was significantly higher in the Township ($84,648)
than in Livingston County ($72,129), neighboring Oakland County ($66,390), and all of
southeast Michigan ($53,248). The Township’s median household income is growing at a
faster rate, over 12% since 2000, than the counties and region.
Employment. Employment in Hamburg Township is healthy in relation to the region.
According to Census figures, unemployment rates in the Township in 2010 were low
(6.8%) compared to Livingston County (8.7%), Oakland County (9.1%), the Detroit
Metropolitan Area (12.7%), and the State of Michigan (11.5%).
According to the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth figures for
February 2012, Livingston County (8.7%) is faring better that the Detroit Metropolitan
Area (10.2%) and the State of Michigan (9.4%). There is unfortunately no 2012 data
available for Hamburg Township, but it can be inferred that the unemployment rate has
most likely decreased slightly given the declining rates of unemployment in the region
and state.
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Physical Characteristics
The following is a description of the physical characteristics of Hamburg Township,
including land use, natural features, historic resources, and the transportation network.
This information is important in understanding the potential for the type, location, and
extent of future park and recreation improvements.
Land Use. The predominant land use in Hamburg is single-family residential followed by
the Brighton State Recreation Area, and then agricultural, vacant parcels, and open
space. The 4,947 acre Brighton State Recreation Area provides a combination of high,
irregular ranges of hills interspersed with a number of attractive lakes. The area features
camp sites, fishing and hunting opportunities, water sports, and several miles of trails
available for equestrian riding, mountain biking, and hiking.
Many new residential subdivisions have been added over the past 20 years, fueling the
community’s population growth and generating demand for new parks and
recreational facilities. Throughout the 2000s, the Township experienced an increase in
commercial developments, particularly in the Hamburg Village core, and at the
intersection of M-36 (Lakeland Road) and Chilson Road. Their impacts have yet to be
fully realized, but the Township must plan accordingly to ensure valuable natural
features are protected and potential park development opportunities are capitalized
upon.
The Township has historically been a seasonal recreational community. However, the
once-dominant rural character of the Township has been slowly changing since the
early 1970s, when suburbanites from the Detroit and Ann Arbor area began looking at
Livingston County as a convenient commute between the rural or lake front lifestyle
and metro area employment. Population in the Township nearly doubled between 1970
and 1980, until the Arab oil embargo and economic conditions in Michigan temporarily
slowed migration into Livingston County. As noted above, the Township is primarily
composed of single-family residential uses, but commercial development pressures are
beginning to increase. The Township is continuing to develop into a thriving community
with a variety of land uses.
Natural Features. A large portion of the land area in the Township contains natural
features that have a value to the residents, but it is not realistic to expect that all of that
land will be preserved in a natural state in perpetuity. However, the Township has
continued to encourage land developers to preserve natural features to the greatest
extent possible when making plans for new construction through the Township’s award
winning open space preservation program. Natural features are not easily restored
after they are impaired. These natural features provide numerous existing and potential
parks and recreation opportunities.
The Township has a number of lakes connected by the Huron River, accounting for 3.6%
of the total land area. With the exception of Mohican Lake and Sunset Lake, all are
surrounded by relatively high density residential development. Access to water bodies
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for active and passive purposes is an important recreation issue along with limiting the
impact of potential development around the lakes.
The Huron River area in Hamburg Township has been designated as a “country-scenic”
river area under the Michigan Natural River Act of 1970. The adoption of a Natural River
District by the Township in 1978 provides for the management of the river corridor and
helps protect water quality and aesthetic appeal. The purchase of the Huron-Clinton
Metropolitan Authority property helps insure the preservation of that portion of the
Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority shoreline and the adjacent wetlands that border
West Bennett Park.
Wetland areas are scattered throughout the Township, with the largest concentration in
the centrally-located Lakeland area. The wetlands as identified by the Michigan
Resource Information System (MIRIS) maps and the National Wetland Inventory (NWI)
show mostly combinations of wetlands with wetland soil areas. Wetlands connected to
or within 500 feet of an inland lake, pond, river, or stream, and/or those five acres in size
or greater are regulated by Part 303, Wetland Protection, of the Natural Resources and
Environmental Protection Act, Public Act 451 of 1994.
Woodland areas are commonly located adjacent to the wetland areas throughout the
Township. The majority of the woodlands are composed of water tolerant species such
as ash, silver maple, cottonwood, tamarack, willow, and sycamore. Where natural
vegetation meets the water’s edge, areas of unique scenic resources and wildlife
habitat are found.
Historic Resources. Hamburg Township is blessed with three distinct historic settlement
areas, Hamburg, Lakeland, and Pettysville. These settlement areas provide Hamburg
with a truly unique image that many communities strive for today.
The Hamburg settlement area is located at the junction of Hamburg Road and M-36.
Important historic resources include St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church (1844), the
Hamburg Village Cemetery, and the former site of the Hamburg Hotel (1835). Although
the actual historic hotel burned down in 1968, the hotel property is being redeveloped
into a Village Park in memory of the Winkelhaus family and the old Hotel itself. The park
will provide open space adjacent to Lakelands Trail with covered seating, an open play
area, and a permanent exhibit highlighting life at the Hotel.
The Township must be thoughtful when reviewing and approving new development
within the Hamburg settlement area to ensure the continued preservation of its historic
features. Until the recession, redevelopment and new development proposals were
steadily increasing, and this area currently includes the most intense commercial and
industrial development areas of the Township.
The community of Lakeland is characterized by significant natural features including
lakes, wetlands, and woodlands. It is located in the center of the Township surrounded
by Oneida Lake and Zukey Lake, and is historically known as a summer retreat area for
residents of Northeast Ohio and Southeast Michigan. Starting in the 1970s, development
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pressure has gradually changed the character of the area, and now Lakeland has a
large commercial district, as well as a more year-round residential population that
includes some multi-family residential.
Pettysville is characterized by land uses that maximize the scenic beauty of Rush Lake
and is located in the vicinity of Pettysville and Rush Lake Roads. Almost all of the
development in the Pettysville area is single-family residential, although there is a small
strip of commercial development along Pettysville Road.
Transportation. Township residents rely on the road and pathway networks to access
regional parks and recreational facilities. The Township has no public transportation or
railways at this time, as the transportation system is oriented toward the automobile.
The existing road system consists of an irregular network of roads, which are generally
located on section lines.
