Recreation Plan
301
(date)
DRAFT
Table
of Contents
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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INTRODUCTION
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COMMUNITY DESCRIPTION
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ADMINISTRATIVE
STRUCTURE
.. Osceola County Parks Commission Osceola County Parks Department Sources of Funding Current Year and Projected Annual Budgets Relationships with Other Public Agencies |
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RECREATION INVENTORY
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Park and Recreation Area Inventory DNR Recreation Grant Inventory |
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RESOURCE INVENTORY
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DESCRIPTION OF THE
PLANNING AND PUBLIC INPUT PROCESS
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GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
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ACTION PROGRAM
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APPENDICES A. Osceola County Parks Organizational Chart
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. 18 B. Current and Projected Annual Budgets
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. 20 C. D. E. Website Input and Public Notice
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... 32 F. Comment Form
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35 G. Letter to Local Units of Government
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.... 37 H. Public
Hearing Documentation
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date
Introduction
In order to develop the best possible plan this
Recreation Plan was a joint effort of both the Planning Commission and the
Recreation Commission. The Planning
Commission had experience in plan development and resources needed to develop
the Plan. The Recreation Commission had
an intimate knowledge of the Parks administrative structure, operations,
future needs, goals, and objectives.
Together a Recreation Plan was developed that is better than either
Commission could have established on its own.
This Recreation Plan supports Goal #11, Action 2
of the Osceola County, Michigan Future Land Use Plan, dated November 2002.
date
Community Description
This
Recreation Plan was prepared for the Osceola County Parks Commission. The Osceola County Parks Commission operates
two parks;
In
addition to county government there are twenty-two other local units of
government in
date
Administrative Structure
I. Osceola County Parks Commission
The
Osceola County Parks Commission was formed in 1992 under Public Act 261 of
1965. Commission members are appointed
by the Osceola County Board of Commissioners for 2 year terms. Commission members may be appointed to
recurring terms.
The
Parks Commission has overall responsibility for the operations of both County
parks. In order to efficiently
accomplish its responsibilities two subcommittees have been formed:
a.
The
Finance Subcommittee meets monthly from May through October, with the dates at
the call of the Chair. The Finance Subcommittee:
(1) Reviews park claims and
vendor bids submitted for park projects, then makes recommendations to the
Parks Commission.
(2) Oversees projects and
purchases for compliance with policies, purchasing requirements, and funding
availability.
(3) Reviews and makes
recommendations to the Parks Commission for the upcoming budget year.
b.
The
Personnel Subcommittee meets as needed at the call of the Chair. The Personnel Subcommittee:
(1) Evaluates the Parks
Directors job performance and reviews evaluations completed by the Parks
Director on park staff.
(2) The Committee is
responsible for the interviewing process for new park managers and personnel
issues at the parks.
Appendix
A, Osceola County Parks Organizational
Chart, shows both the Parks Commission and each of the subcommittees
position within the administrative structure of the Osceola County Parks
system.
II. Osceola County Parks Department
The
day-to-day operations of the
date
Appendix A, Osceola County Parks Organizational
Chart, shows the Personnel relationships within the Parks system.
III. Sources of Funding
IV. Current Year and Projected Annual Budgets
The
Parks Commission, with recommendations from the Finance Committee, establishes
the Parks budget on an annual basis. As
this Recreation Plan was being developed the 2009 current year and 2010 future
year budgets were adopted. These budgets
are included in Appendix B, Current and Projected Annual
Budgets. Appendix B also includes
actual expenditures for the years 2002 through 2008.
V. Volunteers Involved in Park and
Recreation Programs
Both
Currently volunteer opportunities are available on a
weekly, monthly, and seasonal basis. Two
seasonal slots are available at
Volunteers perform almost any type of work. Example activities include mowing, assisting
at the paddle boat rental, assisting at the putt-putt golf, or utilizing
special skills.
VI. Relationships with Other Public Agencies
On
a day-to-day basis the Osceola County Parks Department operates independently
of other public agencies and County departments; however, the Parks Department
does work cooperatively with other agencies and County departments when the
need arises. For example:
a.
