Village of Alanson / Littlefield Township - Recreation Plan 2018-2022
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Recreation Plan 2018-2022 Village of Alanson / Littlefield Township
T able of
Contents
Village of Alanson/Littlefield Township
Recreation Plan 2018-2022
Chapter Page Number
1.0 Introduction and Community Description
Purpose of the Village of Alanson/ Littlefield Township Recreation Plan. . . . . 1
Community Description. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
2.0 Administrative Structure
Village Organization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Past MDNR Grants and Other Funding Sources. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Township Organization. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Village and Township Cooperation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Relationship with Other Agencies and Organizations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
3.0 Recreation Inventory
Village of Alanson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Littlefield Township. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Joint Village and Township. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Alanson-Littlefield Public Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Alanson Beautification Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Oden Community Association. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Woodruff Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Street End Access to Crooked Lake. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Little Traverse Conservancy Nature Preserves. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Emmet County . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
City of Petoskey Regional Parks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Petoskey to Mackinaw City Rail Trail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
State of Michigan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Private Recreational Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Village of Alanson/Littlefield Township
Recreation Plan 2018-2022 i
Table of Contents (cont.)
Chapter Page Number
4.0 Resource Inventory
Water Resources. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Fish and Wildlife. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
5.0 Description of the Planning Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
6.0 Description of the Public Input Process. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
7.0 Basis for Action / Goals and Objectives
Recreation Trends. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
National Planning Standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Acreage Standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Related Planning Initiatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Goals and Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
8.0 Action Plan
Capital Improvements Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Appendices
A. Alanson/Littlefield Parks and Recreation Survey - Results Summary
B. Notice of Availability of the Draft Plan for Public Review and Comment
C. Notice for the Public Meeting
D. Minutes of Public Meeting / Plan Adoption Meeting
E. Village of Alanson Resolution of Adoption
F. Littlefield Township Resolution of Adoption
G. Letters of Transmittal
H. Plan Certification Checklist
Village of Alanson/Littlefield Township
Recreation Plan 2018-2022 ii
1 Introduction and community
Description
Purpose of the Village of Alanson / Community Description
Littlefield Township Recreation Plan Regional Setting
The Recreation Plan provides citizens of the Village of Littlefield Township is located in the east-central
Alanson and Littlefield Township the means to identify portion of Emmet County, which is situated in the
and define opportunities for recreational activities northwest region of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula.
and development and to ensure that the recreational Littlefield Township comprises 21.7 square miles of the
infrastructure sustains access to such opportunities County’s 468 square miles. The Township is smaller
now and into the future. than a standard geographic township in land area (21.7
square miles versus the standard 36 square miles)
Since many of the recreational opportunities are and encompasses the northern portion of T35N-R4W.
directly related to the area’s natural resources, the The Township’s irregular size and shape is due to the
importance of ensuring public access to these assets southern boundary being the approximate centerline
is central to the Plan’s purpose. The goals and policies of Pickerel Lake and Crooked Lake. The distance
of the Plan center on encouraging development to from the north boundary to the south boundary
conform to standards and guidelines necessary to is approximately four miles, with the east to west
protect the rural character and natural resources of distance at approximately six miles. In addition to the
the Village and Township. These goals and policies also Village of Alanson, the unincorporated communities
include the provision and development of recreation of Ponshewaing and Oden, both located on the north
infrastructure that enables tourist-based activities, shore of Crooked Lake, are under Littlefield Township
that directly serves the interests and needs of Village jurisdiction.
and Township residents, and that encourages and
facilitates, where and when possible, to integrate the The Village of Alanson is one square mile in size,
full spectrum of private and public opportunities. consisting of the east ¼ of Section 9 and the west ¾ of
Section 10.
This Plan conforms to the guidelines established by the
Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR). Littlefield Township is bounded on the north by Maple
Approval of this Plan by the MDNR qualifies the Village River Township, on the east by Cheboygan County’s
and Township for recreation grants administered by the Tuscarora Township, on the south by Springvale
MDNR’s Recreation Grants Section. The grant eligibility Township, and on the west by Little Traverse Township.
period is set for five years from the acceptance date by The City of Petoskey is approximately 12 miles west
this department. of Alanson and Littlefield Township. The cities of
Charlevoix and Traverse City are approximately 25
Village of Alanson/Littlefield Township
Recreation Plan 2018-2022 1
and 75 miles southwest of the Township, respectively. visitors stay at private lodging places, campgrounds, or
Figure 1-1 illustrates the Village and Township’s at the homes of family or friends.
location in relation to Emmet County and the State
of Michigan. Figure 1-2 and Figure 1-3 present 2008 Emmet County is a travel destination for many
aerial photography of the Village and Township Michigan residents and visitors throughout the
and detail the transportation routes serving the Midwest. The combination of seasonal residences, ski
communities. resorts, campgrounds, and outdoor activities/events
draws many non-residents into the region. A 2014
Population Characteristics report produced by the Michigan State University
According to the 2011-2015 American Community Land Policy Institute suggests a potential seasonal
Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates, the population for increase of nearly 20,000 persons over the base
Littlefield Township in 2015 was 2,992 persons (1,584 population of the County. This increase accounts for
male - 1,408 female), averaging 137.9 persons per seasonal housing, campgrounds, bed and breakfast
square mile for the Township’s 21.7 square miles establishments, cabin/cottage/condo rentals, hotels,
of land area. The most recent census includes the motels, and other lodging places. Many of these
population for the village within the township, but also seasonal visitors are likely to use Alanson and Littlefield
lists the village’s population independently. Therefore, Township’s recreational facilities and other services
the Littlefield Township population of 2,992 includes during their stay.
the Village of Alanson, whose population is 675 (316
male - 359 female). Alanson’s population density is
675 persons per square mile.