The Township is linked to the regional transportation network via M-36, which intersects,
with US-23 in neighboring Green Oak Township. Arterial east-west roads within the
Township are M-36, Strawberry Lake Road, and Winans Lake Road. The major north-
south roads within the Township are Hamburg Road, Chilson Road, Pettysville,
Whitewood, and McGregor Roads.
The system of roads in and near Hamburg provides reasonably good access by
automobile to recreation facilities in the Township and in surrounding communities. M-
36 provides connections to regional and state facilities, as well as shopping and
entertainment facilities in Green Oak Township and Oakland County. Other shopping
and entertainment facilities in Brighton, Howell, and Ann Arbor are easily accessed by
taking M-36 to US-23.
Access to recreation facilities can be difficult for certain segments of the population,
primarily children and the elderly. Existing recreation facilities are scattered throughout
the Township, thus located a considerable distance from much of the population.
Efforts have been made recently to expand the bike paths throughout the Township
and to expand and improve the Lakelands Trail, but continued work should be done to
improve the pedestrian and bicycle access to recreation facilities. The Township is
committed to establishing and maintaining a complete network of sidewalks,
greenways, bike paths, pathways, and crosswalks in appropriate areas of the Township
in residential and non-residential developments, along with necessary road and parking
improvements to provide improved access for all segments of the population.
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Chapter 2
Administrative Structure
Parks and recreation facilities are provided by Hamburg Township, along with extensive
facilities owned by the Pinckney Community School District and programming offered
by Pinckney Community Education (Community Ed). There are also a number of other
recreation providers and organizations in the Township, as shown below. The
administrative structure and budget analysis for the Township is reviewed in this section.
Please see Chapter 3 for further discussion regarding facility ownership.
Administration
Hamburg Township does not have a formal parks and recreation department but
oversees the operation and maintenance of Township-owned facilities. The structure of
parks and recreation begins at the top with the residents, goes down to the Township
Board, then the Community Recreational Services Organization (CRSO) who ultimately
advise the Township Board and receive their oversight from the Township Clerk, and
then to community volunteers. The structure is shown in Figure 2.1 – Administrative
Structure.
On December 21, 2010, the CRSO was established when the Township Board accepted
the Parks and Recreation Subcommittee’s recommendation to restructure the Parks
and Recreation Board and create the new CRSO committee. Although the Board was
dissolved, volunteers and recreation providers from the community still play an
important role under the CRSO by providing their time and energy for the construction
of capital improvement projects and the ongoing maintenance of park facilities.
The structure of Community Ed, as shown in Figure 2.1, is an offshoot of the Pinckney
Community Schools. Community Ed does not report directly to any Hamburg Township
government entity. Their structure starts at the top with the Pinckney Community School
Board, the Superintendent reports to the School Board, and Community Ed in-turn
reports to the Superintendent. It should be noted that Community Ed serves Hamburg
and areas in six other townships outside of Hamburg, including the Village of Pinckney,
Genoa Charter Township, Dexter, Marion, Unadilla, Webster, and Putnam Townships.
Given the importance of the various recreation providers in the Township, they have
been included in the administrative structure as well. There are a number of providers
that serve the recreational needs of the residents, including but not limited to, baseball,
football, cheer/pom, rugby, radio controlled flying, soccer, and many others. The
providers are also shown in Figure 2.1as an offshoot of the residents in Hamburg in that
they essentially report to their recreation participants.
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Figure 2.1
Administrative Structure
Parks and Recreation Funding
The amended CRSO operating budget for the 2011/2012 fiscal year was $134,402. Most
of the funds come from a 2009-2018 voter-approved 0.25 tax millage ($0.25 on each
$1,000 of taxable valuation) that raises funds for the operation and short and long term
maintenance of Lakelands Trail, Township parks, and the Hamburg Senior/Community
Center. Annually, the fund provides approximately $250,000 for recreation
maintenance and improvements. Table 2.1 summarizes the parks and recreation
budget for the past two years and the proposed upcoming year.
Tables 2.2 and 2.3 summarize the budget for Lakelands Trail and the Senior/Community
Center for the past two years and the proposed coming year.
Hamburg Township
Residents
Hamburg Township
Board of Trustees Community Ed
CRSO
Board
Pinckney
Community
Schools Board
Recreation
Providers HCSC
HERO
HPYFA
PBSC
PHBSA
Flyers RC Club
Others
Pinckney
Community
Schools Superintendent
Volunteers
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Table 2.1 Recreation Budget, 2010-2013
Actual
Expenses
Amended
Budget Budget
2010/2011 2011/2012 2012/2013
Parks and Recreation Items
Per Diem 4,334 1,800 3,900
Full-Time Employee Salaries - 23,275 26,394
Part-Time Employee Salaries 9,035 - -
Overtime 93 451 600
Township FICA 1,030 2,003 2,318
Workers’ Compensation - 93 116
Long/Short Term Disability - 438 352
Retirement - 2,641 2,639
Life Insurance - 66 56
Blue Cross - 13,840 14,042
Liability/Casualty Insurance - 1,970 2,000
CRSO Items
Supplies & Small Equipment 1,542 3,000 2,500
Vehicle Fuel 1,017 1,000 500
Trash Disposal 965 1,300 1,200
Engr/Consultant/Prof Fees - 1,500 1,000
Legal Fees 6,128 6,000 3,000
Legal Notices/Advertising - - 200
Utilities 4,998 4,500 4,500
Sewer Bill 1,047 600 600
Natural Gas 482 1,400 1,000
Building Main – Park Buildings 20,639 7,000 6,000
Reserve For Parks Main - 7,500 7,500
Fertilizer - 10,000 15,000
Equipment Main/Repair 2,255 1,500 1,000
Portable Toilets 5,531 6,000 6,000
CRSO Events Committee
Expenses - 5,151 -
Sundry 640 1,000 1,000
Special Projects 30,144 31,000 44,000
Capital Equip/Improvement 129,055 - -
Reserve For Equip Purchase - 20,000 20,000
Transfer Out to Gen Fund - 735 -
Transfer to Enterprise 1,899 3,000 -
Total Expenses $220,834 $158,763 $167,417 Source: Hamburg Township 2012-2013 Recommended Budget
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Table 2.2 Lakelands Trail Budget 2010-2013
Actual
Expenses
Amended
Budget Budget
2010/2011 2011/2012 2012/2013
Lakelands Trail
Liability/Casualty Insurance - 390 400
Trash Disposal - 200 200
Legal Fees - 200 200
Utilities 379 500 500
Reserve For Trail Maintenance - 15,000 15,000
Equipment Main/Repair 60 1,100 500
Trail Maintenance 4,826 7,500 4,000
RR Maintenance Fee 1,000 1,000 1,000
Sundry - 150 250
DNR Land Purchase 383,343 - -
Transfer Out to Gen Fund - 6,500 2,500
Transfer to Enterprise 300 1,500 1,000
