Osceola Township Recreation Plan 2011-2015
Adopted January 13, 2011
Prepared for: Osceola Township•P.O. Box 437•Dollar Bay, MI 49922
Prepared by: Western U.P. Planning & Development Region•P.O. Box 365•Houghton, MI 49931
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TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................................... 3
COMMUNITY DESCRIPTION ..................................................................................................................... 4
a. Location ....................................................................................................................................... 4
b. Population, Housing and Socio-Economic Characteristics ............................................................. 4
c. Land-Use and Zoning.................................................................................................................... 8
d. Economy ...................................................................................................................................... 8
e. Transportation Systems ............................................................................................................... 9
f. Topography ................................................................................................................................. 9
g. Geology and Soils ....................................................................................................................... 10
h. Climatic Conditions .................................................................................................................... 10
i. Water Resources ........................................................................................................................ 11
j. Vegetation and Wildlife ............................................................................................................. 11
ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE ............................................................................................................... 12
RECREATION INVENTORY (See Figure 3) ................................................................................................ 13
a. Recreational Sites Within Osceola Township .............................................................................. 15
b. Recreational Sites Within Houghton County ............................................................................... 18
RECREATION GOAL ................................................................................................................................ 21
ACTION PROGRAM ................................................................................................................................ 22
SOURCES OF FUNDING .......................................................................................................................... 27
DESCRIPTION OF PLANNING PROCESS ................................................................................................... 28
APPENDIX A: RECREATION SURVEY & RESULTS .....................................................................................A-1
APPENDIX B: PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE, MEETING MINUTES & RESOLUTION ......................................... B-1
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INTRODUCTION
The 2011-2015 Osceola Township Recreation Plan (Plan) has been developed to guide
recreation improvements in the Township over the next five years. The Plan provides an
overview of the community, presents an inventory of existing recreational facilities, and
provides a framework for continued improvement and development of recreation facilities in
Osceola Township. The goal of the Plan is to establish a program of improvements that meets
the needs but is also affordable and achievable for the Township. A five-year plan also qualifies
Osceola Township to apply for Department of Natural Resources & Environment (DNRE) and
other grants.
This Plan, prepared by Western Upper Peninsula Planning and Development Region, was
developed under the guidance of a Recreation Plan Committee on behalf of the Osceola
Township Board. Public comments and suggestions were taken under consideration during the
development of the Plan. The Plan will continue to be updated, as needed, to address changing
needs of the community and its residents. The Osceola Township Board adopted the Plan on
January 13, 2011.
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COMMUNITY DESCRIPTION
a. LOCATION
Osceola Township is located in northern Houghton County, which is found in the western
Upper Peninsula of Michigan (see Figure 1: Location Map). The southern tip of the Township is
on the Portage shipping canal and its most northern boundary is close to the Keweenaw County
line. It is bounded on the east by Franklin Township, north by Calumet Township, and west by
Schoolcraft and Torch Lake Townships. The Township contains the four unincorporated
communities of Dollar Bay, Tamarack City, Tamarack Location and Osceola.
b. POPULATION, HOUSING AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS
Prior to the turn of the century and for many years thereafter, the area’s economy flourished.
With the decline of copper mining and lumbering the area experienced a steady out-migration
of residents in response to the decline of those industries. Over the years of economic decline
many people migrated out of the local area and the western Upper Peninsula. The mining
industry eventually closed down operations in Houghton County in 1968. Although the closing
of the mines placed the area in a state of economic depression that is still apparent today, there
are indications that the area is stabilizing as population totals show little change between 1990,
2000 and the 2009 estimate from the US Census Bureau.
Table 1: Osceola Township Population
Population
Osceola Township 1990 1,878
Osceola Township 2000 1,908
Osceola Township 2009 (estimated) 1,842
Source: US Census Bureau (2000)
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Osceola Township OLocation Map Source: ESRI, MI CGI.
Date: November 2010
Created by: WUPPDR
Lake Superior
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Figure 1
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Analyzing population age distribution characteristics aids in determining the types of
recreation and community facilities needed. There are three main groups: 0-5 pre-school, 18
and over prime labor force, and 65 plus. The following table, based on 2000 census data,
summarizes the population (2010 census data was unavailable at time of plan development).