In discussing the population for Littlefield Township
and the Village of Alanson, however, it is important to
note that the figure presented by the 2011-2015 ACS
does not reflect the actual number of persons residing
in the community during the summer months. The
Census tally only counts residents who spend more
than six months of the year in the Township or Village.
In reviewing the housing information from the 2011-
2015 ACS data, figures show that 546 of the 1,783 total
housing units (30.6 percent) in Littlefield Township
(figure includes the Village) are vacant for seasonal,
recreational, or occasional use. With this in mind, it can
be assumed that the Township’s resident population
increases during the summer months, possibly more
than 20 percent during the peak vacation dates. Based
on the average household size in Littlefield Township
of 2.52, the expected peak seasonal increase would
be roughly 1,376 persons. Additionally, many summer
Village of Alanson/Littlefield Township
Recreation Plan 2018-2022 2
KEWEENAW
Village of
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Recreation Plan 2018-2022
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Recreation Plan 2018-2022
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Recreation Plan 2018-2022
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This page is intentionally left blank. Village of Alanson/Littlefield Township Recreation Plan 2018-2022 6
2 Administrative
Structure
Village Organization operate the “Swing Bridge” across the Crooked River at
The Village of Alanson was incorporated in June 1882 River Street, allowing recreational boat traffic to pass
under the State of Michigan’s General Law Village Act. between Burt Lake and Crooked Lake, a major part of
Local government consists of a Village President and the Inland Water Route.
Village Council. Additional support is provided through
the offices of Clerk, Attorney, Treasurer, Assessor, A Village Downtown Development Authority (DDA) was
Zoning Administrator, and Street Administrator. The established in 2005 under the authority of Public Act
Village Council has appointed several committees to 197 of 1975, as amended. The DDA Plan outlines the
guide in the delivery of government services. Village following Project Improvements:
committees include parks, ordinances, nuisance, street • Consultation and Operational Expenditures
administration, grants, sewer, finance, and personnel. • Promotional and Cultural Development
Because the Village enforces community zoning, the • Street and Sidewalk Improvements
Council also relies on a Planning Commission and a • Parking Expansions
Zoning Board of Appeals. • Streetscape Enhancements
• Safety and Security
With regard to the administration of recreational • Parks and Recreation
services, the Village Council may be assisted from time • Construction
to time by the parks, grants, and street committees.
An organizational chart for the Village administrative Village Recreation Expenditures
structure for recreational planning and administration For fiscal year 2015/2016, the Village showed a general
is shown as Figure 2-1. While the Council relies fund budget of $383,433. Of that total budget, the
on committee recommendations in administrative Village paid out $800 for park wages, $11,389 for park
matters, the Council has final authority. The Village of maintenance and $13,600 for Bridge Tender from the
Alanson does not operate any recreation programs. Major Street Fund.
The Village employs one full-time Department of Public For fiscal year 2016/2017, the Village showed a general
Works employee and a part-time Park Superintendent fund budget of $375,490. Of that total budget, the
for the summer months. They maintain all Village Village paid out $800 for park wages, $2,892 for park
properties, including recreational facilities. Recreation maintenance and $12,900 for Bridge Tender from the
maintenance duties include grass mowing, trash Major Street Fund.
removal, restroom cleaning, snow removal, and
general maintenance of equipment and facilities. A The Village expects to continue similar spending on
summer Bridge Tender is retained under contract to recreational facilities maintenance and improvements
Village of Alanson/Littlefield Township
Recreation Plan 2018-2022 7Figure 2-1 Organizational Chart for Village of Alanson
Voters
Council:
President
4 Members
Clerk (ex-officio)
Treasurer (ex-officio)
Streets Committee Nuisance Committee
Finance Committee Sewer Committee
Personnel Committee Ordinance Committee
Parks/Grants Committee
Planning & Zoning Recreation Advisory Littlefield Alanson
Commission Committee Management Authority
Downtown
Development Authority
Zoning Administrator Zoning Board of Appeals
in the future and will provide the required local
match for grants awarded for recreation capital Township Recreation Expenditures
improvements. For the fiscal year ending March 31, 2017, Littlefield
Township showed General Fund Revenues of $473,531
Township Organization and General Fund Expenditures of $772,850. On
Littlefield Township was organized as a General Law September 30, 2016, the Township acquired the
Township in 1874. The five-member governing body, Admiral’s Pointe (Hay Lake) Marina with a $200,000
the Township Board, consists of the following elected grant from the MDNR Trust Fund. The Township also
officials: Supervisor, Clerk, Treasurer, and two Trustees. received a Waterways Infrastructure Improvements
The Township Board relies on the recommendations of Grant in the amount of $371,400 on October 18, 2016
several appointed committees, including planning and to assist the Township in the construction of various
zoning, recreation advisory, sewer authority, and fire boating access site improvements at the Admiral’s
board. Figure 2-2 illustrates an organizational chart Pointe (Hay Lake) Boating Access Site. Contracted park
for Littlefield Township. Littlefield Township does not maintenance expenditures were $14,888.00.