Total Expenses $389,907 $34,040 $25,550 Source: Hamburg Township 2012-2013 Recommended Budget
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Table 2.3 Senior/Community Center Budget 2010-2013
Actual
Expenses
Amended
Budget Budget
2010/2011 2011/2012 2012/2013
Senior/Community Center
Full-Time Employee Salaries 36,554 36,057 37,807
Part-Time Employee Salaries 8,378 10,300 10,300
Overtime 1,760 1,800 1,800
Payment in Lieu of Insurance 3,000 3,150 3,000
Township FICA 3,801 3,730 3,910
Workers’ Compensation - 510 529
Long/Short Term Disability 514 556 514
Retirement 3,703 3,786 3,961
Life Insurance 119 184 158
Blue Cross - - -
Liability/Casualty Insurance - 1,541 2,000
Supplies & Small Equipment 5,037 4,000 3,500
Contractual Services 252 250 250
Trash Disposal 640 850 750
Phone/Comm/Internet 1,087 1,100 1,000
Mileage 661 900 750
Workshops/Seminars 969 750 750
Utilities 5,633 5,400 5,000
Consumers Power/Fossil Fuel 2,801 2,400 2,400
Center Maintenance 3,751 3,500 3,000
Reserve Maintenance - 10,000 10,000
Fertilizer - 400 500
Equipment Main/Repair 1,729 2,000 1,500
Improvements 540 2,500 2,500
Dues/Subscriptions/Certifications 210 250 250
Sundry 1,758 2,000 2,000
Capital Equip/Improvement 2,180 2,700 2,500
Reserve For Equip Purchase - - -
Transfer Out to Gen Fund - - -
Transfer to Enterprise - - -
Total Expenses $85,079 $100,614 $100,629 Source: Hamburg Township 2012-2013 Recommended Budget
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Chapter 3
Parks and Recreation Inventory
Developing a complete inventory of recreation facilities, programs, and events is an
essential component of a five year Parks and Recreation Master Plan as it provides a
base of information to use in developing the Action Plan. Understanding what facilities,
programs, and events are available to Hamburg Township residents will assist decision-
making in the future. It should be noted that not all facilities listed in this chapter are
available to the public, but they provide additional recreation opportunities for
Township residents who choose to utilize their services. The inventory covers the
following components:
Public Parks and Facilities (managed or owned by Hamburg Township) Undeveloped Park Land School Parks and Facilities Regional Parks and Facilities Local Parks and Facilities Private Parks and Facilities Community Recreation Programs Funding Resources
Public Parks and Facilities
Hamburg Township owns one community park and contains a number of facilities
owned by the Pinckney Community School District. An inventory of the public parks and
facilities is described below and shown on Map 2 – Parks and Recreation Inventory and
Table 3.1 – Public Parks and Recreation Facilities Inventory. These parks and facilities are
broken down into categories based on size and function. These categories are
suggested by the National Recreation and Parks Association and are meant to aid in
determining the primary purposes and uses of existing facilities in the Township.
Mini/Neighborhood Parks
Mini parks are categorized as small, specialized parks that are usually less than one acre
in size and serve the needs of the residents in the immediate area, approximately less
than one-quarter mile away. These parks usually serve a limited, isolated, or unique
population. Neighborhood parks are typically multi-purpose facilities that serve as the
recreational and social focus of a neighborhood. They provide areas for both passive
and active recreation activities such as fields, playgrounds, picnicking, and trails. These
parks are typically between five and ten acres in size and serve residents within one-half
mile.
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Mini and neighborhood parks are provided through Hamburg Township’s award winning open space program. It has been the policy of Hamburg Township over the past 15 years to require new residential developments to provide open space areas within each project to meet the passive and active recreational needs of these neighborhoods. In addition, several older residential developments have open space set aside for these purposes. It is estimated that there are over 750 acres of open space dedicated to serve the recreation needs of the Township’s neighborhoods. Country Elementary School. Country Elementary is classified as a neighborhood park. Recreational amenities include three baseball diamonds, basketball hoops, a gymnasium, a multi-purpose field, and playground equipment. Hamburg Elementary School. Although the school and its building are closed, Hamburg Elementary is still classified as a neighborhood park because its outdoor recreational facilities remain accessible to the public. Recreational amenities include a basketball hoop, a multi-purpose field, and playground equipment. Lakeland Elementary School. Lakeland Elementary is classified as a neighborhood park. Recreational amenities include basketball hoops, a gymnasium, a multi-purpose field, and playground equipment.
Community Parks Community parks typically contain a wide variety of recreation facilities to meet the diverse needs of residents in the Township. Community parks may include areas for intense active recreation as well as passive recreation opportunities not commonly found in mini or neighborhood parks. The focus of these parks is to meet community-based recreation needs, as well as preserve unique landscapes and open spaces. Community parks are generally at least 30 acres in size and serve residents within one-`half to three miles of the park. Community parks may also include smaller parks that are more specialized in nature and are meant to serve the entire community. Hamburg Township has four facilities that can be classified as Community Parks, as follows: Manly W. Bennett Memorial Park (Bennett Park). Bennett Park (Map 2) is a 384-acre park located in the southeast portion of the Township, and is divided between West Bennett Park and East Bennett Park on either side of Merrill Road. The park is owned and maintained by Hamburg Township. West Bennett includes playground equipment, soccer fields, nature trails, a boardwalk, a concession stand, a picnic shelter, and preserved natural features. East Bennett includes playground equipment, several baseball diamonds, the Hamburg R/C Airplane Flyers Club Field, football practice areas, a concession stand, and picnic shelters.
Typical Neighborhood Open Space
Manly W. Bennett Memorial Park
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MAP 2- Manly W. Bennett Park
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Navigator/Pathfinder Middle School. Due to its
extensive recreational facilities, Navigator/
Pathfinder is classified as a community park.
Recreational amenities include a swimming pool,
community theater, indoor running track, outdoor
track, soccer field, weight room, performing arts
room, basketball courts, a baseball field, two softball
fields, and eight tennis courts.
Winkelhaus Park. The former site of the Hamburg Hotel is being redeveloped into a
Village Park in memory of the Winkelhaus family and the old Hotel itself. The park will
provide open space adjacent to Lakelands Trail with covered seating, an open play
area, and a permanent exhibit highlighting life at the Hotel.