The
County Road Commission provides occasional assistance in the form of spreading
roadbed gravel and topsoil, and also doing road grading and snow removal.
b.
MSU
Extension works with the Parks to maintain a Parks presence on the County
website.
c.
The
County Planning Commission works with the Parks Director in developing the
Recreation Plan.
d.
The
Sheriffs Department, Emergency Medical Service, and MSU Extension all
participate in the annual Parks Orientation Training.
date
Recreation Inventory
The
Osceola County Parks system is comprised of two parks.
A
key decision was made before conducting the recreation inventory. It was decided that other campgrounds, both public
and private, were the only recreational facilities that had the potential to significantly
impact
I.
Park Name:
Location: 17726
Youth Drive,
Classification: Special Use
Size: 48 acres
Description:
160 camp sites, all serviced by
water and electric
1,300 foot swimming beach
18 hole mini-golf course,
2 large pavilions and
grills for groups
2 picnic shelters
overlooking the lake
2 modern bathhouses with showers and
flush toilets
Playground
Boat launch facility
Dump station
Campground store
Shuffleboard
Basketball
Fishing
Accessibility Assessment: 3
Service
Area:
date
Map: Park maps are included as Appendix C, Osceola
County Park Maps.
DNR
Funding:
No part of
Park Name:
Classification: Special Use
Location:
Size: 10 acres
Description:
70 sites with water and electrical
service
20 rustic sites
Pavilion and grills for groups
Playground
Basketball
Volleyball
Swimming
Adjacent to DNR boat launch
Fishing
Modern restrooms with showers
Dump station
Accessibility Assessment: 3
Service
Area:
Map: Park maps are included as Appendix C, Osceola
County Park Maps.
DNR
Funding: No part of
date
II. Other Campgrounds
The
list of other campgrounds was compiled by updating the listing in the
Countys previous Recreation Plan, using phone books, researching the Internet,
and during the public participation process.
A great amount of effort was taken to ensure the information was
complete and accurate when the Recreation Plan was published; however, the
information is not guaranteed to be accurate.
The list is limited to campgrounds within
Private & Nonprofit
Campgrounds in Osceola & Neighboring Counties
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Name |
Location (closest community) |
Activities & Facilities |
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www.bluegillcampgroundandresort.com |
Mecosta
( 13
miles from Crittenden |
100 campsites
and 4 cabins on 56 acres 10 acre spring
fed lake with sandy beach see website
for other amenities |
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9 miles from |
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Cadillac
Woods Campground www.cadillacwoodscampground.com |
11
miles from |
Camping
sites and cabins see website
for other amenities |
|
Fairgrounds |
Evart
( 7
miles from Crittenden |
over
700 campsites on 40 acre site barns,
buildings, and meeting halls additional
amenities (contact fairgrounds) |
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Old
Log Resort and Campground |
18
miles from Crittenden |
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www.campandcanoe.com |
Evart
( 9
miles from Crittenden |
134
campsites on
banks of see website
for other amenities |
date
Municipal Campgrounds in
Osceola & Neighboring Counties
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Name |
Location |
Activities & Facilities |
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www.cityofevart.org |
Evart
( 18
miles from Crittenden |
15
recreational vehicle sites additional
tent camping adjacent
to links
to Rails-to-Trails see website
for other amenities |
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www.reedcitycrossroads.com/city/parks/index |
19
miles from Crittenden |
13
recreational vehicle sites links
to Rails-to-Trails trails
wind along see website
for other amenities |
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Blodgett
Landing www.blodgettlanding.com |
Hersey
( 18
miles from Crittenden |
26
campsites on 29 acres located
at confluence of Muskegon & Hersey Rivers see website
for other amenities |
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Merrill
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Sears
(park located in 7
miles from Crittenden |
147
campsites and 4 cabins on 90 acres |
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Veterans
Memorial Park |
14
miles from |
38
Campsites adjacent
to |
II. DNR Recreation Grant Inventory
Neither
date
Resource
Inventory
A Resource Inventory was not prepared as part of this Recreation
Plan. The decision not to do so was
based on several factors, two of which were:
a.
b.
date
Description of the
Planning and Public Input Process
I. Planning Process
During
the May 12, 2009 Parks Commission meeting, Dan Massy, Vice-Chair of the Osceola
County Planning Commission, briefed the Parks Commission that the Recreation
Plan was going to expire at the end of the year. Following brief discussion the Recreation Commission
made a decision to update the Recreation Plan.