operate any recreation programs, nor does it employ
any staff. Rather, park maintenance and other facility For 2017-2018, $12,000 was budgeted for contracted
maintenance operations are contracted out. park maintenance. As of October 31, 2017, contracted
Village of Alanson/Littlefield Township
Recreation Plan 2018-2022 8Figure 2-2 Organizational Chart for Littlefield Township
Voters
Township Board:
Supervisors
Clerk
Treasurer
2 Trustees
Planning & Zoning Fire Board
Committee
Commission
Recreation Advisory Littlefield Alanson
Committee Management
Authority
Sewer Authority
Past MDNR Grants and Other Funding Sources
In the past 10 years, the Village and Township have received several grants and funding related to parks and
recreation as follows:
• 4/29/09 Crooked/Pickerel Lake Association $1,000 Koboski Property Purchase
• 7/1/09 DNR Grant $82,049 Koboski Property Purchase
• 10/30/09 Balance of DNR Grant $9,116 Koboski Property Purchase
• 5/13/10 TF09-114 Island Sanctuary Park
Boardwalk $250,000 Boardwalk, Access, Amenities
• 4/6/10 State of Michigan $46 Final Audit - Critical Bridge
• 9/28/10 Village of Alanson DDA $10,000 Engineering Services-Sanctuary Island
• 11/23/10 Petoskey-Harbor Springs
Community Foundation $2,000 Park Enhancements
• 01/01/15 TF15-0218 Hay Lake Water
Access Site Acquisition $167,800 Crooked River/Hay Lake Property Purchase
• 01/01/16 TF16-0072 Hay Lake Marina
Park and Watertrail Trailhead* $280,000 Park Development
• 01/01/16 TR16-0073 Blumke to Milton
Road Trail Acquisition* $99,000 Corridor Property Purchase - Trail Extension
*At the time of this report, these projects were still in progress
Village of Alanson/Littlefield Township
Recreation Plan 2018-2022 9park maintenance expenditures totaled $11,543. Community Building
The Township received two grants from the MDNR The Village and Township joined together to establish
Trust Fund in 2017. A development grant for the the Littlefield Alanson Management Authority. The
construction of improvements to the Admiral’s Pointe Authority (a legally separate entity from the Township
(Hay Lake) Marina in the amount of $280,000 and a and Village) was created for the construction and
trail acquisition grant for the purchase of the railroad maintenance of the Community Building to be used
grade between Blumke and Milton Roads in the amount by both governments. The building was financed by
of $99,000. the issuance of general obligation bonds, which are
now retired. Ownership of the building has reverted
Littlefield Township expects to continue expending from the Authority to the joint property of the Village
necessary amounts for recreation planning and and Township. The Authority presently maintains
maintenance. The Township will commit to the required the Community Building and invoices the Village and
local match for any grants awarded for recreation Township. The Township and Village each appoint
capital improvements. one member to the two-member Authority Board.
Each unit of government contributes one-half of the
Village and Township Cooperation Authority’s annual expenses. The Authority employs
The Village of Alanson and Littlefield Township work one person for building management.
cooperatively in the provision of several community
services including the public sewer system, the fire Alanson Area Public Library
department, recreation planning and the community The Alanson Area Public Library, a member of the
building. Northland Library System, is located in the Community
Building. The library is open to the public 38 hours
Recreation Advisory Committee each week and is managed by the Alanson Area
Under the provisions of the Inter-municipality Public Library Board. The Village and Township
Committees Act (Public Act 200 of 1957, as amended), equally contribute annual funding to the Library
the Village of Alanson and Littlefield Township created Board, who then pays annual rent to the Alanson
a joint Recreation Advisory Committee “for the purpose Littlefield Management Authority for use of space in
of studying area governmental problems of mutual the Community Building. Essentially, the Village and
interest and concern” - recreation and parks, in this Township are providing rent-free space for the library.
case.
Relationship with Other Agencies and
The Alanson/Littlefield Recreation Advisory Committee Organizations
consists of two Village Council members, two Township The Northwest Michigan Council of Government’s
Board members, and one citizen-at-large. The function is to retain and strengthen local home rule by
Committee meets monthly and is charged with making coordinating efforts in resolving problems, politics, and
recommendations for recreation planning, recreation plans that are common and regional. Currently, the
goal setting and exploring possible funding sources for NWMCOG’s staff is involved in the following areas:
recreation improvements for both communities. The • Economic development
Village and Township equally share expenses incurred • Community development
by this Committee. • Recreation
Village of Alanson/Littlefield Township
Recreation Plan 2018-2022 10• Tourism
• Historic preservation
• Transportation
• Land use planning
• Solid waste planning
Technical assistance for local recreation planning and
other kinds of help for special recreation projects is
sought as appropriate from the following organizations
and agencies:
• Oden Community Association
• Harbor Springs Snowmobile Club
• Alanson Beautification Center
• Alanson Improvement Group
• Alanson Women’s Club
• North Emmet County Little League Association
• Alanson Area Public Schools
• Emmet County Office of Planning and Zoning
• Emmet County Board of Commissioners
• Michigan Department of Natural Resources
• Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
• Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory
Affairs
• Michigan State University Extension Service
• USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Village of Alanson/Littlefield Township
Recreation Plan 2018-2022 11This page is intentionally left blank. Village of Alanson/Littlefield Township Recreation Plan 2018-2022 12
3 Recreation
Inventory
An inventory of existing recreational facilities located to the Village with the stipulation that it never be sold
in the Village of Alanson and Littlefield Township and and will become a permanent part of Alanson’s park
surrounding area is detailed in this chapter. Facilities system. In 2009, the Village received a MDNR grant for
are grouped according to jurisdictional management the development of the park to include a self-propelled
and operations. Figure 3-1 illustrates the location chain ferry and docking platform, a parking lot, a
of recreational sites in the Village while Figure 3-2 boardwalk system on the island, a fishing platform, and
displays sites in the Township. Figure 3-3 shows gazebo.
