Previewing the Next 5 Years of West Bloomfield Parks and Recreation

The draft master plan designed to guide the West Bloomfield Township Parks and Recreation Commission through 2017 will be subject to public hearing on Thursday night, offering residents one final opportunity to comment on the commission's course of action.

In order to apply for federal and state grant funds, the state Department of Natural Resources requires the commission to update its master plan every five years, according to township officials. Such funds represented a large portion of the budget for such projects as the West Bloomfield Trail extension; they also fund many services and programs.

Since fall of last year, Parks and Recreation commissioners and staff have worked to collect data on the township and its previous master plan, as well as to solicit opinions from the public in a variety of ways. Also guided by part in the recent passage of a millage renewal and increase —  — the draft master plan offers a look at plans in the five years succeeding the current plan.

Action items include:

• Administrative and operating staff to expand the base of volunteers to include assisting in maintenance, marketing and promotion, beautification, etc.
• Development of an advisory council to review programs and facilities for people with disabilities
• Development of a farmer's market at Karner Farm and continuing to use nature-oriented programs at the Nature Nook
• Development of an action plan regarding the Family Aquatic Center, which has come under discussion for a possible re-tooling. Residents surveyed as part of the master plan process largely indicated that swimming needs were being met elsewhere in town.
• Improving several facilities with regard to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act

The public hearing takes place at West Bloomfield Town Hall, 4550 Walnut Lake Rd., West Bloomfield, at 7 p.m. For a look at the draft master plan, visit westbloomfieldparks.org.