Pinckney High School. Due to its extensive recreational facilities, Pinckney High School
(located in Putnam Township) is classified as a community park. Recreational amenities
include a swimming pool, weight room, performing arts room, indoor running track,
outdoor running track, a football practice field, a football playing field, two soccer
practice fields, tennis courts, three basketball courts, two softball diamonds, and two
baseball diamonds.
Lakelands Trail State Park. Lakelands Trail State Park is a statewide linear park from Lake
Huron to Lake Michigan, 6.8 miles of which are located within and maintained by
Hamburg Township. It passes through wooded areas, rolling farmland, lakes, marshes,
parkland, commercial, and residential properties. Lakelands Trail is designed for hiking,
bicycling, wheelchair use and horseback riding. Cross-country skiing is popular in winter.
Motorized vehicles and hunting are prohibited. Trailheads are located at West Bennett
Park in the parking lot adjacent to Merrill Road (Merrill Trailhead), on the south side of
the intersection of M-36 and Pettysville Road (Pettysville Trailhead), and there is a
recently acquired unimproved trailhead on Hamburg Road adjacent to Winkelhaus
Park (Hamburg Village Trailhead). The Township intends to complete the unimproved
portion of the trail and to develop and improve the Hamburg Village Trailhead as funds
become available to do so.
Community Facilities
Hamburg Township has three facilities that fall into the category of Community Facilities,
based on use characteristics, and are used extensively by Township residents.
Pinckney High School
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Hamburg Historical Society Museum. This museum was established in 2004 and is
located on Stone Street just off of Hamburg Road. It is open Wednesdays and
Saturdays. The goal of the museum is to preserve and present the history of Hamburg,
and it is located in one of Hamburg's major historic buildings. The building began in the
mid-1850's as a Methodist Church, housed the Township offices in the mid-1900's, and
was the home of the Hamburg Township Library for over 20 years.
Hamburg Senior/Community Center. The
Hamburg Senior/Community Center is located
on Merrill Road and opened in 1990. The center
offers a daily lunch and a variety of
programming and activities for seniors such as
social, fitness and health, games, art and music,
and travel excursions. The building is available
evenings and weekends for group meetings and
functions.
Hamburg Township Library. Located
on Merrill Road, the library collection
consists of over 60,000 items
including books, magazines,
newspapers, music CDs, sheet
music, DVDs, audio books, e-books,
and a literacy collection. In
addition, there are meeting rooms,
computers (desktops and laptops),
Wi-Fi, and various types of
equipment for public use.
Hamburg Senior/Community Center
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Table 3.1
Public Parks and Recreation Facilities Inventory1
Park/Facility Name
Ac
res
Ac
ce
ssib
ility
2
Ba
seb
all/S
oft
ba
ll
Ba
ske
tba
ll C
ou
rts
Do
g P
ark
Eq
ue
stria
n R
ing
Fitn
ess
Ce
nte
r
Fo
otb
all
Go
lf C
ou
rse
Grills
Gy
mn
asi
um
Ice
Sk
atin
g R
ink
Mu
lti-
Pu
rpo
se F
ield
3
Pa
rkin
g
Pic
nic
Ta
ble
(s)
Pic
nic
Sh
elte
r
Pla
y E
qu
ipm
en
t/
Str
uc
ture
Re
stro
om
Sle
dd
ing
Hill
So
cc
er
Fie
ld
Sw
imm
ing
Po
ol
Ten
nis
Co
urt
Tra
ck
/Wa
lkin
g P
ath
Vo
lle
yb
all
Co
urt
RC
Airp
lan
e R
un
wa
y
Community Parks and Facilities
Hamburg Historical Society
Museum ─ 2 ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ X ─ ─ ─ X ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─
Hamburg Senior Community3
Center ─ 3 ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ X X ─ ─ X ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─
Hamburg Township Library3 ─ 2 ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ X X ─ ─ X ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─
Manly W. Bennett Memorial Park 384 2 4/5 ─ ─ ─ ─ 3 ─ X ─ ─ X X X X 2 X ─ 13 ─ ─ 1 1 1
Winkelhaus Park 0.91 2 ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ X ─ ─ ─ X X X 1 ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ 1 ─ ─
School Parks and Facilities
Country Elementary School 11.94 2 3/0 1.5 ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ 1 ─ X X ─ ─ 1 X ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─
Hamburg Elementary School 13.15 2 ─ 0.5 ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ X X ─ ─ 1 ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─
Lakeland Elementary School 20.34 2 1/0 1.5 ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ 1 ─ X X ─ ─ 1 X ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─
Navigator/Pathfinder Middle
School 51.89 2 1/2 2.5 ─ ─ 1 ─ ─ ─ 1 ─ X X ─ ─ ─ X ─ 1 1 8 2 ─ ─
Pinckney High School 101.03 2 2/2 3 ─ ─ 1 2 ─ ─ 1 ─ X X ─ ─ ─ X ─ 2 1 8 2 1 ─
TOTAL 583.26 ─ 11/9 9 ─ ─ 2 5 ─ X 5 ─ X X X X 6 X ─ 16 2 16 6 2 1
1 Some facilities included in the inventory are not open to the public because they are school facilities.
2 See Chapter 3 (Barrier Free Accessibility) for further information regarding the accessibility assessment. 3 The Township Library and Senior Community Center are located on the 384 acre Bennett Park.
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School Parks and Facilities
The school facilities within the Township contain various types of indoor and outdoor
facilities that are used by school teams, organized youth sport organizations such as
Community Ed, and residents. Although the
primary users are school teams and classes,
they are widely used by athletic organizations
and residents so they are incorporated into the
plan analysis. A complete inventory of public
school sites within Hamburg Township is listed in
Table 3.1 as well. For the purposes of this
inventory, all public school facilities were
classified as neighborhood parks with the
exception of Pinckney High School and
Navigator/Pathfinder which were considered
community parks.
Barrier Free Accessibility
The passage of the American Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) requires all areas of public
service, including parks and other recreation facilities, to have barrier-free accessibility.
An evaluation of Hamburg parks and recreation facilities has been conducted as part
of the inventory. In accordance with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources
(MDNR) standards, facilities were evaluated to determine if a person with any of the
following criteria can safely and independently access and use the park or facility:
Has limited sight or is blind Uses a wheelchair Has a hearing impairment or is deaf Uses a walking aid Has a mental impairment
A five-point evaluation system was used to rank each facility’s accessibility. The system
is described below and the accessibility rankings can be found in Table 3.1 – Public
Parks and Recreation Facilities Inventory.