Table 2: Population Distribution
Population Distribution
2000 Census Persons Percent of Total
Male 965 50.6%
Female 943 49.4%
Under 5 Years Old 130 6.8%
5 to 17 Years Old 351 18.4%
18 to 64 Years Old 1133 59.4%
65 Years and Over 294 15.4%
White 1,870 98.0%
Black or African American 2 0.1%
American Indian, Eskimo or Aleut 8 0.4%
Asian or Pacific Islander 7 0.4%
Two or more races 21 1.1%
Mobility or Self Care Limitation (Age 21-64) 157 8.2 %
Total with Work Disability 83 53.1%
Prevented from Working 74 47.1%
Mobility or Self Care Limitation (Age 65 and over) 115 40.4%
Source: US Census Bureau (2000)
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The residents in the 65 plus age group, which it slightly higher than the 12.8% state average,
represents those who were established in the area or are original natives of the area who
returned to retire in the Township. In recreation planning and programming, special
consideration should be given to this age group. While the percentage of the prime working
group is less than the norm, the school age group is equitable to the State level so accordingly,
these groups merit continuation of recreational facility planning and maintenance to meet their
demands. The high influx of tourists to the area each summer and winter also creates an
additional demand on local recreational facilities. Additional socioeconomic characteristics,
identified in the following tables, include income, housing costs and poverty levels.
Table 3: Income
Income
Median Household $31,278
Median Family $39,861
Per Capita $15,727
Source: US Census Bureau (2000)
Table 4: Housing Costs
Housing Costs
Median Home Value $46,100
Median Contact Rent $388
Source: US Census Bureau (2000)
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Table 5: Persons with Income below Poverty Status
Persons with Income below Poverty Status
2000 Census Total Persons Percent of Total
All Ages 211 11.5%
Under 18 Years of Age 63 14.8%
Over 18 Years of Age 148 10.4%
Families 36 1.9%
Source: US Census Bureau (2000)
c. LAND-USE AND ZONING
The land cover/use in Osceola Township includes everything from urban areas (residential,
commercial, etc.) to forests. The primary residential areas are focused in the unincorporated
communities of Dollar Bay, Tamarack City and Osceola. The rest of the Township is
interspersed with a mix of agricultural lands with large forested regions. Osceola Township
presently is not zoned.
d. ECONOMY
Osceola Township residents are primarily dependent on employment opportunities available in
the surrounding communities of Houghton, Hancock, Calumet and Laurium. Michigan
Technological University is the largest employer with approximately 1,650 jobs and an
enrollment of about 7,100 students. Other major employers in the region include Finlandia
University, Portage Health, Keweenaw Aspirus, governmental entities and other private
businesses. Employment opportunities within the Township include Horner Flooring and a
number of small service type businesses.
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e. TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS
Osceola Township has two major thoroughfares bisecting the north and south ends of the
Township. State Highway M-26 runs through the two unincorporated communities of Dollar
Bay and Tamarack City and U.S. 41 intersects the Township from southwest to northeast. A
well-maintained county road system compliments
the Federal and State highway system. Air service
is provided by United Express operated by
Skywest Airlines at the Houghton County Airport
between Hancock and Calumet off U.S. 41. There
are two daily flights to Chicago and intercity bus
service via Indian Trails is available in the City of
Hancock, which departs to Marquette, Green Bay,
Milwaukee and Chicago.
f. TOPOGRAPHY
Osceola Township’s topography
varies in elevation of
approximately 600 feet along
the banks of Portage Lake to
nearly 1,000 feet of elevation
away from the water. Osceola
Township has, for the most
part, the same physical features
as the rest of northern Houghton County with flat to gently rolling terrain. Slopes within the
Township can reach as much as 10-20%. Slopes, soil types, drainage and high water tables
inhibit some of the land in the county from being developed.
