In 2018, WCPARC celebrated its 45th year of providing outstanding recreation facilities and programs for residents and visitors. As we conclude another busy year, I’d like to recognize some of the significant accomplishments from 2018. First, I’d like to thank the voters of Washtenaw County for supporting WCPARC by renewing our 10-year acquisition and development millage. On November 6th, the ballot proposal passed with almost 75% of the votes – the highest margin ever for a WCPARC millage renewal! This is a clear endorsement of our mission by the community. The millage is the lifeblood of our organization, providing the funding necessary to maintain one of the premier park systems in the state.
Other major 2018 highlights include:
- Construction of a new playground and spray pad for the water park at Rolling Hills County Park, in addition to infrastructure and mechanical equipment improvements.
- Initiated Site Master Plan Phase 1 development amenities at Staebler Farm County Park in Superior Township, including building rehabilitation and parking lot construction.
- In coordination with the MDNR, adopted a General Management Plan for Watkins Lake State Park and County Preserve to guide the future development of this exciting new facility in Manchester Township.
- Secured approval of a special revenue fund to support the perpetual stewardship of nearly 6,000 acres in our 34 nature preserves and 18 conservation easements.
- Adoption of a four-year budget and update of our Capital Improvement Plan
- A banner year for the development of the Border-to-Border Trail – including completion and active construction of 5.9 miles of new trail and active engineering and planning for 18 miles of trail. $7.1M in State and Federal grants awarded for construction in 2018/2019.
Finally, we kicked-off the update of our five-year Recreation Master Plan by sending out a community input survey. The 2020-2024 Master Plan will establish the priorities of WCPARC, which will reflect the recreational desires of the community as expressed through the public input process. We anticipate that the Master Plan will be adopted in the fall of 2019, which will illustrate an exciting vision for County Parks for years to come.
Thank you,
Coy Vaughn, Director
Washtenaw County Parks
& Recreation Commission
Washtenaw County Parks - 45 Years of Accomplishments