Carl Baumgras, Parks Director, was assigned to work with Dan Massy. As a result development of the Recreation
Plan became a joint Planning Commission/Recreation Commission project.
II. Planning Methods
The method used to develop this Recreation Plan was simple.
a. The needs and desires of
the community were first considered.
b. Next, the ability of the
Parks Commission to meet those needs and desires were considered (i.e.
financial, staffing, etc.).
c. Lastly, all programs
were reviewed to ensure the needs of special populations were being met (i.e.
disabled, elderly, etc.).
II. Public Input
Public
input was considered an important part of the Recreation Plan development
process. Several methods were used to
seek public input:
a.
Park
Surveys: Each camping season all campers
have an opportunity to complete a survey.
The surveys are used to improve the operation of each park. Each survey is reviewed by the Park Manager
when it is received. Surveys are then
reviewed by the Parks Director prior to being given to the Parks Commission for
their review. Surveys from the 2008 and a
portion of the 2009 camping seasons were considered as part of the Recreation
Plan development process. A copy of the
survey and a summary of the survey results are included as Appendix D, Osceola
County Park Surveys.
b.
County
Website: A draft copy of the Recreation Plan was posted on the
date
c.
Public
Libraries: On September
28, 2009 a copy of the Recreation Plan was sent to the five public
libraries in the county. Follow up phone
calls were made to ensure they were received.
Placing the Recreation Plan in the libraries gave the public an
opportunity to review the Recreation Plan before coming to the public hearing. Comment forms were also provided in case
someone wanted to provide input, but could not attend the public hearing. Both the notice of the public hearing and the
county website announced that the Recreation Plan and comment forms were
available at all county libraries. The
comment form is included as part of Appendix F, Comment Form.
d.
Letter
to Local Units of Government: Although
the County Recreation Plan focused strictly on the Osceola County Parks system
a letter was sent to all local units of government in
e.
Planning
Commission Meeting: The Planning
Commission accepted comments concerning the Recreation Plan as part of its
November 18, 2009 meeting. Citizens were
notified of this opportunity on the Osceola County Recreation Plan Citizen
Input Forms, Appendix F, that were at each library and on the Countys website,
Appendix E.
f.
Public
Hearing: A public hearing was held at
the
The following written comments were received:
a.
b.
c.
date
Goals and Objectives
I. Goals
In consultation with the Parks
Director and after considering all public input the Osceola County Parks
Commission adopted the following set of goals:
a. GOAL 1
Maintain existing facilities and make improvements within responsible
spending levels.
b. GOAL 2
Further develop camper/worker relations.
c. GOAL 3
Increase utilization of the entire campground season.
d. GOAL 4
Pay a particular focus to the Parks financial situation.
e. GOAL 5
Provide a well balanced camper activity program during peak season.
f.
GOAL 6 Anticipate future needs and seek reasonable
solutions.
g. GOAL 7
Anticipate future expansions and acquire land through purchase, grants, or
donations.
II. Objectives
In order to accomplish its goals the
Osceola County Parks Commission has established the following objectives:
a. OBJECTIVE
1 Protect and maintain all aspects of the native environment. (supports Goals #1 and 7)
b. OBJECTIVE
2 Provide sufficient resources (financial, material, personnel) to properly
maintain facilities. (supports Goals #1
and 4)
c. OBJECTIVE
3 Conduct regular inspections of park grounds and facilities for cleanliness
and safety. Take corrective measures, as
necessary. (supports Goals #1 and 2)
d. OBJECTIVE
4 Playgrounds will be constructed and upgraded to Consumer Product Safety
Commission standards. (supports Goals #1
and 5)
e. OBJECTIVE
5 Provide barrier-free access to existing and new facilities utilizing
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. (supports Goals #1 and 2)
f.