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g. GEOLOGY AND SOILS
The bedrock of the western portion of the Upper Peninsula and Osceola Township was formed
during the Precambrian Era and is crystalline in nature. The Keweenaw Peninsula bedrock is
made up of Copper Harbor Conglomerate, Portage Lake Lava Series and Jacobsville Sandstone
with the inactive Keweenaw fault running through the area. The most conspicuous geological
features are the rugged hills comprised of exposed bedrock, which can be seen throughout the
region. The Keweenaw Peninsula is much like other parts of Michigan, with an uneven blanket
of unconsolidated material covering the bedrock surface. This material, glacial drift, is a
mixture of sand, gravel, clay, and boulders. Glaciers that migrated south during the Pleistocene
Epoch transported this material. The two principal kinds of drift are stratified and unstratified.
h. CLIMATIC CONDITIONS
Lake Superior has a dominating effect on the climate of Osceola Township. Temperatures are
moderated and annual snowfalls in excess of 200 inches are created by the lake effect.
Excessive snowfall is possible and in 1978, 355
inches of snow fell at Houghton County’s
weather station. Data from the Houghton
County Airport weather station indicates that
the average annual precipitation is 36.03 inches,
while an average of 222.2 inches of snow falls
annually. The coldest month is January, when
temperatures average 13.7o. The hottest month
is July, with an average temperature of 66.1o.
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i. WATER RESOURCES
The lakes, rivers and streams in and around Osceola Township are the most prominent natural
features, particularly Portage Lake and Torch Lake. With many miles of shoreline along both
lakes, the Township possesses unique opportunities for recreational development.
Glacial drift and bedrock aquifers supply the wells in Houghton
County. Where present the thickness of glacial drift ranges from a
few feet to at least 312 feet. The groundwater quality from most
wells is satisfactory for most uses, though some wells contain
objectionable amounts of iron. The water supply used by the
communities in Houghton County is extracted from groundwater or
springs. In the southern part of the county a few farms developed
springs to supply enough water for both household and stock use.
j. VEGETATION AND WILDLIFE
Northern hardwoods characterize the predominant forest cover (of approximately 338,155
acres) in Houghton County. These forest lands are located primarily in the central and inland
areas of the County. Osceola Township, partially located inland in the County, has a total of
16,565 acres of which 37% or 6,024 acres are forested. The wildlife within the county includes
raccoons, skunks, rabbits, porcupines, squirrels, chipmunks and a variety of bird species.
Outside the developed areas, whitetail deer, black bear, fox, otter and beaver are also present.
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Osceola Township Board
Township Supervisor
Public Works
Crew in Charge
Parks Maintenance
Clerk's Office Treasurer's Office
Recreation Committee
Community Schools
ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE
In Osceola Township, park and recreational facilities are managed by the Township Board, with
the exception of the school-related properties and snowmobile trails. Current board members
are: Steven Karpiak—Supervisor, Judy Odgers—Clerk, Mary Ringler—Treasurer, Bonnie
Joyal—Trustee, and Aaron Janke—Trustee. Osceola Township supports and maintains
recreation facilities through annual budget appropriations. Maintenance is carried out by
Township employees. The Annual Recreation budget provides approximately $7,400 for
operations and maintenance of existing facilities. Additional funding is appropriated as needed
to match recreation development grants.
Figure 2: Administrative Structure
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RECREATION INVENTORY (SEE FIGURE 3)
Osceola Township maintains access to a number of recreation facilities for both local residents
and tourists. The following recreation inventory describes the types and location (See Figure 3)
of recreation facilities currently available in the Township and nearby. In addition, accessibility
assessments and rankings are provided for each site based on the parameters outlined in the
“DNRE Guidelines for the Development of Community Park, Recreation, Open Space, and
Greenway Plans” as follows:
1=none of the facilities/park areas meet accessibility guidelines
2=some of the facilities/park areas meet accessibility guidelines
3=most of the facilities/park areas meet accessibility guidelines
4=the entire park meets accessibility guidelines
5-the entire park was developed/renovated using the principals of universal design
Based on this inventory the need for improvements and additional recreational facilities can be
fully evaluated. The map in Figure 3 identifies the locations of Osceola Township’s recreation
sites.
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Osceola TownshipRecreation Sites Source: ESRI, MI CGI.
