Author: Margaret Leary

At its Feb. 11, 2014 meeting, the Washtenaw County parks & recreation commission authorized the purchase of conservation easements on 129 acres in Superior Township and 157 acres in York Township. Commissioners also got an update on work toward a new east county recreation center in Ypsilanti, and reviewed applications for WCPARC’s Connecting Communities grants. [Full Story]

At their Dec. 10, 2013 meeting, Washtenaw County parks & recreation commissioners voted to rename County Farm Park in honor of Nelson Meade, who is stepping down from the commission after 40 years of service. Dec. 10 was his last meeting. Most of WCPARC’s other main action items related to potential acquisitions through its natural areas preservation program. The commission also got an update about the proposed recreation center in Ypsilanti. [Full Story]

The Nov. 12, 2013 meeting of the Washtenaw County parks & recreation commission included four major items of business. Commissioners approved pursuing a conservation easement on 264 acres in Sylvan Township, and the donation of 10 acres along the Huron River in Ann Arbor Township. They also authorized replacement of a chiller at the Meri Lou Murray Recreation Center, and got an update on the Eastern County Recreation Center in Ypsilanti. Also announced at the meeting was the departure of long-time commissioner Nelson Meade, who plans to step down from WCPARC in December. [Full Story]

At its Oct. 8, 2013 meeting, the Washtenaw County parks & recreation commission took final action on the acquisition of a conservation easement on 82 acres in Superior Township. The land is adjacent to 65 acres that are already part of the county’s natural areas preservation program. WCPARC also approved buying 10 acres in Bridgewater Township, and approved participation in Pittsfield Township’s State Road corridor improvement authority. Ypsilanti mayor Paul Schreiber attended the meeting to show support for a proposed recreation center in that city. [Full Story]

The 2014-2017 budget was a highlight of the Sept.10, 2013 meeting of the Washtenaw County parks & recreation commission, with discussion including the possibility of a millage renewal in 2014. Commissioners also gave final approval to buy 13 acres of natural land near the Pittsfield Preserve, and authorized spending up to $100,000 for an HVAC upgrade at the Meri Lou Murray recreation center. [Full Story]

After skipping the July meeting for a summer break, the Washtenaw County parks & recreation commission tackled a full agenda at its Aug. 13, 2013 session. Commissioners took action related to land preservation and the East County recreation center in Ypsilanti, and were briefed about a proposed corridor improvement authority along State Road in Pittsfield Township. [Full Story]

The Washtenaw County parks & recreation commission is moving ahead on acquiring several parcels of land for its natural areas preservation program (NAPP), including 71 acres owned by a Domino’s Farms subsidiary. Commissioners also approved a staff recommendation to expand NAPP’s stewardship program by creating three new staff positions, doubling the county’s investment in NAPP crews. And the commission was briefed on recent market research regarding a proposed east county recreation center in downtown Ypsilanti. [Full Story]

At their May 14, 2013 meeting, Washtenaw County parks & rec commissioners voted to grant $150,000 to the city of Ypsilanti to help complete the Rutherford Pool project. The Friends of Rutherford Pool is trying to raise about $1 million to rebuild the community pool, located on the eastern end of Recreation Park at 975 North Congress Street. Commissioners also took steps that will lead to spending over $1.713 million on natural areas preservation of more than 300 acres countywide. [Full Story]

At its April 9, 2013 meeting, the Washtenaw County parks and recreation commission took the first step to acquire more properties for the county’s natural areas preservation program (NAPP). The group also heard a report from the Legacy Land Conservancy about a second round of farmland preservation through a NAPP program that the conservancy helps administer. [Full Story]

Several actions at the March 12, 2013 meeting of the Washtenaw County parks & recreation commission related to grants and partnerships – including the allocation of $600,000 in Connecting Communities funding. Ann Arbor received a $150,000 grant for the 721 N. Main project, contingent on securing matching state funds. WCPARC also took action on the proposed recreation center in Ypsilanti, a master plan for the Staebler Farm, and expansion of the countywide Border-to-Border trail. [Full Story]