OBJECTIVE 6 Increase customer service training for park
workers. (supports Goal #2)
date
g. OBJECTIVE
7 Increase the number of press releases focusing on traditional slow periods
in the campgrounds. (supports Goal #3)
h. OBJECTIVE
8 - Increase advertisement in selective markets that focuses on traditional
slow periods in the campgrounds.
(supports Goal #3)
i.
OBJECTIVE 9 Develop early season and late season promotions
and camper discounts. (supports Goal #3)
j.
OBJECTIVE 10 Regularly monitor income and expenses. (supports Goal #4)
k. OBJECTIVE
11 Consider new sources of revenue which are consistent with other goals. (supports Goal #4)
l.
OBJECTIVE 12 Seek state and federal grants and solicit
foundations, donations, and other funding sources, when appropriate. (supports Goals #1, 4, and 7)
m. OBJECTIVE
13 Develop the Help Osceola Parks Endure (HOPE) program. (supports Goals #1 and 4)
n. OBJECTIVE
14 Expand use of volunteers in the parks.
(supports Goals #1, 2, 4, and 6)
o. OBJECTIVE
15 Develop programs that emphasis wellness, crafts, nature appreciation,
education, and recreation activities.
(supports Goals #2 and 5)
p. OBJECTIVE
16 Coordinate activity programs with other agencies. (supports Goal #5)
q. OBJECTIVE
17 Develop special activities to increase off peak use times. (supports Goal #3)
r.
OBJECTIVE 18 Encourage communication between the Parks
Department and general public, elected officials, recreation interest groups,
students, seniors, and others through open meetings, questionnaires,
newsletters, brochures, personal contacts, and other means. (supports Goal #6)
s. OBJECTIVE
19 Seek shared commitments from special interest groups to complete goals. (supports Goal #6)
t.
OBJECTIVE 20 If an opportunity is presented, acquire
available open space in advance of development to minimize costs and ensure
adequate spatial requirements for future development in areas of expected
growth. (supports Goal #7)
date
Action Program
I. Organizational & Staffing
2010-2014: Further develop volunteer program.
II. Programming
2010-2011: Develop/advertise additional activity
programs.
2012: Purchase equipment and install screens needed
to show outdoor movies at each park
(estimated cost $3,500).
2013-2014: No Programming changes are anticipated.
III. Public Information
2010: Improve signage to parks.
2010: Visit community groups; rotary, etc.
2010-2014: Continue two-way relationship with chambers
of commerce.
IV. Fund Development
2010-2011:
Establish the non-profit organization, Help Osceola County Parks Endure (HOPE).
2012-2014: No Fund Development changes anticipated.
V. Operation
2010-2014: No Operational changes are anticipated.
VI. Maintenance
2011: Electrical & water upgrade; 20 sites at
Crittenden (estimated cost $40,000).
2011: Maintenance for South restroom at
2012: Electrical & water redistribution; 46
sites at Crittenden (estimated cost $69,000).
2012: Maintenance for North restroom at
2012: Electrical upgrade; 16 sites at
Date
2013-Future: Electrical upgrade; 16 sites at
2013-Future: Electrical upgrade; 14 sites at
2013-Future: Pave interior park road at
VII. Facility Development
2010: Install playground equipment at Crittenden
(estimated cost $25,000).
2010: Replace middle restroom at
2011: Build rustic cabin to rent at Crittenden
(estimated cost $20,000).
2011: Build rustic cabin to rent at
2012: Facility Development projects are
anticipated.
2013-Future: Bike, rollerblade, skateboard park at
2013-Future: 50 new, full service campsites at
VIII. Land Acquisition
2010-2014: No Land Acquisitions are anticipated.
