City seeks public input for new parks plan

When it comes to development of the city’s abundance of walking trails, riverside properties, sport fields, and other outdoor public spaces, the leadership of Dowagiac isn’t content to rest on its laurels.

The Dowagiac City Council will be voting on the city’s five-year park and open space plan during its meeting on Monday. Prior to taking action, the floor will be opened up for public comment on the proposed projects and priorities contained within the document.

Public officials been working on the new document since last fall, said Assistant City Manager Rozanne Scherr. The city has reached out to local organizations such as Dowagiac Union Schools, Dowagiac Young Professionals and various little league and other junior sports teams for their ideas and suggestions for the various parks within the city’s jurisdiction, which include Russom Park on Middle Crossing Road, Heddon Park on Lake Access Road, and Rudolphi Woods on Daily Road.

“It’s a five-year plan, so it’s important to get public input,” Scherr said. “The city has created and will submit it, but it’s your plan.”

If approved, the terms of the plan will run from 2015 until 2020. The last five year plan the city created for its public space expired back in 2012, Scherr said.

“We have to have plan in place in order to become eligible for various grants, including those from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, which helped fund the recent growth of Russom Park,” Scherr said.

Among the priorities established in the document are:

1. Protect Existing Parks Assurance to ADA Compliance

The city plans on ensuring that its park’s equipment and access will continue to conform to the accessibility requirements of the Americans with Disability Act.

“Russom Park is a classic example of this,” Scherr said. “We put in a lot of paved walkways there for people with wheelchairs, walker, or electric scooters.”

Plans include redevelopment of the play area and basketball courts at Water Tower Park as well as closer handicap parking and paved access for seniors and disabled at Russom Park.

2. 101 Cass Ave and Elks Trail Development – Acquire/Expand Trail Areas

The city will continue to development around the 101 Cass Ave. property they purchased last year, nearby the Dowagiac Elk’s Club. Located near the Dowagiac Creek, officials are looking to create a trail system along the waterway that would link to existing walkways in Rudolphi Woods and at Southwestern Michigan College. This project will be accomplished by seeking grant assistance from various entities.

3. Acquire land/Expand Russom Park

The city seeks to negotiate the purchase of private property nearby the park, which could be used for additional parking and open space for development. In addition, they are considering the instillation of indoor practice areas and a picnic pavilion, as well the possible creation of a Wi-Fi network for the grounds. All of these projects could be made possible through future grant distributions.

4. Create Area-Wide Recreation Authority

This item lays out the possibility of creating an area-wide recreation authority, consisting of the city, the school district and nearby townships.

“It would be similar to the way the Dowagiac District Library works,” Scherr said. “We can offer more recreational opportunities if there was a dedicated millage for them.”

Given the scope of this process, the city estimates it would take several years to implement if taken up for consideration.

5. Rudy Park Development

The city will consider a trust fund application for redevelopment of this current drive-by-park, which is located nearby Heddon Park. Like the Cass Avenue property, the park is located near the Dowagiac Creek.

“There’s untapped access to a great viewing station or fishing platform down by the water there,” Scherr said. “It’s a great, great area for park recreation.”

The Dowagiac City Council meeting starts at 7 p.m. Monday, with the public hearing starting shortly thereafter. The council chambers are located on second floor of City Hall, located at 241 S Front St.

“We have a very nice mix of offerings and I’m pleased with the direction for additional parks,” Scherr said. “I’m hoping the public will be pleased with what we’re presenting.”