recreation sites operated by Emmet County.
Park Type: Neighborhood Park
A barrier-free compliance evaluation was conducted Size: 1.44 acres
for each recreation site under the jurisdiction of the ADA Compliance Rating: 4 – Park boardwalks meet
Village of Alanson and Littlefield Township and is accessibility guidelines.
included with the description of each site. This barrier- Opportunities: Wayfinding and interpretive signage;
free compliance evaluation utilizes a numerical rating linkages to Morgan Park and potential walkways to the
of 1 to 5, based on the following definitions: north.
1. None of the facilities/park areas meet accessibility
guidelines Alanson Village Park
2. Some of the facilities/park areas meet accessibility This neighborhood park is located directly behind
guidelines and on the same parcel as the Community Building.
3. Most of the facilities/park areas meet accessibility Amenities at the park include playground equipment,
guidelines picnic tables and grills, pavilion, bandstand, two
4. The entire park meets accessibility guidelines shuffleboards, two basketball courts, horseshoe pit,
5. The entire park was developed/renovated using and tennis court. Portions of the park not developed
the principals of universal design are wooded. Playground equipment conforms with
current safety standards. Rubberized mulch for the
Finally, this chapter includes an inventory of past surface beneath the playground equipment is in place
MDNR grants that have been received for the Township as a safety surface, but has been displaced over time
and Village for recreation purposes. and is not an accessible surface. The basketball court
is treated with a non-slip surface for safety. The most
Village of Alanson recent park improvements were funded by local
Island Sanctuary Park government, local organizations, and local grants.
This island in the Crooked River is roughly in the center
of the Village. Mr. Derry Williams donated the island
Village of Alanson/Littlefield Township
Recreation Plan 2018-2022 13Park Type: Neighborhood Park Crooked River Swing Bridge
Size: 1.45 acres Provided as a Crooked River street crossing at River
ADA Compliance Rating: 1 – Limited parking is Street, the bridge swings open to accommodate
available, but no handicap parking is marked. The recreational boating traffic. Watercraft use the
park is generally flat, but no pathways or walkways are Crooked River to access Crooked Lake as part of the
provided. Restrooms for the park are available through Inland Water Route, which will be further described in
a rear entrance to the Community Building. The Chapter 4. The Village hires a Bridge Tender to operate
restrooms are not ADA compliant. the bridge during the regular boating season. Total
Needs: All features should be made ADA compliant bridge reconstruction was completed in 2006, with
including parking, pathways/walkways, drinking funding provided through the Critical Bridge Program.
fountain, and restrooms. The tennis court is still
usable, but the surface is beginning to deteriorate. Park Type: Not a park
A connecting walkway from Morgan Park is Size: n/a
recommended. Wayfinding signage depicting local ADA Compliance Rating: 4 – The newly reconstructed
park and trail networks would be a valuable addition. bridge is ADA compliant.
Opportunities: Wayfinding signage depicting local park
Morgan Park and trail networks. Interpretive signage telling story of
Morgan Park is located just off River Street, with water Inland Water Route.
frontage on the Crooked River, and features a 24-
hour boat dock for seven watercraft, walkway, park Bass Street Property at Crooked River
bench, two picnic tables, grill and flowing well/drinking This small undeveloped property is located at the end
fountain. Several mature trees are located on this of Bass Street with water frontage on the Crooked
mini-park site. Plans are in progress to upgrade the River. Two large mature trees are located at the
boat dock. water’s edge.
Park Type: Mini-Park Park Type: Not a developed park
Size: 0.48 acres Size: 0.43 acres
ADA Compliance Rating: 2 – Parking is on the street ADA Compliance Rating: 1
and is accessible to the sidewalk. The drinking fountain Opportunities: Potential boat dock and riverside
is not ADA compliant, and no restrooms are provided boardwalk and/or overlook. Add two picnic tables.
at this site. Wayfinding signage depicting local park and trail
Needs: Upgrade walkway to ADA standards, improve networks. Interpretive signage telling story of Inland
landscaping and add in-ground irrigation system. Water Route.