Level 1. The park is not accessible to people with a broad range of physical disabilities. The site includes little paved areas and the facilities such as play
equipment or picnic areas are not easily accessible.
Level 2. The park is somewhat accessible to people with a broad range of physical disabilities. Either the parking area or pathways are paved, but not both.
Many of the facilities such as play equipment or picnic areas are not easily
accessible.
Level 3. The park is mostly accessible to people with a broad range of physical disabilities. Most of the parking areas and pathways are paved, and some of the
Pinckney High School Softball Facility
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facilities such as play equipment or picnic areas are accessible but may not be
completely barrier-free.
Level 4. The park is completely accessible to people with a broad range of physical disabilities. Parking areas and pathways area paved, and most of the
facilities such as play equipment or picnic areas area easily accessible.
Level 5. The entire park was developed or renovated using the principles of universal design, a design approach which enables all environments to be
usable by everyone, to the greatest extent possible, regardless of age, ability, or
situation.
Regional Parks and Facilities
Regional parks offer unique natural features that are particularly suited for outdoor
recreation, such as viewing and studying nature, fishing, boating, hiking, and trail use.
Many also include active play areas such as ball fields or courts. While these parks are
not used for formal programming by Hamburg Township, they provide active and
passive recreational opportunities to the residents of the community. Regional facilities
are provided by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the Huron-Clinton
Metropolitan Authority, and Livingston, Jackson, Genesee, Oakland, Wayne, and
Washtenaw Counties. The regional parks located within close proximity of the Township
are shown on Map 3 – Regional Parks and Recreation.
Michigan State Parks
There are a number of Michigan State Parks that provide recreational opportunities to
Hamburg residents. These state facilities provide a variety of activities including
camping, picnicking, swimming, hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, hiking, cross-county
skiing, mountain biking, and horseback riding.
Brighton State Recreation Area. The 4,909 acre Brighton Recreation Area is located in
Hamburg Township and provides opportunities for swimming, picnicking, hiking,
camping, boating, and fishing, as well as playground equipment.
Lakelands Trail State Park. A comprehensive
description of Lakelands Trail State Park is provided
in the Community Facilities section of this chapter.
Five other state parks are also located within
Livingston County including:
Gregory State Game Area (Unadilla Township) Island Lake State Recreation Area (Green Oak
Township)
Oak Grove State Game Area (Cohoctah Township and Deerfield Township)
Pinckney State Recreation Area (Putnam Township and Unadilla Township) Unadilla Wildlife Area (Unadilla Township)
Lakelands Trail State Park
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There are also 11 other state parks located within approximately 30 miles or less of the
Township:
Chelsea State Game Area (Lima Township, Washtenaw County) Dodge #4 State Park- Cass Lake (Waterford Township, Oakland County) Highland State Recreation Area (White Lake Township, Oakland County) Holly State Recreation Area (Holly Township, Oakland County) Maybury State Park (Northville Township, Wayne County) Meridian Baseline Historic State Park (Henrietta Township, Jackson County) Pontiac Lake State Recreation Area (White Lake Township, Oakland County) Proud Lake State Recreation Area (Commerce Township, Oakland County) Seven Lakes State Park (Holly Township, Oakland County) Sharonville State Wildlife Management Area (Sharon Township, Washtenaw County) Waterloo State Recreation Area (Waterloo Township, Jackson County)
County Parks
The Livingston County parks system consists of one park, Lutz County Park, which is
currently under development. The park is 320 acres of former farmland that was
donated to the County by a former resident named Owen Lutz. The site contains
numerous natural features as well as a number of buildings. The County is in the process
of improving the park by adding a parking lot with a trailhead display case, over 7,000
linear feet of groomed trails, interpretive signs explaining local flora and fauna, picnic
tables, and park benches.
The Genesee County, Oakland County, and Washtenaw County park systems also
maintain extensive park lands within 30 miles or less from Hamburg, providing additional
recreational resources, including picnicking, playgrounds, swimming, and trails:
Cavanaugh Lake County Park (Sylvan Township, Washtenaw County) Clear Lake County Park (Waterloo Township, Jackson County) County Farm Park (Pittsfield Township, Washtenaw County) Gillett’s Lake County Park (Leoni Township, Jackson County) Grass Lake County Park (Grass Lake Township, Jackson County) Groveland Oaks County Park (Groveland Township, Oakland County) Independence Lake County Park (Webster Township, Washtenaw County) Linden County Park (Linden Township, Genesee County) Little Wolf County Lake (Napoleon Township, Jackson County) Lyon Oaks County Park (City of Wixom, Oakland County) Parker Miller County Park (Ann Arbor Township, Washtenaw County) Park Lyndon (Lyndon Township, Washtenaw County) Park Northfield (Northfield Township, Washtenaw County) Pleasant Lake County Park (Henrietta Township, Jackson County) Portage Lake County Park (Waterloo Township, Jackson County) Rolling Hills County Park (Ypsilanti Township, Washtenaw County) Rose Oaks County Park (Rose Township, Oakland County) Sharon Mills County Park (Sharon Township, Washtenaw County) Springfield Oaks (Springfield Township, Oakland County) Waterford Oaks (Waterford Township, Oakland County)
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Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority
The Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority (HCMA) is a regional park district that
encompasses the counties of Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw and Livingston.
Since its inception in 1940, the HCMA has obtained over 20,000 acres of park land, all
located in the metro Detroit region. The parks provide a variety of outdoor recreation
and educational activities including picnicking, hiking, golf, biking, winter sports, golf,
water-related activities, horseback riding, and special programs. The HCMA regional
parks within approximately 30 miles or less from Hamburg Township are:
Delhi Metropark (Scio Township, Washtenaw County)
Dexter-Huron Metropark (Dexter Township, Washtenaw County)
Hudson Mills Metropark (Dexter Township, Washtenaw County)
Huron Meadows Metropark (Green Oak Township, Livingston County)
Indian Springs Metropark (Springfield Township, Oakland County)
Kensington Metropark (Milford Township, Oakland County)
Lower Huron Metropark (Van Buren Township, Wayne County)
Huron Meadows Metropark
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MAP 4- Regional Parks and Recreation
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Local Parks and Facilities
Surrounded by the communities of Brighton, Pinckney, Howell, and Dexter, Hamburg
residents benefit from the proximity of neighboring communities’ parks and recreation
facilities. The following parks are located a short distance from the Township:
Brighton Mill Pond (Brighton) Selcra Meijer Skate Park (Brighton) Baldwin Park (Howell) Genoa Township Fields (Genoa
Township)
Howell City Park (Howell) Howell Area Aquatic Center (Howell) Howell Recreation Center (Howell) Lakeside Drive Park (Howell)
Marion Disc Golf Course (Marion Township)
Oceola Township Soccer Fields (Oceola Township)
Page Field (Howell) Paul Bennett Field (Howell) Putnam Township Square (Pinckney)
Private Parks and Facilities
Private Businesses. Several privately owned recreation facilities located within or near
Hamburg provide recreational opportunities that complement those provided by the
Township and other recreation providers. Although these facilities are privately
operated and may charge a user fee or require membership, they are considered in
the plan analysis because they meet specific community needs. Private facilities
include:
Bowling Alleys. Brighton Bowl, Howell Bowl-E-Drome, Bel-Mark Bowl, Chelsea Lanes, Whitmore Lanes and Lounge.