Date: November 2010
Created by: WUPPDR
Torch Lake
Recreation SitesOsceola TownshipCity Boundary
HighwayRoadBike Path / Snowmobile Trail
LakesRivers/StreamsTownship Lines
41
26
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Figure 3
Recreation SitesTamarack Mill ParkQuincy DredgeSandy Bottom ParkVeterans FieldDollar Bay Recreation FacilityGooseneck ParkDollar Bay Elementary Playground
1
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4
5
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Laurium
Calumet
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Dollar Bay
City ofHoughton
City ofHancock
Porta
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Osceola Location
Tamarack Location
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a. RECREATIONAL SITES WITHIN OSCEOLA TOWNSHIP
1. Tamarack Mill Park—6.12 acre site owned by Osceola Township. Former stamp mill site
that has been partially remediated. A
Department of Environmental
Quality Grant in 2004 provided soil
with seed on the southern portion of
the park, and a sidewalk was
constructed to provide barrier-free
access to much of the site. New
developments since the last Osceola
Township Recreation Plan Update in
2006 include a basketball court,
playground, pavilion, and electricity. Funding in the amount of $52,000 for these
projects came primarily from local fundraising efforts ($46,000) matched by funds from
Osceola Township and Tamarack City ($6,000). The park is used by local residents and
visitors of Tamarack City and the Township. Accessibility assessment=3.
2. Quincy Dredge—7.2 acre historic site
owned by Osceola Township located in a
historic district on the waterfront of the
Portage Lake Shipping Canal. The site
contains a partially submerged dredge
and smokestacks, which provided power
to the former mill. A common photo stop
for tourists along M26 and also viewed
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from the recreation trail that runs along the site. General access to the site is limited.
Accessibility assessment=1.
3. Sandy Bottom Park—Township owned 2.7 waterfront acres located on Lower Point Mills
Road less than two miles
from M-26, with an
additional 42 acres across
Point Mills Road. Sandy
Bottom Park is a day park
consisting of a swimming
beach, picnic area, pavilion
and boat launch. In 2004, a
combination of MDNR Trust
Fund Grants and Coastal
Management Program along with
Township support provided funds to
construct a restroom building,
swimming beach with swimming
delineation and shoreline protection
wall, paved parking lot with paved
pathways to improved boat launch
and beach, and construction of
covered and uncovered picnic tables. Township residents and visitors use the site.
Accessibility assessment=3.
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4. Veteran’s Field—4.57 acre site owned
by Veteran’s of Foreign Wars and
consists of a baseball field with
dugouts, barbeque pits, a memorial
bridge and a monolith that honors the
veterans. The baseball field is used by
youth and adult community baseball
leagues during the summer.
Accessibility assessment=3.
5. Dollar Bay Recreation Facility—Owned
by Osceola Township and located on
Main Street in Dollar Bay, the park
consists of an ice rink, warming hut,
tennis courts, basketball court and
horseshoe pit. The site is heavily used
in all seasons for general recreation.
Accessibility assessment=3.
6. Gooseneck Park—Owned by the Township, this approximate 4 acre site is located on M-
26 just outside of Dollar Bay. The property transferred ownership to the township from
Michigan Department of Transportation for recreation use only. At one time Gooseneck
Park was a roadside park complete with picnic, swimming, and play areas. Currently, the
site consists of a dirt road and grass areas which are maintained by the Township.
Accessibility assessment=2.
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7. Dollar Bay Head Start Playground—Owned by
Dollar Bay-Tamarack City Area Schools, the
playground is used by children in the Head Start
Program, and is adjacent to Dollar Bay Elementary
on North Maple Street. The playground is also
used by school and neighborhood children.
Accessibility assessment=3.
b. RECREATIONAL SITES WITHIN HOUGHTON COUNTY
Osceola Township is one of many recreational providers within Houghton County. There are a
number of recreational facilities within close proximity to Osceola Township that provide
opportunities to residents and visitors including:
1. Houghton County Arena—Located in
the City of Hancock, the Arena is a
multi-purpose facility serving a large
number of County residents through
various programs and services year-
round. It serves as the primary practice
and game facility for over 600 Junior
Hockey players including senior and
high school teams. Figure skating and
public skating for youth and senior citizens are also scheduled at the facility. Ice is
maintained at the Arena for six months of the year. The grounds also serve as a rest
station for the adjacent Maasto Hiito ski trails. It is used extensively for 4-H, the County
Fair, and other recreational and community programs and organizations.