Provide connecting walkway to the Alanson Village
Park. Upgrade dock. Develop opportunities for small Littlefield Township
gatherings and passive enjoyment of the river such as Hay Lake Marina Park
a small pavilion, bench swings, a fire circle, and so on. In 2016 The Township acquired this waterfront
Provide linkages to Island Sanctuary Park. Wayfinding park that provides access to the Crooked River/
signage depicting local parks and trail systems would Hay Lake waterway. The site is currently undergoing
be a valuable addition. development using a grant from the MDNR. The
Village of Alanson/Littlefield Township
Recreation Plan 2018-2022 14former private marina will serve as a trailhead for the Woodruff Park (Roadside Park)
Inland Waterway Trail. Other developments to the now The Township is currently seeking to acquire this
public marina include a small boat launch, universally property from the MDOT, which is a small roadside
accessible canoe/kayak launch, elevated wetland park on the north side of U.S. 31 in Oden. The park is
overlook, water trailhead with car-trailer and car designed for passive recreation and includes a picnic
parking, and universally accessible restroom/shower area, flowing well/drinking fountain and a memorial to
building and amenities. Oden residents who have served in the Armed Forces.
The park is wooded with cedar and birch trees.
Park Type: Community Park
Size: 14.75 acres Park Type: Mini-Park/Roadside Stop
ADA Compliance Rating: 4 – When park improvements ADA Compliance Rating: 1
are completed, the park amenities will meet Size: 0.76 acres
accessibility guidelines Opportunities: Improve accessibility; potential to
Opportunities: Current efforts are underway to improve veteran’s memorial and rest stop functions.
redevelop the former private marina.
Oden Gazebo Park
Walter Dow Roadside Park Littlefield Township acquired the Oden Gazebo from
This mini-park has been under Township jurisdiction the Oden Community Association in 2013. Surrounding
since 1999, having been obtained from the Emmet properties from private owners were acquired between
County Road Commission. It is located on Crooked 2014-2015 to transition the area into a larger mini-
Lake in the unincorporated community of Oden, at park. This site is a passive recreational site north of
the intersection of U.S. 31 and Rose Street. The park’s Oden Road, between Luce and Main streets, and
main attraction is a swimming beach on Crooked features sidewalks and a gazebo. The park adjoins
Lake. In addition to swimming, park visitors often the North Western State Trail. The gazebo has a
use the beach as a wind surfing launch site. The park new foundation, roof and lighting and was recently
also features a stone and brass memorial to Walter repainted with local funds.
Dow. The Township recently installed a new well
and drinking fountain with local funds and paved Park Type: Mini-Park
the parking lot. The Township provides a portable ADA Compliance Rating: 1
restroom during the summer season. Size: 0.89 acres
Needs: Update access to comply with ADA standards.
Park Type: Mini-Park Restore gazebo. Restore flowing well.
Size: 0.29 acres
ADA Compliance Rating: 1 – Limited parking is Blumke to Milton Road Trail
available, but no handicap parking sites are marked. The Township is currently in the process of acquiring
The land is generally flat, but no walkways or pathways this 1/2 mile-long corridor from private property
are provided. owners, which is immediately north of the North
Opportunities: Provide ADA access to water’s edge Western State Trail. In the winter, the trail can be used
from parking. Explore means to control parking. by snowmobiles and offers protection away from
the highway. Preserving this open space as part of a
Village of Alanson/Littlefield Township
Recreation Plan 2018-2022 15recreation trail will protect the scenic character of the over 20 different entities use the building during the
area for future generations. The property purchase is course of a year.
being funded, in part, through a grant from the MDNR.
Park Type: Not a park
Park Type: Not a developed park Size: 1.01 acres
Size: 5.97 acres ADA Compliance Rating: 2 – Handicap parking is
ADA Compliance Rating: N/A designated. The building is a one-story structure. The
Opportunities: Future development of a non- restrooms and front door are semi-accessible (could be
motorized trail realignment connecting to the North used with assistance).
Western State Trail. Needs: Building and access to building should be
totally upgraded to ADA compliance.
Littlefield Township Fire Department
Constructed in 2006, the Township Fire Department Alanson-Littlefield Public Schools
building is located on approximately eight acres in the School Site
Village of Alanson near the intersection of West and Located in the Village of Alanson at the corner of
Cantrell Streets. Chicago Street and North Street, the school provides
K-12 education for approximately 500 students from
Park Type: Not a developed park the Village of Alanson, Littlefield Township, and a
Size: 7.67 acres portion of Maple River Township. The school also
ADA Compliance Rating: 4 – For parking to building. owns 80 acres in Section 8 and 40 acres in Section 9 in
1 – No accessible access to site. Littlefield Township. These parcels make up the school
Opportunities: Develop site as passive park with local forest and are undeveloped. However, the school
trails and connections to regional trails. Consider provides snowmobile trail right-of-way through the
facilities for group gatherings, fitness, health and play. school forestland under an agreement with the Harbor
Springs Snowmobile Club.
Joint Village and Township
Village/Township Community Building In addition to the educational facilities, the school
The Community Building is jointly owned by the site features an indoor gymnasium and playground.
Village and Township. The organization and funding The gymnasium is used for K-12 physical education
for the Community Building are discussed in Chapter class and school organized sports. Because the
2. Both units of government use the building for gymnasium is generally fully scheduled for school
office space and meetings. The Community Building activities, it is rarely available for community use.
is made available for use by public service groups, The Should private funding be found, the school wishes to
Alanson Area Public Library is located in the building. build another gymnasium, which would relieve some
The building is available for rental by residents for of the scheduling conflicts and make it available for
private parties, receptions, reunions, showers, and community use, such as for walking during the winter,
the like. The building is also provided at no cost for adult basketball, exercise classes, and similar uses.
annual special community events, such as Fourth of The school also provides space for a structured and
July Celebration, Holiday Community Sing-Along, Santa organized after school program.
