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A five-year strategic plan developed by St. Joseph County Parks and Recreation Department focuses heavily on the county’s 150 miles of navigable rivers and creeks.
Details were presented to county commissioners during their executive committee meeting Tuesday.
Parks and Recreation Department director Jaymes MacDonald provided a four-page summary outlining goals and objectives through 2028.
MacDonald said in addition to serving as a template to help guide the agency’s future, a five-year strategic plan enables it to apply for grants through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and federal agencies.
According to MacDonald’s summary, high-priority projects over the next five years include: creating a habitat-restoration plan for Timm Preserve, Kettles County Park, Plumb Lake and Meyer Broadway County Park; developing a plan for equestrian trails; completing phased development of canoe/kayak access points throughout the county to provide at least 10 improved locations with a primary focus on the Pigeon River; installing pickleball courts at Cade Lake and a fishing platform at Covered Bridge Farm; constructing a canoe/kayak launch at Kettles Preserve; acquiring underdeveloped land contiguous to streams, lakes or existing parks as a means of developing water trails; pursuing land acquisition in underserved areas, particularly Constantine Township; and developing a “Music in the Park” program at Covered Bridge Farm.
Commissioners are expected to approve the five-year plan at their monthly board meeting next Tuesday.
