Planning and Development Department

The Planning and Development department supports the responsible improvements of the Metroparks with the focus of expanding and strengthening the assets within the three main mission pillars of recreation, education, and stewardship of our natural resources.

With staff experienced in the fields of urban/regional planning, landscape architecture, grant writing, and volunteer management, the Planning and Development Department coordinates initiatives, including:

  • Data collection and analysis
  • Property research
  • Park master planning
  • Facility site planning
  • Park system recreation planning
  • Signage updates
  • Garnering grant support from private and public entities
  • Engaging volunteer services from corporations, organizations, and individuals
  • Expanding public engagement and partnerships

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Projects

The Border-to-Border Trail: Huron River Drive D2 Segment pathway project beginning at the Dexter-Huron Metropark and ending at the intersection of Zeeb Road and Huron River Drive will begin work this month and expected to be completed in late November.

The official project web page can be found on the Washtenaw County Road Commission (WCRC) web link below. Project information and latest updates can be found here from the WCRC in partnership with the Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission and Huron Waterloo Pathway Initiative (HWPI).

More Info: http://www.wcroads.org/wcrc-project/b2b-trail-huron-river-drive/

Public Input Opportunities

Upcoming Meetings

  • TBA

Questionnaires/Surveys

Please take a few minutes to fill out the following questionnaires concerning your Metroparks. Your responses will help us improve the quality of our parks and introduce new ideas for future developments.

  • TBA

Planning Documents for Public Review

Please provide any feedback or comments on the below plans to Jason.Bibby@metroparks.com.

Hudson Mills Metropark: Rapids View picnic and launch site – Site Plan [PDF]

The project involves the development of the Rapids View picnic and launch site to comprise: 1) new upper parking lot and designated trailer parking spaces; 2) new turnaround drop-off for paddlers and redeveloped lower parking lot; 3) accessible launch improvements; 4) accessible picnic area and river overlook; and 5) an accessible vault latrine restroom. Hudson Mills Metropark is on the National Huron River Water Trail and the county’s Border-to-Border Trail (B2B), and it provides a direct link to the Iron Belle Trail just south of the park.

Kensington Metropark: West Boat Launch site – Site Plan [PDF]

This project, located on the National Huron River Water Trail, involves the development of the West Boat Launch site for accessibility using universal design principles, including: 1) a new accessible floating canoe/kayak dock, launch, and gangway; 2) two new pea stone/sand launch areas; 3) parking lot restriping for van accessible spaces including two trailer spaces; 4) new barrier free parking area with four additional van spaces; 5) accessible picnic tables and grills; 6) various amenities including accessible concrete walkways, signage, and a pet waste station; and 7) an accessible vault latrine restroom.

Lake Erie Metropark: Boat Launch site – Site Plan [PDF]

This project, located on the Detroit Heritage River Water Trail, involves the development of the Boat Launch site for accessibility using universal design principles, including: 1) a new accessible floating canoe/kayak dock, launch, and gangway; 2) a new pea stone/sand launch area; 3) parking lot restriping for van accessible trailer spaces; 4) accessible picnic tables and grills; 5) restroom modifications; 6) various amenities including accessible asphalt and aggregate walkways, signage, and a pet waste station; and 7) various landscaping features including seven new native trees, shoreline cleanup, invasive plant removal, and a native plant screen. Lake Erie Metropark is on the Downriver Linked Greenways East West Trail, the Iron Belle Trail, and Detroit Heritage River Water Trail.

Oakwoods Metropark: Accessible trail and surrounding amenities updates using universal design principles – Site Plan [PDF]

The project involves the development of an accessible trail and an update to the surrounding amenities using universal design principles, to comprise: 1) parking lot improvements with 8 barrier free space additions in 2 locations; 2) building entry and restroom modifications; 3) existing surface removal and new aggregate surface added on the Split Log Trail; 4) observation deck replacement and redesign; 5) various amenities including picnic tables, drinking station, benches, and dog waste station; and 6) interpretive and locational signage. Oakwoods Metropark is on the National Huron River Water Trail, the Downriver Linked Greenways East West Trail, and the Iron Belle Trail.

Stony Creek Metropark: Accessible off-leash dog area – Site Plan [PDF]

The project involves the development of an accessible off-leash dog area to comprise: 1) fencing for two areas of nearly 3 acres each (small dogs and all dogs alternating to reduce turf wear) including utility and entry gates; 2) a 10’ wide asphalt path from the parking lot to the bullpen area; 3) concrete bullpen with water bottle/pet filling station, benches, planting bed, and dog waste stations; 4) accessible aggregate surface in each high traffic area at turf entry and on each 6’ wide path extending into the off-leash areas; 5) accessible unisex portable toilet placed on concrete outside of bullpen area; and 6) striping and signs for three van accessible parking spaces. Stony Creek Metropark connects to the Macomb Orchard Trail and lies just east of the Iron Belle Trail.

Approved Planning Documents

Concept Plans

Master Plans

Huron-Clinton metroparks Community Recreation Plan 2018-2022

Staff

Nina Kelly, AICP, Chief of Planning and Development
Nina.Kelly@metroparks.com
(810) 494-6043

Tim Phillips, Park Planner
Tim.Phillips@metroparks.com
(810) 494-6022

Jason Bibby, AICP, System Planner
Jason.Bibby@metroparks.com
(810) 494-6031

Katie Kowalski, Volunteer Services Supervisor
Katie.Kowalski@metroparks.com
(810) 494-6020

Janet Vandewinkle, Grant Writer/Recreation Programs Coordinator
Janet.Vandewinkle@metroparks.com
(810) 494-6017

Michelle Nichols, Grant Writer
Michelle.Nichols@metroparks.com
(810) 494-6012

Leah Deasy, Planning Aide
Leah.Deasy@metroparks.com
(810) 494-6032

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