It’s important to have a say in the decisions of our elected officials, especially on the local level.

That’s the place where, oftentimes, we can make the most difference and see the results more quickly.

Niles Township residents have been given a wonderful opportunity to let their voice be heard in regards to their public parks and recreational spaces.

Earlier this week, the Niles Township Board of Trustees set a public hearing for the township’s five-year Community Parks, Recreation, Open Space and Greenway Plan for Feb. 18.

Copies of the plan are available at the township office and an electronic version of it can be found at swmpc.org. The plan includes projects that are as close as our own backyards, to as far away as the other side of the township.

The purpose of the plan is to establish policies that will achieve prudent and logical development of recreational programs and facilities in our own backyards.

The plan identifies existing facilities and provides strategies for obtaining or developing future facilities or amenities.

The goal of those who made the plan is to help the township have the finest, most comprehensive and more accessible park and trail system in Michigan compared to other communities its size.

Did the people who made the plan do a good job? The only way to find out is to see for yourself.

We encourage everyone in the township to take a good look at the plan. It is fairly long, but it is worth the effort.

Once you’ve done that, we encourage you to come to the township’s public hearing on the matter Feb. 18.

Let them know what you think. It’s not too late to change something or add something you think is worthy.

 

Opinions expressed are those of the editorial board consisting of Publisher Michael Caldwell and editors Craig Haupert, Ambrosia Neldon, Ted Yoakum and Scott Novak.