Camps. Camp Birkett, Camp Talahi, Crooked Creek Farm, DiBrova Camp, Hamburg Fitness Center and Camp, Varsity Day Camp, Voice of Christian Youth
Pine Hills,
Fitness Clubs. Anytime Fitness, Crossfit Brighton, Curves for Women, Gold’s Gym, Jazzercise, Lady of Livingston, Michigan Rehabilitation Specialists, Snap Fitness,
Total Fitness Center.
Gymnastics. Champion Gymnastics, High Flyers Education Gymnastics Center, Infinity Gymnastics Academy, Michigan Academy of Gymnastics.
Ice Skating. Ann Arbor Ice Cube, Arctic Coliseum, Grand Oaks Ice Arena, Kensington Valley Ice House, Veterans Memorial Ice Rink, Yost Ice Arena.
Golf Courses (Private/Members Only). Chemung Hills Country Club, Lakeland Golf and Country Club, Oak Pointe Country Club.
Golf Courses (Open to the Public). Hawk Meadows at Dama Farms, Faulkwood Shores Golf Club, Huron Meadows Metropark Golf Course, Ironwood Golf Club,
Kensington Metropark Golf Course, Majestic at Lake Walden, Rush Lake Golf
Course, Timber Trace Golf Club, Whispering Pines Golf Course, Woodland Golf
Course. Miscellaneous Facilities. Brighton Riding Stable, Golf-o-Rama, Emrich Conference
Center, Howell Nature Center, Kicks and Sticks Sports Arena, Livingston County Wildlife and Conservation Club (Archery, Hunting, Gun Safety, Trap Shooting,
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Hunting and Boater Safety Classes, etc.), Mt. Brighton Ski Area, Hamburg Pump
Track (publicly owned), Rollerama II, Spotlight Dance Studio, Whitmore Lake Road and Gun Club, Woodland Racquet Club.
Private Open Space. In addition to the private facilities listed above, Hamburg Township is proactive in obtaining privately-owned open space throughout the community to protect natural features and preserve the character of the Township. A number of residential developments have included open space for the residents. These private open spaces are a valuable resource not only for the homeowners and to protect natural resources, but also for additional park areas throughout the Township and add aesthetic appeal to the neighborhoods.
Community Recreation Programs
Hamburg Township does not currently sponsor any recreation programs or activities. Township residents participate in programs and activities through providers such as Community Ed, the Hamburg Township Library, and the sports groups who utilize the facilities. A number of other recreation providers and organizations exist in the Township as well that offer programming through their privately owned facilities. It should be noted that participants in these recreation programs are not limited to Hamburg residents. Moreover, anyone who resides generally within the Pinckney Community School District can participate. This means that the facilities have a demand that exceeds those of only Township residents.
Community Ed Community Ed is offered through the Pinckney Community School District offering sports and programs for youths, adults, and seniors. A partial list of programming offered
through Community Ed can be found below, with more detailed listings in Chapter 4 of this plan, and on their website at www.pinckneyschools.org/community-education.
Basketball Baton Twirling Dance Enrichment Classes Fitness Classes Golf Gymnastics Hula Hooping Kickboxing Marine Safety Martial Arts
Pilates Senior Activities Soccer Swimming Tennis Volleyball Weightlifting Yoga Zumba
Hamburg Library Located within the Township municipal campus, the Hamburg library offers a number of services to community residents and has been a strong supporter and provider of free or low-cost community recreational activities for all ages.
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Senior/Community Center
The Senior/Community Center offers a wide range of personal enrichment activities to
senior members of the community for a nominal fee. These activities include travel
excursions, two exercise classes provided through Michigan Rehabilitation Specialists,
two yoga classes, one-on-one computer lessons, watercolor and acrylic painting
classes, crafting classes, quilting instruction, and card-playing groups. A Military
Veteran’s Benefits Specialist also comes into the center on a monthly basis to provide
assistance to veterans.
Other Recreation Providers and Organizations
Other recreation providers and organizations in the Township include the Hamburg
Community Soccer Club (HCSC), Hamburg Enhanced Recreation Organization
(H.E.R.O.), Hamburg Flyers RC Clubs, Hamburg Pirate Youth Football Association
(HPYFA), Pinckney Blues Soccer Club (PBSC), and the Pinckney Hamburg Baseball
Softball Association (PHBSA), to name a few. There are a number of smaller providers
who meet the needs of specific sports and activities within the Township.
Funding Resources
Hamburg Township has received four state grants for the development of Manly W.
Bennett Park formerly known as Merrill Field. Table 3.2 summarizes the state recreation
grants awarded to the Township.
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Table 3.2
Recreation Grant History
Funding Source Project
Name/Number
Grant
Amount Project Description
Current
Condition
Michigan Land
and Water
Conservation Fund
(LWCF) (1980)
Manly Bennett
Field (Project No.
26-01104 B)
$25,044.83
Concession/restroom
building, utilities,
sewage disposal, site
restoration and
landscaping, parking
area, LWCF sign.
Good (some
upgrades
needed)
Michigan Land
and Water
Conservation Fund
(LWCF) (1983)
Merrill Field
(Project No. 26-
01274)
$29,133
Landscaping,
entrance signs, road
and parking lot
improvements, play
structure asphalt
walkway, litter barrels,
bleachers, service
gate, and LWCF sign.
Good (some
upgrades
needed)
Bond Fund(1989)
Manly W. Bennett
Park (Project No.
BF89-092)
$100,800
Division A soccer field,
Division B soccer field,
lighting for 2 ballfields,
parking lot, 4
shuffleboard courts,
picnic tables, picnic
pavilion, playground
equipment, 2
basketball courts, 9
bleachers, 4” well, 2
tennis courts, 2 batting
cages.