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2. Houghton County Marina—The marina is located just outside the City of Hancock to the
east of the Portage Lake Lift Bridge and three miles west of Dollar Bay. The marina is full
service offering 54 slips, gas/diesel fuel, transient slips, pump-out station, picnic
facilities for boaters, ice cooler, and nautical charts.
3. Mont Ripley—Mont Ripley is a ski hill owned and operated by Michigan Technological
University. It is open during the winter season, and offers a complete rental shop and
skiing and snowboarding lessons. A high tech snow machine supplements the 20 feet of
natural snow Mont Ripley receives each year. Mont Ripley hosts a racing league for
adults as well as ski and snowboard bordercross racing, and is home to various school-
based ski teams. A National Nordic Ski Patrol provides first-aid and other services.
4. Beaches—Several sandy beaches are
accessible to the public and provide
opportunities for swimming and sunbathing.
Nearby Houghton County beaches include:
Lake Linden Recreation Area, Hancock Beach
and Campground, Houghton Waterfront
Park and Calumet Waterworks Park.
5. Trails—The region hosts a network of snowmobile/multipurpose trails that
complement Hancock’s offerings including the Jack Steven’s Rail-Trail from Hancock to
Calumet, the snowmobile trail from Hancock to Lake Linden, the Chassell-Houghton
Rail-Trail, MTU Ski Trails and the Swedetown Trails in Calumet. Opportunities for these
trails provide motorized and non-motorized activities such as biking, cross-country
skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, skijoring, ATV and snowmobiling.
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Houghton County also serves as one of the primary gateways to Isle Royale National Park. The
western Upper Peninsula also has countless sites offering more passive recreational
opportunities and would include the Keweenaw National Historical Park, Copper Country Trail
National Byway, museums, mine tours, scenic drives, etc.
Outside of Houghton County are
numerous facilities that allow for any
number of recreational pursuits, most
notably the Porcupine Mountains State
Park, Ottawa National Forest, and Fort
Wilkins State Park.
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RECREATION GOAL
The goal of Osceola Township is to define an affordable and achievable recreation improvement
program for the Township that will provide for the needs of residents and visitors and also
increase use and user satisfaction at Township facilities. Osceola Township is active in pursuing
recreation improvements at all of its recreational sites in order to provide for a wide range of
needs related to its diverse range of residents and long winter months. Needs in the Township
include updating facilities, expanding and extending the use of existing facilities, and
acquisition of additional recreation sites. The Township also encourages non-motorized
improvements (shoulders or separate pathways) as feasible with all road
construction/improvements.
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ACTION PROGRAM
In order to expand and extend the use of facilities as well as add to the current inventory, a
number of projects have been proposed. These projects were identified in previous plans and
through community input. Recreation projects were prioritized based on results from a
community survey (see Appendix A) and according to the current and projected needs of
Osceola Township determined by the Recreation Committee. The projects are addressed in the
following five-year capital improvement schedule. The capital improvement schedule will be
reviewed annually by the Recreation Committee and Township Board and acted upon based on
available funding and changing priorities or needs. It is the intent of Osceola Township to
review and amend this plan and implementation schedule as needed to support local efforts in
recreational programming. Acronyms used in the following table include:
MDNRE: Michigan Department of Natural Resources & Environment EPA: Environmental Protection Agency MDEQ: Michigan Department of Environmental Quality NSBG: National Scenic Byway Grant Program Table 6: Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan
Priority Year Project Cost Funding Source
2011
1 Tamarack Mill Park—Investigate land ownership and acquire land for ice rink
Unknown MDNRE/Local/
Township
2 Tamarack Mill Park—Construct ice skating rink & warming shack
Unknown MDNRE/Local/
Township
3 Sandy Bottom—Install playground area and equipment
$25,000 MDNRE/Local/
Township
4 Sandy Bottom—Install boulders along park’s boundary
$3,000 Township
5 Tamarack Hills Park—Investigate land ownership and acquire land for park area
Unknown MDNRE/Local
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Priority Year Project Cost Funding Source