Appendix A
Osceola County Parks
Organizational Chart
Appendix B
Current and Projected
Annual Budgets
Appendix C
Appendix D
date
A
total of 36 surveys were available for review from a combination of the 2008
camping season and the 2009 camping season which is in progress. Additionally another 23 individuals completed
an older survey. Listed below is a
summary of the results. Overall those
completing the survey enjoyed
1. Overall 97% felt the park was either great
or good with the vast majority selecting great. No one felt the park was less than fair. The older survey gave individuals the
opportunity to rate their overall experience to the park as very satisfied,
somewhat satisfied, somewhat dissatisfied, or very dissatisfied. This survey supported the results of the
other survey as almost all individuals responded very satisfied. No one responded less than somewhat
satisfied.
2. Overall 97% felt the park staff was either
great or good with the vast majority selecting great. No one felt the park was less than fair. The older survey gave individuals the
opportunity to rate the park staffs appearance, helpfulness, and courtesy as
either excellent, good, or poor. This
survey supported the results of the other survey as almost all categories were
rated excellent and no poor ratings were received.
3. Individuals had an opportunity to express
what improvements they would like to see at the park. Individuals circled yes if they would like
to see the improvement and no if they did not. For an improvement an individual wanted to
see they were asked to assign a number from 1 to 10, with ten being the most
important. The responses below are a
compilation of the 2008 and 2009 responses.
The Importance number is the total of all numbers assigned by
individuals divided the number of individuals that assigned numbers.
Docks for fishing from shore: Yes: 23 No: 13 Importance: 7.66
Boats, Canoe, or Fishing Boat Rental Yes: 17 No: 19 Importance: 7.13
Bicycle Paths Yes: 14 No:
22
Importance: 5.75
Full Hookup w/Sewer Yes: 19 No:
17
Importance: 9.13
Foot Paths Yes: 18 No: 18 Importance: 7.00
Playground Equipment Yes: 12 No: 24 Importance: 6.75
Restroom Upgrades Yes: 14 No: 22 Importance: 7.33
Park
Roads Paved: Yes: 9 No:
27
Importance: 4.62
Picnic
Area Upgrades: Yes:
7 No:
29
Importance: 7.40
date
Cabins
to Rent: Yes:
12 No: 24
Importance: 7.50
Laundry
Facility: Yes: 16 No: 20 Importance: 8.46
Grass
Sites: Yes:
13 No: 23
Importance: 7.45
4.
Individuals had an opportunity to provide
additional comments or improvements that they would like to see as a customer
using the Osceola County Parks. Not many
comments were received regarding
a. Two comments were
received regarding improving the playground.
b. Two individuals desired
larger lots.
c. Someone expressed a
desire for Wifi and another asked for Internet service.
d. A comment was made
concerning level lots.
e. Two individuals felt
that seasonal campers should get first pick of the lots.
f.
Someone
stated a laundry room would be nice.
g. A need was stated for
more activities for adolescents.
h. Someone feels a canoe to
rent would make a lot of money.
i.
Someone
feels there should be more area in the restrooms and showers.
date
A
total of 40 surveys were available for review from a combination of the 2008
camping season and the 2009 camping season which is in progress. Overall those completing the survey enjoyed
1. Overall 76% felt the park was either great
or good with the majority selecting good.
No one felt the park was less than fair.
2. Overall 87% felt the park staff was either
great or good with no single category receiving a majority.
The
next 13 questions gave individuals an opportunity to express what improvements
they would like to see at the park.
Individuals circled yes if they would like to see the improvement and
no if they did not. For an improvement
an individual wanted to see they were asked to assign a number from 1 to 10,
with ten being the most important. The
responses below are a compilation of the 2008 and 2009 responses. The Importance number is the total of all
numbers assigned by individuals divided the number of individuals that assigned
numbers.