Good (some
upgrades
needed)
Clean Michigan
Initiative (1999)
Manly W. Bennett
Park (Project No.
CM99-077)
$247,000
Nature trails (8,000’),
paved trails (8’ wide,
3,800’), boardwalk
(600’), fishing dock,
picnic tables, picnic
shelters with storage
shed, playground
equipment.
Good (some
upgrades
needed)
Source: Hamburg Township, Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR)
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Chapter 4
Basis for Action Plan
An essential task in the recreation planning process is to determine the needs of the
community. The needs serve as a basis for the development of the action plan. This task
is accomplished using a compilation of several methods, including comparing the
community to national recreation guidelines for the size of the community, information
obtained during the public input process, consultation with the Community
Recreational Services Organization (CRSO), Township Board, Planning Commission,
Hamburg Library, and Pinckney Community Ed, and by reviewing current offerings and
programming.
Planning and Public Input Process
Planning Process. The Township Board directed the update of the Hamburg Township
Parks and Recreation Master Plan. Citizen and Township input played a critical role in
the development of the plan. As a result, recommendations described within the action
plan reflect the needs and ideas of those who use the Township’s parks and recreation
facilities. The plan process included seven tasks which are discussed below.
Task One: Community Profile. The first task was to obtain a description of Hamburg Township’s physical and social features. These features include
location, land use, natural features, and a description of the area’s
transportation network as well as population features including age distribution,
people with physical disabilities, types of households, employment, and income.
Task Two: Administrative Structure. The second task was to obtain and review the administrative structure of the Township and CSRO. This analysis also includes a
review of the current and projected recreation, Lakelands Trail, and Senior
Community Center budgets for the Township.
Task Three: Parks and Recreation Inventory. The recreation inventory included site visits and written descriptions of recreation facilities in Hamburg Township
including public parks, schools, community facilities, and private facilities. The
information included acreage, barrier-free accessibility, types of recreation
activities, types of equipment, and other descriptions of the physical attributes of
the area’s recreation facilities. A list of neighboring communities’ facilities, State
Parks, Genesee County Parks, Oakland County Parks, Wayne County Parks,
Washtenaw County Parks, and Huron-Clinton Metroparks within a short distance
of Hamburg is also included.
Task Four: Public Participation. McKenna Associates conducted stakeholder focus group interviews with key people and community members involved with
recreation, natural resources/preservation, historical/cultural activities, seniors,
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and the schools. A public open house workshop to gain input from the general
public on proposed improvements to Bennett Park was also held to gain
additional insight on the community’s recreation priorities. Finally, a parks and
recreation survey was distributed to the youth in the community to gather more
information about the types of programs and facilities they would like to see in
Hamburg Township. In addition, comments from recreation providers were
gathered and used in the plan. A joint public hearing was held by the Hamburg
Township CSRO and the Planning Commission on 10/17/12. The Township has a
copy of the public comments received.
Task Five: Analysis. Based on the data collected from tasks one through four, information was analyzed in accordance with national and state standards and
guidelines, local needs, the experience of the Township and consultants, the
desires of the residents, and potential funding sources.
Task Six: Action Plan. Upon completion of the analysis, the draft goals and objectives were reviewed and updated accordingly to provide a framework for
the Action Plan. This created the five-year plan and offers a checklist of what
action is to be accomplished, when and where it will occur, who will accomplish
it, how much it will cost, and potential funding sources.
Task Seven: Plan Completion and Adoption. Once consensus was reached among the CSRO and Township officials, a public hearing was held to present
the plan and to solicit public input prior to adoption. See Appendix for adoption
documentation and meeting minutes.
Stakeholder Focus Group Interviews. Focus group interviews were held on the topic of
parks and recreation on April 16, 2012 at the Hamburg Township Hall. Participants were
selected for their role or specific involvement with groups/organizations or activities.
Those specifically interviewed include representatives or persons involved with the
Senior Citizens and the Community Center, football programs, Lakelands Trail (hiking,
biking, equestrian), baseball programs, Hamburg Flyers, H.E.RO., and soccer programs.
All groups were asked to discuss their specific concerns and issues they felt needed to
be included in the plan. Based on the responses, additional questions were asked
throughout the interviews. The ideas and input obtained during the interviews were
used as the basis for creating the future development concept plan for Manly W.
Bennett Memorial Park. These ideas were presented to the public during the open
house to obtain additional feedback and further refine the concept plan.
Public Visioning Open House. A public visioning open house was held at Hamburg
Township Hall on April 19, 2012 to seek additional input from residents and users of the
parks and recreation facilities to gain a better understanding of the community desires
related to parks and recreation and new facility development. Input received during
the focus group interviews was presented to the open house attendees for further
refinement and prioritization, as well as adding new ideas that may not have been
realized by the Focus Group attendees.
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Distribution DRAFT – October 2012
The open house was highly successful at generating additional ideas and priorities while
at the same time supporting the common themes discussed with the CSRO and during
the stakeholder focus group interviews. Attendees were encouraged to discuss all
possible ideas for what is needed in the Township and where these facilities or programs
should be located.
Parks and Recreation Survey. An survey was made available to “tweens” and teens
(residents between the ages of 11 and 19)both online and distributed by Pinckney
Community Schools. The survey was designed to evaluate overall satisfaction with the
parks and recreation facilities and programs in Hamburg Township, determine what is
needed, and gauge support for additional facilities. A summary of key survey results
include the following. These were used to help prepare the Action Plan:
The recreation facilities most frequented by the respondents are Lakelands Trail, soccer fields, and baseball diamonds.
A majority of the respondents felt that existing Township facilities are adequate for their sports group.
Respondents identified having movie days/nights, WI-FI hot spots, music days/nights, family fun events, casual sports areas, and game room/social
activities as the type of activities that would be most beneficial to them.
More than half of the respondents said access to a teen crisis center or counselors would help them or someone they knew.
Public Hearings and Adoption. A joint public hearing was held at Hamburg Township
Hall on 10/17/12 by the Hamburg Township CRSO and the Planning Commission to
obtain comments from residents and users about the draft plan. The Parks and
Recreation Committee recommended adoption to the Planning Commission and
Township Board and it was formally adopted on _____________.