2012
6 Dollar Bay Recreation Facility—Install roof over ice rink.
$150,000 MDNRE/Local/
Township
7 Tamarack Mill Park—Construct toilet facility in or near pavilion
$30,000 MDNRE/Local/
Township
8 Tamarack Mill Park—Fence in park along M-26
Unknown Local/Township
9 Gooseneck Park—Develop parking lot $10,000 MDNRE/Local/
Township
10 Gooseneck Park—Install picnic area $5,000 MDNRE/Local/
Township
2013
11 Tamarack Mill Park—Fence in pillars and remove hazardous materials
$200,000 EPA/MDEQ/
Township
12 Tamarack Mill Park—Environmental remediation (grass covering, etc.)
$10,000 EPA/MDEQ/
Township
13 Sandy Bottom—Install new water line and extend to toilet building and pavilion
$8,000 MDNRE/Local/
Township
14 Sandy Bottom—Install additional picnic tables
$11,000 Local/Township
15 Gooseneck Park—Install seasonal toilet facilities
Unknown Township
2014
16 Tamarack Hills Park—Install picnic table $1,000 Township
17 Tamarack Hills Park—Construct play area $20,000 MDNRE/Local/
Township
18 Tamarack Mill Park—Construct ball field Unknown MDNRE/Local
19 Acquire property to create Osceola Mine Memorial Park
Unknown MDNRE/Local/
Township/NSBG
20 Quincy Dredge—Install picnic area Unknown Local/Township
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Priority Year Project Cost Funding Source
21 Quincy Dredge—Install interpretive signage
$2,000 Local/Township/
NSBG
22 Quincy Dredge—Construct boat launch Unknown MDNRE/Local/
Township
23 Gooseneck Park—Install water $7,500 Local/Township
2015
24 Tamarack Mill Park—Create a nature walk with interpretive signage
Unknown MDNRE/Local/
Township/NSBG
25 Electric Park—Install interpretive signage Unknown MDNRE/Local/
Township/NSBG
26 Acquire property around Hungarian Falls & improve trails
Unknown MDNRE/Local/
Township
27 Sandy Bottom—Install 2 handicap accessible fishing piers
$25,000 MDNRE/Local/
Township
28 Gooseneck Park—Construct pedestrian bridge
$25,000 MDNRE/Local/
Township
29 Sandy Bottom—Develop RV park on adjacent land
Unknown MDNRE/Local/
Township
30 Tamarack Mill Park—Construct RV park Unknown MDNRE/Local/
Township
31 Tamarack Hills Park—Construct basketball court
Unknown MDNRE/Local/
Township
Rationale for improvements at each site includes:
a. ELECTRIC PARK
Project rationale: The Electric Park property is owned by Osceola Township. It is a 40
acre historical site, previously a stop on the 1930s Houghton County Street Car
Company’s route, and the proposed projects will restore the site to its former use as a
public recreation area.
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b. TAMARACK HILLS PARK
Project rationale: The Tamarack Hills property is currently owned by Osceola
Township. There are not presently similar recreational opportunities in the near
vicinity, which is located in a well-populated residential area.
c. QUINCY DREDGE
Project rationale: The Quincy Dredge property is currently owned by Osceola
Township. The submerged dredge and the abandoned adjacent mill are historical sites
and may be considered as a future Keweenaw Historical Park Heritage Site.