Claus Visit, and Boy Scouts Fund Raiser Dinner. In all,
Village of Alanson/Littlefield Township
Recreation Plan 2018-2022 16Park Type: Not a park flag pole, memorial plaque, automated irrigation and
Size: 9.89 acres lighting. The Village of Alanson provides an extensive
Opportunities: Explore cooperative ventures between lighted Christmas display at the Hillside Garden during
school system, Township, Village and private entities to the holiday season, having purchased the display items
build second gymnasium. and paying for the electricity.
School Ball Fields and Track Park Type: Mini-Park
The Alanson-Littlefield Public School maintains a Size: 1.32 acres
large property on the west side of Chicago Street, in
close proximity to the school building, which features Oden Community Association
a cinder track, softball field and baseball field. The The Oden Community Association, an organized group
cinder track is only used for practice and is not suitable of property owners in the community of Oden at
for sanctioned events. The ball fields are used for Crooked Lake, owns and operates several recreational
organized Little League play in addition to school facilities in the Oden area.
functions.
Oden Community Association Park
Park Type: Neighborhood Park This site is located in Littlefield Township’s Section
Size: 20.57 acres 17 at the corner of Luce Street and Moore Road.
ADA Compliance Rating: 1 The park contains a ball field with dugouts, fencing,
Opportunities and Needs: Needs include compliance bleachers and manual scoreboard, which is used by the
with ADA standards, ball field upgrades to fencing, field local Little League teams, and a two-hoop basketball
turf and infields, and spectator facilities. Opportunities court. The park is maintained by volunteers from the
are numerous since considerable open, undeveloped Association, Little League, Village and Township.
space is available for activities such as a skate park, ice
skating, recreational fields, larger group gatherings, Park Type: Neighborhood Park
walking loops, and so on. ADA Compliance Rating: 1
Size: 5.71 acres
Alanson Beautification Center Needs: Update access to comply with ADA standards.
The Alanson Beautification Center, a non-profit
organization, was established in 1982 for the purpose Oden Community Hall
of developing the Hillside Garden in downtown The Association also owns the Oden Community Hall, a
Alanson. The Center has approximately 20 active former school, on Luce Street. It is used for community
members and meets monthly. Funding is obtained gatherings, but is not open during the winter months.
through membership dues, donations, grants,
memorial funds and fundraisers. Park Type: Not a Park
Size: 0.89 acres
Hillside Garden
The award-winning site is adjacent to the west side of Street End Access to Crooked Lake
the former railroad grade and consists of landscaped Several streets dead-end at the Crooked Lake shoreline
gardens, two stairways, compacted gravel pathway, in the unincorporated community of Ponshewaing,
Village of Alanson/Littlefield Township
Recreation Plan 2018-2022 17!!!!!!!!!!!
Village of Alanson
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
US 31
Valley Rd Littlefield Twp. Recreation Inventory
Figure 3-1
Milton Rd
Village or Township Park
Alanson Village or Recreational Facility
Hill St Other Park
Village Owned Vacant Land
S Burr Ave
North St
Other Facility
Center St
Alanson-Littlefield Nature Preserve (LTC)
Recreation Plan 2018-2022
Public Schools
Chicago St
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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State or U.S. Highways
!!!! !
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Village of Alanson/Littlefield Township
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!!including Park Street, Birch Street, Lake Street, • Drayton Preserve
Wildmen Street and Jefferson Street. Though they 40 acres
are not “developed,” they are often used for small Primarily wetlands
watercraft launch and swimming. These sites fall • Lossing-Harrington Preserve
under the jurisdiction of the Emmet County Road • Inland Waterway Nature Preserve
Commission.
These Preserves significantly contribute to the
Opportunities: Consider and explore opportunities preservation and conservation of the area’s natural
to acquire additional land at these sites so to better resources and to the integrity and continuity of open,
accommodate boat launching, swimming access, and wild space that benefits wildlife, biodiversity and water
so on. Wayfinding and interpretive signage about resources. The benefits to direct, active recreation
local park, boating and trail networks and facilities and are limited. Their critical value from a recreation
interpretive signage about the Inland Water Route, perspective is in maintaining the characteristics and
history of the lakes, and so on are potentially valuable integrity of the environment that draws people to this
additions. area.
Little Traverse Conservancy Nature Emmet County
Preserves The 2009 Emmet County Recreation Plan provides
There are currently eight Nature Preserves within the a detailed analysis of the opportunities available for
Village of Alanson/Littlefield Township jurisdiction. recreational activities. The recreation inventory in
These Preserves are itemized below with a brief this document emphasizes the importance of the land
description of listed characteristics as provided by the resource assets, protecting wildlife habitat, protecting
Conservancy: community open space, and ensuring scenic views
• Oden Island Preserve are preserved. The following is a description of each
50 acres (Township contributed to acquisition of County operated recreational facility.
