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THEY’RE YOUR METROPARKS.
AND THEY’VE GOT A PLAN.

It takes a lot of work to make the Metroparks work. Learn more about the ways our Planning & Development team helps us fulfill our mission.

OVERVIEW

PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT

Here at the Metroparks, our Planning & Development Department plays a critical role in making sure the improvements and enhancements we bring to our 13 properties are informed by relevant, accurate and useful data and analysis. 

The Planning & Development team focuses on creating and assessing ways to expand and strengthen our infrastructure and other assets, guided by three main goals identified in our Strategic Plan: Listen & Connect, Maintain & Invest, and Conserve & Steward.

Our staff has a deep academic and applied experience in a diversity of related disciplines, including urban and regional planning, landscape architecture, grant writing, policy, and public engagement. They’re responsible for leading and coordinating initiatives in: 

Volunteer Programs
Signage
Rec Planning
Property Research
Partnerships
Park Planning
Grant Writing
Facility Planning
Data Collection

DOCUMENTS & PLANS

DOCUMENTS & PLANS

ADA Transition Plan

Approved by the Board of Commissioners in November 2019, this plan is an update to the original Metroparks ADA Transition Plans developed in the mid-1990s.

Community Recreation Plan 2018-2022

The 2023-2027 Community Recreation Plan was developed and approved by the Board of Commissioners and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in 2023. The structure and contents of this planning document are specified by the Michigan DNR, and the Metroparks updates the plan every 5 years. The next planning process will be facilitated in 2026.

Park Access Plan

This plan identifies opportunities to connect the Metroparks to public transportation and nonmotorized transportation systems to increase access for all residents of the region.

Park Master Plans

The original park master plans were completed and approved by the Board of Commissioners between 2016 and 2018. These plans include assessments of conditions existing at the time of the plan development, a summary of public input, needs and opportunities, and action items for a 10-year planning horizon.

A five-year update was conducted for all park master plans, as an opportunity for each of the 13 Metroparks to review their master plan and make sure it is still relevant. This review included 1) major changes to facilities, infrastructure and programming in the park; 2) updated needs and opportunities; 3) completed action items; and 4) any new actions necessary to implement the goals and policies for the park.  The Board of Commissioners approves all updated master plans.

Stormwater Management Plan

Approved by the Board of Commissioners in September 2019, the Metroparks Stormwater Management Plan (developed by OHM Advisors) identifies project recommendations regarding stormwater conveyance structure maintenance and replacement, streambank restoration, shoreline protection, and green infrastructure projects throughout the system. The plan is divided into chapters by park.

Livingston County Trail Connection Feasibility Report

The Livingston County Trail Connection Feasibility Study was funded by Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Legacy Fund through the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan in order to determine a final safe and efficient non-motorized connection between four large regional parks: Brighton Recreation Area, Huron Meadows Metropark, Island Lake Recreation Area, and Kensington Metropark. Funding through Congresswoman Slotkin’s FY 2022 Community Project Funding program will assist with the design engineering of the selected route alternative.

Two mountain bikers enjoy the trails at Stony Creek Metropark.

PUBLIC FEEDBACK

PUBLIC FEEDBACK

Throughout the year our planning and development team has a variety of opportunities for visitors and community members to provide input on projects and plans. Check back here periodically for how YOU can help guide future projects at the Metroparks.

Trail Improvements – DNR Grant Proposal

This proposed project will add a .5 mile of paved trail around the existing Par-3 Golf Course expanding the parks looped Hike-Bike Trail. The trail will extend the trail located on the West Boardwalk, to the Daysail Picnic Area, and then around the golf course and up to the Hike-Bike Trail intersection near the Golf Road Picnic Shelter. Project scope items include: 1) 10-foot-wide Hike-Bike Trail; 2) Accessible parking space improvements; 3) Universally accessible water bottle filling station, benches, grills and concrete pads supporting picnic tables. 4) Other amenities including a dog waste station and large trailhead structure. 5) non-motorized safety improvements at road crossings and area adjacent to the roadway including crosswalk striping, tactile warning strips at crossings, and vertical delineators separating the path from road. 6) Various landscaping features including new native plantings and no mow areas.

We want to hear from you! You can provide feedback in a number of ways:

  • Review the project: Scope of work and concept maps are below for reference and review.

You can send any additional feedback or input to Jay Bibby at jason.bibby@metroparks.com.

Willow Metropark – Big Bend Fishing Platform Improvements – DNR Grant Proposal

This proposed project includes the development of a new fishing platform at a popular fishing spot on the Huron River at Big Bend within Willow Metropark.  Project scope items include: 1) 10-foot-wide fishing deck with lowered railing and wheel chair access; 2) Fishing deck amenities include, fishing line disposal unit, fishing pole holders, tackle box holder and benches; 3) Other project improvements include universally accessible water bottle filling station, benches, grills and picnic tables.  4) Paved trail improvements 5) Universally accessible van parking spaces; 6) Native tree plantings.

We want to hear from you! You can provide feedback in a number of ways:

  • Review the project: Scope of work and concept maps are below for reference and review.

You can send any additional feedback or input to Jay Bibby at jason.bibby@metroparks.com.

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