Berrien Township Community Park, Recreation, Open Space and Greenway Plan 2016-2021

Berrien Township Community Park, Recreation, Open Space and Greenway Plan 2016- 2021

Berrien Township

Community Park, Recreation, Open Space and Greenway Plan 2016-2021

PURPOSE OF THE PLAN
Community recreation plans serve a number of purposes. They guide local decisionmaking regarding recreational opportunities for five years. A thorough plan for a community’s recreational facilities contributes greatly to the vitality of that community. Completion of a recreation plan also establishes five-year eligibility for recreation grants administered through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Berrien Township has undertaken this Plan in an effort to:

 Produce a coordinated recreation plan for the community;
 Assess the recreation facilities and programs of Berrien Township, including
barrier-free compliance;
 Identify recreation deficiencies for the residents of Berrien Township and for
visitors;
 Determine a course of action for the St. Joseph River corridor within the
Township;
 Establish a course of action for the Township Board for the next five years;
 Solicit input from the public and from Berrien Springs Public Schools regarding
recreation in Berrien Township; and
 Prioritize recreation improvements and acquisitions and identify potential funding
sources.

The Berrien Township Board contracted with the Southwest Michigan Planning
Commission, the regional planning agency serving Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren
counties, to guide the Township through the planning process. After a series of meetings, a community survey, and a public hearing, the 2016-2021 Berrien Township Community Park, Recreation, Open Space and Greenway Plan was completed. The result is a five year plan that reflects the desire of the community to guide them in meeting the recreation needs and wants of schoolchildren, young adults, middle-aged and older Citizens.

Berrien Township Community Park, Recreation, Open Space and Greenway Plan 2016- 2021

On June 14th 2015 there was a Pancake Breakfast & Public Input Meeting click here to view the flyer.