Development of the site will also restrict access and improve safety conditions for the
general public on the property.
d. TAMARACK MILL PARK
Project rationale: A Michigan DNR Trust Fund Application was submitted in 2005, to
implement Phase II of the Tamarack Mill Park Master Plan, which included installing
utilities, a play structure, seating, bike hoops and picnic tables, in addition to
constructing a pavilion. Osceola Township did not receive the grant, but through local
fundraising efforts were able to accomplish most components of Phase II. Phase III of
the plan includes construction of an ice skating rink, ball field, basketball courts and a
nature walk with interpretive signage. Additional plans for the stamp mill include
fencing in pillars and removing hazardous materials between them and environmental
remediation. Future projects will increase safety and accessibility for park users.
e. SANDY BOTTOM PARK
Project Rationale: A 2005 Michigan DNR Trust Fund application was awarded to add
two handicapped accessible fishing piers, install additional picnic tables, a play
structure, extend the existing water line to the toilet building and pavilion, and install
boulders along with park’s boundary. Although the Township was awarded the grant,
issues concerning the match occurred and the grant was turned back to the state. Prior
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to 2005 other construction at the park led it to become a popular recreation area for
local residents. The 2005 Recreation improvements are still a priority for the township
to address accessibility, and provide greater opportunities for public or community
gatherings.
f. HUNGARIAN FALLS
Project Rationale: Hungarian Falls is already a popular recreation site for both local
residents and visitors to the area. Acquisition and construction will increase both
accessibility and safety of the site.
g. DOLLAR BAY RECREATION FACILITY
Project Rationale: The facility is already a heavily used recreation area, and further
development would extend the current use of the ice rink.
BEYOND FIVE YEARS
Beyond five years the Osceola Township Recreation Committee recognizes a variety of
potential recreation projects suggested in other community plans and by community
members. While it is unlikely the projects will be accomplished in the next five years, the
Committee was unanimous in including the projects in this plan.
Develop Torch Lake Recreation Area
o Acquire property to create Torch Lake Recreation Area
o Develop cross country ski/nature trails on current ATV trails near proposed site
o Provide portage for kayakers and canoeists from Dollar Bay to Torch Lake
o Create a gravel trail entry point at Gooseneck Creek for kayakers and silent
boaters
Develop Electric Park
o Construct playground
o Construct gravel parking area
o Rebuild pavilion and concession building
Gooseneck Park
o Install volleyball court
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SOURCES OF FUNDING
A number of possible sources of funding for recreation projects within the City of Hancock are
available and include the following:
Table 7: Possible Funding Sources
Description Match Source
Local Funds — Township
Community Foundation/Other (local service organizations and businesses)
— Local
Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) — GLRI
Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) 75/25 grant DNRE
Land & Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) 50/50 grant DNRE
Boating Infrastructure Grants (BIG) 75/25 grant DNRE
Off Road Vehicle (ORV)/Snowmobile Grants — DNRE
Coastal Zone Management (CZM) 50/50 grant DNRE
National Scenic Byway Grant Program (NSBG) 80/20 grant NSBG
Miscellaneous Grants — Various
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DESCRIPTION OF PLANNING PROCESS The Osceola Township board recognizes the need for a recreation plan in order to provide its
residents with recreation opportunities. To obtain maximum input from all residents the
Township Supervisor appointed a recreation plan committee to represent interests of the
Township as a whole. The committee consisted of: Steven Karpiak, Aaron Janke, Jim Roberts,
and Don Wareham. The Board contracted with Western Upper Peninsula Planning and
Development Region to work with this committee in updating this plan. The first step in the
planning process was for the committee to obtain local input from recreation users. This was
accomplished through a recreation survey offered online for six weeks. Additionally, paper
surveys were available of which several committee members distributed in township
neighborhoods. Notices of the survey were published in the local newspaper, posted online,
sent to the Chamber of Commerce list, published on Twitter, and through word of mouth. The
survey generated responses from 99 participants representing one to 11 member families (the
survey and results are located in Appendix A). Based on survey results and needs identified by
the committee, a list of prioritized recreation projects was created.
The Township Board called a public meeting for citizens after the 30-day public review period
to comment on the proposed recreation plan update. The public hearing was held at 6:30 p.m.
on Thursday, January 13, 2011, where no comments were received, and the plan was
subsequently adopted by the Osceola Township Board at a regularly scheduled Board meeting
held on the same evening.
All notices of hearings were publicized to invite citizen comment and review of the new
recreation plan. The Osceola Township Board Resolution of Adoption, public hearing notice
and minutes are included in Appendix B.
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APPENDIX A: RECREATION SURVEY & RESULTS
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APPENDIX B: PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE, MEETING MINUTES & RESOLUTION