Preserve)
1 mile frontage on Crooked Lake Camp Petosega
Large old-growth trees This 292-acre parcel was acquired in 1992 and is
Fragile wetlands considered to be the “flagship” park in the county park
Trails system. The northern portion of this park is located
• Black Hole Preserve in Littlefield Township and the southern portion in
5.5 acres (Township contributed to acquisition of Springvale Township. Existing facilities include a
Preserve) recreation hall, bathhouse, cabins, nature trails, 2,500
• Ponshewaing Preserve feet of Pickerel Lake beach, tennis courts, campground,
21 acres a trout stream, as well as habitat for various species
• Clements Preserve of wildlife. Since it’s opening as a county park, Camp
16 acres Pet-O-Se-Ga has been very successful, and the cabins
Views of Crooked Lake and recreation hall are rented steadily throughout
• Kreag Preserve the summer months. The campground is also used to
18 acres capacity on some weekends.
Village of Alanson/Littlefield Township
Recreation Plan 2018-2022 19!
Maple River Twp.
Edwards Rd Edds Rd
! ! ! !!
Littlefield Twp.
!!!!
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Recreation Plan 2018-2022
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Littlefield Township Recreation Inventory L ittle
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2018-2022 Vacant Land City Major Roads
Parcel Lines
Other Facility
City Minor Roads
Parcel Source: Emm et County GIS, 2011;
Nature Preserve (LTC) Base Source: Michigan Geographic Framework, v10;
Trails: Inventory Source: 2006-2010 Recreation Plan,
updated by Wade Trim, 2011.
State Owned Land !!!!! Existing Trail
Village of Alanson/ ¨
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\\Gldata\Projects\ALA2005\01G\Gis-Data\Projects\Township Recreation Inventory.mxdPark Type: Community Park The property offers the opportunity to experience
Size: 292 acres (Approximately 150 acres within pristine woodlands, almost two miles of undeveloped
Littlefield Township) Lake Michigan shoreline, many species of rare and
threatened plants, a small lake, and 100-foot ridge
Cecil Bay Park that parallels part of the shoreline. The property also
This 907-acre park along Lake Michigan in Wawatam includes a beach house, guesthouse, nature trails, as
Township includes over one mile of shoreline as well well as a paved basketball court.
as a major river within its perimeter. The park includes
fragile dune and river mouth environments. The park Emmet County Community Center (see Figure 3-4)
also includes a picnic shelter, a parking area for day The Community Center site contains about 23 acres
visitors, and controlled access to the river to protect of land situated along U.S. 31 on Petoskey’s west
the banks. side. Emmet County owns the land and the site is
used for numerous functions throughout the year,
Maple River Property including the Emmet/Charlevoix County Fair, horse and
This 320-acre parcel in Maple River Township currently livestock shows, antique shows, animal clinics, soccer
has no development, but does have the Maple River tournaments, farmer’s market, and various other
traversing the entire property, offering opportunities civic, government, and private group meetings, shows,
for fishing and wildlife enjoyment. exhibitions, and convention uses.
Watson Conservation Property City of Petoskey Regional Parks
Located halfway between Harbor Springs and The City park system is well developed and offers a
Petoskey along M-119, the County and Little Traverse variety of recreational programs and activities for
Conservancy jointly manage this 70-acre property. people throughout the County. Selected parks are
The property has nearly flat fields, formerly part of highlighted below to identify key features attracting
a farm, and slopes southward toward Round Lake participants and visitors.
making this a fragile and important watershed under
the conservancy’s care. Presently the parcel contains Bay Front Park
public administrative buildings and offices housing This 30-acre park features 4,800 feet of Lake Michigan
the Sheriff’s Department, Planning and Zoning shoreline and contains a 100-slip marina, bike path,
Department, Building Department, Health Department, arboretum, museum, softball field, concession, and
and others. The site also has a domed hockey arena children’s playground. Special events and concerts
with one sheet of ice. are held in two, designated festival areas. The City Hall
Complex is also located within the park.
Headlands Park
This 550-acre park on the Straits of Mackinac was Magnus Park
acquired in cooperation with several entities including: This park features a 72-site modern campground on
the Village of Mackinaw City, Wawatam Township, 21.2 acres of land located at the end of West Lake Drive
Emmet County, The Little Traverse Conservancy, in Petoskey. The campground also has water/sewer
The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund, The hookups and shower facilities for campers. There is
Schott Foundation, and The McCormick Foundation. about 1,000 feet of available shoreline frontage along
Little Traverse Bay.
Village of Alanson/Littlefield Township
Recreation Plan 2018-2022 21Figure 3-3
25 M
IL ES Lake
Huron
Recreational Sites
The Headlands
Administered by
Park
Emmet County
_
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Mackinaw City
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State or U.S. Highways
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E Robinson Rd
Pellston Maple River
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City of Atkins Rd
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\\Gldata\Projects\ALA2005\01G\Gis-Data\Projects\County Recreation Inventory.mxd
Village of Alanson/Littlefield Township
Recreation Plan 2018-2022 22Winter Sports Complex State of Michigan
This complex is very unique to winter sports facilities in The State of Michigan’s Department of Natural
northern Michigan. The complex offers a speedskating Resources and Environment (MDNR) owns, operates
and outdoor skating rink, skate rental, hockey and maintains (either independently or under
programs, downhill skiing, sledding, concession, and cooperative agreements with other organizations)
warming building. Summer programs and facilities several natural resource related recreation facilities in
include day camps and soccer fields. or near the Village of Alanson and Littlefield Township.
