The current draft of the Byron Township Parks and Recreation Master Plan covers expanding the dog park at Whistlestop Park, updating the basketball and tennis courts at Bicentennial Park, purchasing more land for future expansion, and more.
The plan’s public review continues until Sunday, April 16.
One of the biggest ideas in the plan is the desire to seek out potential areas for future park space over the next five years. Specific goals have been also discussed for each of the parks and the Community Center.
Whistlestop park
- Expand the dog park with shade structures and more equipment
- Update the playground with accessible features
- Add a nature-themed play area in the wooded part of the park
- Create a non-motorized path for access from Burlingame
bicentennial park
- Update/expand playgroud
- Update basketball and tennis courts
- Update accessible routes
Cutler Park
- Add new benches
- Update lighting
- Update the small playground on the southwest side
- Add accessible routes to surrounding neighborhoods
Community Center
- Expansion to fitness area, storage/maintenance space, office space and gym/multi-purpose area.
The plan has been developed over the last year through monthly workshops and surveys. Pickleball courts helped to spark interest and create high attendance in the Bicentennial Park workshop, while the Cutler Park workshop had the lowest turnout.
The new plan offers ideas to take the Township through 2027.
The previous plan was created in 2018.
Eight general goals were used to guide development of the plan:
- Develop mission statement
- Offer accessible and inclusive opportunities
- Ensure parks keep up with Township growth
- Collaborate with surrounding governments and schools
- Preserve natural features
- Increase awareness of parks
- Create geographically balanced park system
- Improve routes for non-motorized transportation
After the public review window closes on April 16, there will be a public meeting to consider the current draft of the Byron Township Recreation Master Plan. The meeting will be held at the Byron Township Community Center on Wednesday, April 19 at 7:00 p.m.
The master plan can be reviewed here. The plan may also be reviewed in person at the Community Center through Friday from 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.