Docks for fishing from shore: Yes: 19 No: 21 Importance: 8.41
Boats, Canoe, or Fishing Boat Rental Yes: 20 No: 20 Importance: 7.27
Bicycle Paths Yes: 21 No: 19 Importance: 6.07
Full Hookup w/Sewer Yes: 19 No:
21
Importance: 7.70
Foot Paths Yes: 16 No: 24 Importance: 7.31
Playground Equipment Yes: 20 No: 20 Importance: 8.23
Restroom Upgrades Yes: 34 No: 6 Importance: 8.88
Park
Roads Paved: Yes:
11 No: 29
Importance: 6.50
Picnic
Area Upgrades: Yes:
7 No:
33
Importance: 6.25
Cabins
to Rent: Yes:
7 No:
33
Importance: 6.20
Laundry
Facility: Yes:
16 No: 24
Importance: 8.64
Grass
Sites: Yes: 22 No: 18 Importance: 7.87
date
4.
Individuals had an opportunity to
provide additional comments or improvements that they would like to see as a
customer using the Osceola County Parks.
A large number of comments were received and listed below is a summary
of the main comments from
a.
There
were many comments concerning the restrooms.
In addition to general comments, specific references were made for a
need for more sinks, more showers, hooks in the showers, more private shower
stalls, better handicap bathrooms, and the need for the entrance into the mens
room to be reworked.
b.
There
were many references concerning the need for electrical upgrades. When individuals were more specific they
commented specifically on the need for more hook-ups in the campsite areas.
c.
There
were many references toward developing grass at some of the dirt campsites.
d.
There
were several comments about level sites.
e.
There
were a number of positive comments concerning the park staff, programming, and
general atmosphere in the park.
The
additional comments backed up the earlier responses that identified a desire
for restroom upgrades and grassy sites.
Additionally, a need for electrical upgrades was identified. This was a question that individuals did not
have an earlier opportunity to respond to.
Appendix E
Website Input and Public
Notice
Insert Public
Hearing Notice When Scheduled
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ANNOUNCEMENTS Recreation
Plan Update Citizens can provide comments on the proposed Recreation plan or provide additional input in several ways: a. Email comments to the Osceola County Planning Commission at massyd@msu.edu. b. Mail comments to the Osceola County Planning Commission using one of the comment forms located at each of the public libraries. c. Attend the Planning Commission meeting which will be held on November 18, 2009 at the County Courthouse, 301 W. Upton, Reed City, MI 49677. Comments should be provided no later than November 18, 2009.
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Appendix F
Comment Form
Citizen Input Form
The Osceola County Planning and Recreation
Commissions are working together to update the Countys Recreation Plan. Both view citizen input as an important part
of this process.
Prior to final adoption the Osceola County Board
of Commissioners will hold a public hearing; however, you have an
opportunity to provide input and comment on the draft plan prior to the public
hearing. You may view the draft Osceola
County Recreation Plan online at the Countys website (www.osceola-county.org) and then use the
link to email comments, attend the November 18th Planning Commission meeting at
the County Courthouse, or review the draft Recreation Plan then provide your
input using this form.
******************************************************************************
Complete
name and contact info only if you would like someone to contact you
Name
(optional): ________________________________________________
Contact
Info (optional): ________________________________________________
*****************************************************************************
Comments:
1. If commenting on a
specific item in plan, please reference the page number.
2. Continue comments on reverse if needed.
Thank
you for taking the time to share your opinion.
All comments will be reviewed and considered prior to finalizing the
Recreation Plan. Upon completion please mail form to the Osceola
Appendix G
Letter to Local Units of
Government
COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
231-832-7397
Fax 231-832-3381
September
30, 2009
Comments
on the proposed Recreation Plan can be provided in one of several ways:
a. Email comments to the
Osceola County Planning Commission at massyd@msu.edu.
b. Mail comments to the
Osceola County Planning Commission at 301 W.
c. Attend the Planning
Commission meeting which will be held on November 18, 2009 at the
If
you have comments we hope to receive them by November 25th. Please contact me at 832-7397 if you have any
questions.
Dan
Massy
Vice
Chairperson
Appendix H
Public
Hearing Documentation
Add
Documentation After the Public Hearing