What do you think about Laketown Township parks? What should be improved?
The Laketown Township Parks and Recreation Commission wants your opinions in a new survey now available online and in the upcoming township newsletter to help them guide their master plan process.
“With 2023 marking the year that we need to update the parks five-year plan, I want to gather as much information as possible from our residents about what they would like to see at our parks,” said parks commission Chairperson Jeremy Van Hoven. “The survey will be an excellent way to allow us to tabulate the results and allow us to focus on areas that are needed and requested the most.”
The master plan
The commission earlier this year began updating the master plan that was last completed in 2018. The master plan helps guide the commission in planning and projects. It also assists in securing state grants.
The 2018 plan, for example, included a community profile with demographics, an inventory of natural and recreational options in the township and surrounding areas as well as goals and possible future projects.
“We want the residents to help us ‘steer the ship,’ so to speak, so we can tailor the new plan to fit with today’s needs and wants. This is an excellent opportunity to quickly and easily have your voice heard,” Van Hoven said.
The survey is available on the township website here or by going to laketowntwp.org, under “Boards & Commissions,” under “Parks Commission,” under the “Master Plan Update” section.
The survey is open to anyone to take. A question does ask if a respondent is a resident.
A paper copy of the survey will be included in the summer township newsletter expected to be out by the end of July.
Public meetings
The parks commission is holding public meetings to talk to residents about their views of the parks. The meetings at the township hall, 4338 Beeline Road are:
Thursday, July 13, at 6 p.m.
Saturday, July 15, at 10 a.m.
A parks commissioner will be present at each meeting.
The parks commission meets at 6 p.m. every third Wednesday at the township hall. Public comment is welcome.
Parks commissioners are Chairperson Jeremy Van Hoven, Vice Chairperson Karen Simmons, Treasurer Dick Becker and members Anne Brand and Brad Laninga.
For more information, call (616) 335-3050 or email office@laketowntwp.org.