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Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee
Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at 4:30pm
Parks Trolley Tour
MINUTES
Present: Sarah De La Rosa, Hillery Ross, Evelyn Hough, David Ruck, Lynnette Marks, LeAnn
Heywood, Mayor Ken Johnson, Kyle Karczewski, Odell Weaver
Absent: Sidney Long, Aaron Bodbyl-Mast, John Burt, Roberta King
I. Reese Park – Trolley Tour Begins
A. Director Karczewski gives a brief overview of the upcoming improvements at
Reese Park, specifically the pavilion which has an RFP posted right now for bids.
There is no discussion or follow up.
II. Smith-Ryerson Stop
A. Hough asks about the improvements to McCrea Park, specifically her concerns
about the new playground blocking access to the picnic area. Karczewski
mentions that they have put down a small Mobi-Mat to help people see a
pathway and is exploring expanding it.
B. Heywood asks about safety concerns at McCrea and Karczewski responds with
explaining that we have installed security cameras at the park.
C. Weaver explained his excitement for starting disc golf programs at
Smith-Ryerson.
D. Ruck asks about flooding concerns at Smith-Ryerson and Karczewski explains that
due to the recent rainfall the scenic lookout platform at Smith-Ryerson is
currently underwater.
E. Karczewski gives a tour of the boxing club and the Sim-Ray center and explains
improvements earmarked on the Capital Improvement Plan for the park.
III. Fisherman’s Landing Stop
A. Mayor Johnson explains that the boat launch, bathroom, fishing and parking
areas will remain in the proposed land swap. He then goes into the details of
what the possibility could be of park properties just south of Richards Park and
what the improved port operations could do for Muskegon. The plan would
improve waterfront access downtown and in the Jackson Hill neighborhood. He
also explains the proposal for the current Mart Dock area off shoreline and the
potential for 3rd street promenade.
B. Ruck asks when can we see what is presented or planned for the property?
Johnson explains this would involve heavy public input and be presented publicly.
C. Marks voices her concerns over the port operations and vehicle traffic in regards
to the bike path in that area.
D. Heywood asks what the conservation value of the potential 57 acre parcel would
be, Ruck responds that the land would need remediation/restoration.
E. Ruck asks what would happen to all of the RV’s that like to stay at Fisherman's
Landing, Johnson explains that at this time we have not decided if the
campground needs to be replaced but we will seek that input at the appropriate
time.
IV. Pere Marquette Stop
A. De La Rosa explains that at a previous park on the tour, Hartshorn Park, that she
picks up trash there weekly and the park users often leave a mess. She also
mentions that she thinks the new playground and MDE is beautiful.
B. Heywood asks if there are any plans for the Amoco area? Johnson replies not at
this time.
C. Karczewski explains improvements made to Pere Marquette and plans for the
future.
D. Heywood asks about plans for Indiana Ave. Karczewski & Johnson explain the
city contracted with DLZ in 2022 for an improvement plan to the parking &
Indiana ave which is being considered in the capital improvement plan PM
allocations.
E. Karczewski explains the snow fencing set up and goes into detail about the
timeline. Johnson mentions we should hold off on the snow fencing until paid
parking ends.
F. Johnson mentioned that the universal decking/path is in need of modification as
he has heard concerns from residents about accessibility.
V. McGraft Park Stop
A. Marks asks about a possible trail from Kruse park to Dune Harbor Park.
Karczewski explains that it isn’t a priority at this time and takes external help.
B. Ruck comments on his infatuation with the Dawn RedWoods at McGraft.
C. Karczewski explains the status of the master planning process and what the
preliminary plans show (bandshell & tennis court rehab amongst others).
D. Karczewski gives a tour of the MacGraft facility and provides information about
the recent updates (improved kitchen, flooring & bathrooms).
Adjourned when the trolley stops back at Reese Park for drop off.
Meeting adjourned at 7:20pm.
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