Park Land Analysis and Service Areas
Approximately 5,630 acres of parks and facilities exist in Hamburg Township, of which
385 acres are owned by the Township, approximately 198 acres are owned by the
Pinckney Community School District (including Pinckney High School located in
neighboring Putnam Township), and the remaining 5,047 acres are owned by the State
of Michigan. Acreages for all other public and private facilities have not been included
in the total. As required by the MDNR, the Hamburg Township park land and recreation
facilities were compared to the minimum guidelines set forth by the National
Recreation and Park Association (NRPA, 1983). Although the NRPA’s guidelines were set
over 20 years ago, the MDNR still recommends their use as standards to establish
minimum community needs in terms of land area and number of facilities.
Caution must be exercised in the interpretation of these results given that these
guidelines were set over two decades ago and may not represent current popular
activities and trends. Each community, based on its own particular resources and
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Distribution DRAFT – October 2012
resident preferences and demands, are encouraged to establish its needs and
requirements so that the plan best suits the community’s desires for recreation.
Recreation needs are often better documented through public input rather than
relying only on the national guidelines. The NRPA guidelines and the MDNR standards
were considered in the development of the Action Plan but not weighted heavily.
Table 4.1 – MDNR Public Park Land Acreage Analysis and the following discussion
compares the amount of park land as it relates to the conditions of the Township and
the MDNR standards based on the Hamburg Township 2010 Census population of
21,165. Park classifications used by the MDNR are defined as follows:
Mini/Neighborhood Park. Mini/Neighborhood parks serve an area up to a one-half mile distance and are typically less than 10 acres in size. Hamburg’s three
local elementary schools are classified as neighborhood parks and provide the
recommended acreage of this park type. All of the neighborhood parks are
provided by Pinckney Community Schools, which are not controlled by the
Township. Given that the Township does not manage any mini/neighborhood
parks, efforts should be made to create more of this park type, particularly in
various parts of the Township to serve a greater number of residents. New
developments, when proposed, shall include ADA compliant facilities in their
plans.
Community Park. Community parks typically serve an area within one-half to three miles and are between 30 to 50 acres in size. The remaining parks and
school facilities have been categorized as community parks given the
population they serve despite some not meeting the size requirement. With a
recommended provision of 105.8 acres, the Township greatly exceeds this with
more than 538 acres (including Pinckney High School located in Putnam
Township). This surplus is due to the inclusion of the school facilities and partially
developed Manly W. Bennett Memorial Park and Winkelhaus Park, which when
fully developed will serve the greater community and possibly the surrounding
areas as well.
School Park. School properties can fulfill the requirements for other classes of parks such as neighborhood, community, sports complex, and special use. For
the purposes of this inventory Hamburg Elementary (building closed), Lakeland
Elementary, and Country Elementary were classified as neighborhood parks, and
Navigator/Pathfinder Middle School and Pinckney High School (Putnam
Township) were classified as community parks.
Regional Park. Both Brighton State Recreation Area and Lakelands Trail State Park are located within Hamburg Township. Regional facilities offer a variety of
active and passive recreational opportunities that help meet the need for local
parks and balance the deficiencies in facilities. Hamburg Township recently
acquired property between Hamburg and Hall Road including an unimproved
trailhead for the Lakelands Trail. The undeveloped trailhead is commonly known
as the Hamburg Village Trailhead. The Township intends to develop and improve
this portion of the trail including the trailhead as funding becomes. The Township
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Distribution DRAFT – October 2012
also maintains two trailheads at the intersection of M-36 and Pettysville Road,
and Merrill Road across from the municipal complex, and intends to develop
them more fully in the future. In addition to the Brighton State Recreation Area
and Lakelands Trail State Park, Hamburg residents utilize other regional parks
located in neighboring communities and benefit from their close proximity.
Table 4.1 MDNR Public Park Land Acreage Analysis
Park Classifications
NRPA Guideline Minimum
Acres1
Recommended Acreage for
Hamburg Twp.2
Public Hamburg Twp. Park
Public Regional
Park
Public School
Park Other5
Hamburg
Twp. Total
Surplus (Deficiency)
Mini/Neighborhood
Parks3 0.25 – 2 5.3 – 42.3 0 0 45.43 Numerous 45.43 3.13+
Community Parks4 5 105.8 384.91 0 152.92 - 537.8
3 432.53+
Subtotal - 111.1 – 148.1 384.91 0.0 198.35 Numerous 583.2
6 435.16+
Regional Parks 10 211.7 0 5,047 0 - 5,047 4,835.3+
Total - 322.8 – 359.8 384.91 5,047 198.35 Numerous 5,630.
26 5,270.46+
1 Per 1,000 Residents. 2 Based on Hamburg Township 2010 Census population count of 21,165. 3 School facilities classified as neighborhood parks: Hamburg, Lakeland, and Country elementary schools. 4 School facilities classified as community parks: Navigator/Pathfinder MS and Pinckney HS (Putnam Township). 5 Other includes playgrounds built as part of the development of new subdivisions.
Although the overall amount of park land in the Township is sufficient by national guidelines, it is important to consider the Township’s goals, type of parks, their location, and their disbursement throughout the Township. According to the above guidelines, Hamburg Township demonstrates a surplus in all of the categories but there may be a need for additional parks in the Township. For instance, the Township doesn’t currently own or operate any “mini parks”, although some subdivisions have play areas built by developers or homeowner associations that partially fulfill this need. When evaluating parks and recreation service areas it is important to closely consider where the residents in the Township live. The MDNR establishes a recommended service area for each park classification to determine the areas in Hamburg that are lacking easy access to parks and facilities. The service area boundary for each type of park is as follows:
Mini/Neighborhood Parks 0.25 – 0.5 miles Community Parks 0.5 – 3.0 miles Regional Parks 30 minute driving time
For the purposes of measuring the service area, a radius of one-half mile was used for mini/neighborhood parks and two miles for community parks. It should be noted that a majority of the Township is served by at least one type of park; however, the area in the southwest of the Township is lacking easy access to public and school facilities. The Township may consider acquiring land in this area and/or requiring the incorporation of recreation and open space area in future developments in the underserved sections of the Township, and accommodate future linking to the Lakelands Trail and recreation facilities by providing paths, greenways, and complete streets.
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A long time goal of the Township has been to preserve open space and natural features, as evident in the 2010 Hamburg Township Master Plan. Three environmental goals of this plan are “[t]o protect, preserve, and enhance whenever possible the unique and desirable natural amenities of Hamburg Township”, “[p]reserve the natural and historic character of Hamburg Township by accommodating a reasonable amount of development, but ensuring the development is in harmony with the natural features and environmental requirements of the Township”, and “encourage the development of a non-motorized trail way system as indicated in the Southeast Livingston Greenways Plan”. These goals include the preservation of natural features such as woodlands and wetlands and the promotion of gr