The most heavily used sites are detailed below.
Bear River Park
This scenic park offers 1.8 miles of frontage along the Crooked River Locks
Bear River, where it empties into Little Traverse Bay. The Crooked River Locks located just inside the Village’s
The park has both walking and cross-country ski trails southern boundary allows the passage of recreational
in the downtown area for people to enjoy. and other boating traffic between Crooked Lake and
Burt Lake. Emmet County sub-leases the lock from
River Road Sports Complex MDNR who, in turn, sub-leases the lock from Corps of
This 60-acre site features a Frisbee/Disc golf course, Engineers. A new consortium including Emmet County,
three soccer fields, adult softball field, and canoe Littlefield Township, Little Traverse Township, Bear
launch for access to the Bear River. Creek Township, Springvale Township and the Village of
Alanson (Crooked River Lock Consortium) has formed
North Western State Trail to achieve the following objectives:
This trail consists of 32 miles that passes through • Promoting the Crooked River Lock
the communities of Petoskey, Alanson, Pellston, and • Supporting the continuation and improvement of
Mackinaw City. Completed in 2016, the trail section the Crooked River Lock
between Petoskey and Alanson is composed of asphalt • Protecting property values in the communities
and from Alanson to Mackinaw City, the trail is a surrounding the Crooked River Lock
packed crushed limestone surface. The trail is available • Enhancing the economic impact of the Crooked
for non-motorized users year-round, and snowmobilers River Lock
can access the trail from December 1 to March 31. It
runs along the former Grand Rapids and Indiana line of The Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians and
the Pennsylvania Railroad that opened in 1882. the Pickerel Lake - Crooked Lake Association will
be requested to appoint one member each to the
The trail also connects to other regional trails. The Consortium Board. It is the intent of the Consortium
northern trailhead in Mackinaw City accesses the to work toward these objectives in cooperation with
North Central State trail which runs south to Gaylord, the United States Army Corps of Engineers and the
and also creates a connection to the North Eastern Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
State Trail that runs to Cheboygan. From Petoskey,
users can connect to the Little Traverse Wheelway The Village of Alanson maintains the street to the
which connects to Charlevoix. In all, the trail creates lock and empties the trash receptacle. The Village
a regional connection that allows recreational users and Littlefield Township recognize this location as an
travel from Lake Huron to Lake Michigan by trail.
Village of Alanson/Littlefield Township
Recreation Plan 2018-2022 23opportunity for the acquisition of adjacent lands for to Lake Michigan’s Little Traverse Bay has 170 modern
the development of a park and/or boat launch. campsites, sandy beach, swimming, hiking, picnicking,
biking, cross-country skiing, and playground.
Oden Fish Hatchery Burt Lake State Park is located in Indian River on Burt
The Oden State Fish Hatchery is operated by the Lake, approximately 10 miles west of Alanson. The
MDNR at a site in Section 18 on the north side of U.S. park features 374 campsites, one mini-cabin, four
31. The hatchery has been completely renovated. A modern toilet/shower buildings, 2,000 feet of sandy
new main hatchery building, manager’s residence, beach and a one-mile hiking trail. Activities available
broodstock building, raceways, wastewater treatment include boating, fishing, swimming, picnicking, hiking,
facilities, and retention pond are among the project and cross-country skiing.
improvements. The facility is open to the public for
observation. Private Recreational Facilities
Nearby privately owned commercial recreational
The “Friends of Oden Fish Hatchery Visitor Center” facilities in Alanson and Littlefield Township are shown
sponsor an annual free-fishing weekend in February. on the next page in tabular format.
This ice fishing event is focused on children in grades
K-8. Fishing gear, bait, and refreshments are provided. Americans with Disabilities Act
The fishing takes place on Crooked Lake. Compliance
With the passage of the Americans with Disabilities
State Forestland Act of 1990 (ADA), all areas of public service and
The State also owns 720 acres of state forestland in the accommodation became subject to barrier-free
northwestern portion of Littlefield Township. These requirements, including parks and recreation facilities
lands are open to the public for recreational uses, and programs. The ultimate goal is to provide
such as hunting, hiking, sightseeing, photography, and recreation opportunities that include everyone
nature study. Snowmobile trails pass through this land. regardless of physical or mental impairment.
When evaluating the accessibility of parks and facilities,
State Parks barriers should be recognized from the perspective of
Wilderness State Park encompasses approximately the participant. These perspectives aid in preparing
8,000 acres of land in northern Bliss Township with the design and planning future improvements to
access to Lake Michigan, and is located approximately both current and existing facilities. Therefore, we can
11 miles west of Mackinaw City and less than 40 miles determine whether a site, building, and/or facility is
from Alanson. The park offers 250 modern campsites, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act
swimming, hiking, picnicking, boating, hunting, Accessibility Guidelines.
playground, fishing, mountain biking, and cross-country Perspectives to Consider:
skiing. • Could a person with vision impairment have a
reasonable means of identifying the facilities?
Petoskey State Park is located six miles from Petoskey • If a person is physically disabled, is there a means
on M-119 between Petoskey and Harbor Springs in to access all facilities and if there are barriers, is an
northern Bear Creek Township, approximately 15 alternate route available?
miles from Alanson. This 304-acre park with access
Village of Alanson/Littlefield Township
Recreation Plan 2018-2022 24You can also read
