If you’ve ever entered a park, a boat launch, or some sort of recreation site in Cass County and wondered why a certain amenity wasn’t available, or had ideas about a better layout or use of the land located there, you have a chance to share your ideas for your ideal park thanks to the team at Cass County Parks & Recreation.
The department is inviting everybody to put in their two-cents on park planning in a new online survey regarding an update to their current plan.
Cass County Parks and Recreation calls it “an exciting team,” and adds, “We want you to be part of it!” The department is currently working to update their parks and recreation plan as well as what is called the Dr. Lawless master plan. Both documents will provide a five-year framework for decisions regarding the establishment, development, and maintenance of recreational programs and facilities. They remind citizens that having an approved parks and recreation plan is especially important as it allows the Cass County Parks and Recreation Department to be eligible for certain state and federal grants.
They also remind folks that parks and recreation improve the quality of life for residents, help maintain and attract residents and businesses, promote healthy physical and mental lifestyles, provide opportunities for social connections, protect natural features and the environment and improve property values.
As part of the planning process, Cass County Parks and Recreation Department is gathering public input. They are asking community members to take an on-line survey. It takes less than 10 minutes and your input will be greatly valued. The survey asks what types of improvements you would like to see at each county park including:
- Arthur Dodd Memorial Park
- Dr. T.K. Lawless Park
- Fred Russ Forest County Park
- Stevens Lakeside Memorial Park
- Veterans Memorial Park
- Henry Sears Boat Launch
- Harmon Park East
- Harmon Park West
You can take the survey on line by visiting this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CassCountyParks or you can pick up a paper copy of the survey at the Administrator’s office located at 120 N. Broadway, Suite 200 in Cassopolis any Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. The survey must be completed by October 31, 2020.
If you have any questions regarding the survey, you can contact Marcy Hamilton with the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission at 269-925-1137 x 1525 or at hamiltonm@swmpc.org . The Southwest Michigan Planning Commission is assisting Cass County with the development of the plan.
