Things We’ve Done in The Parks
Spring 2004
Land Preservation Millage, State Grants Combine To Protect Land From Development
In 2003, the Commission acquired the 10-acre Paint Creek Heritage Area - Wet Prairie that adjoins the Paint Creek Trail near Silver Bell Road. “One of our goals has been to acquire property that lets people get off the trail and poke around in the woods or get in the creek itself,” says Commissioner Colleen Barkham. Anyone interested in visiting this area and participating in its stewardship should call the PRC office at 248-651-7810.
The Commission also recently purchased a 22-acre parcel abutting Cranberry Lake Park that includes an environmentally sensitive swamp forest containing butternut, black ash and shagbark hickory trees. “The parcel also doubles as a buffer that helps protect Cranberry Lake Park from future nearby development,” says Parks Director Mindy-Milos Dale.
In early 2004 the Township purchased the 52-acre Lost Lake Park, that contains some of the most unspoiled property in the community, with the help of a $1.6 million Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) grant.
“The Commission and Parks Director have worked hard to pursue state grant funds in order to protect properties in the township from future development,” says Commissioner Joe Peruzzi. “Thanks to the support of our residents, we’ve been able to acquire park properties for which some communities would give their eyeteeth.”
Fall 2003
Bear Creek Nature Park Grand Re Opening
September 27th, 2003 we commemorated the completion of the Bear Creek Nature Park facility improvements including: A new trail system layout and surfacing; wooden boardwalks, docks and overlooks in wetland areas; interpretive signage, picnic pavilion, children’s playground, gravel parking lot, and restroom facilities.
Spring 2003
Playground Installed by Volunteers
Saturday, May 3rd, 2003, more than 40 volunteers participated in the installation of Bear Creek Nature Park’s new playground. Now open, the custom-designed playground, created by Landscape Structures, offers a variety of play options including multiple slides, swings, rockers, a see saw and many climbing areas.
Winter 2002/2003
OAKLAND TOWNSHIP TO PURCHASE FIRST PROPERTY USING NEW
LAND PRESERVATION MILLAGE AND STATE FUNDING
On October 22, 2002, the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Board announced that Oakland Township's grant application for the acquisition of Lost Lake Park was approved. The grant would pay 64% of the total purchase cost with the remaining 36%, being funded by the Township's Land Preservation Millage which was approved by voters on September 11, 2001.
The Township's Land Preservation Millage, managed by the Parks and Recreation Commission, funds the purchase and protection of land that represents the Township's natural and rural history. Lost Lake Park, a 32-acre property located in the northern part of the Township, matches that description. Its glacial lake, wetlands, and woodlands exemplify the scenic character of Oakland Township and were highly ranked in Oakland County's 2002 inventory of significant potential conservation natural areas.
The acquisition of Lost Lake Park will be the third time during the last three years that the Parks and Recreation Commission has leveraged millage funds using state grants. These three grants, which helped fund the acquisition of Oakland Hills (now Marsh View Park), the accessibility improvements at Bear Creek Nature Park, and the acquisition of Lost Lake Park total more than four million dollars. This is a substantial savings to Oakland Township taxpayers and enables our parks and land preservation millage funds to go further towards meeting our residents’ needs.
Easements for Park Natural Areas Approved!
On November 5th 2002 Oakland Township voters overwhelmingly approved of placing conservation easements on three significant natural areas in our Township Parks. Residents approved of these easements by a 50% margin: 4093 votes in favor of the proposal versus 1248 votes against it. This will provide long-term protection for the oak-hickory forest at Bear Creek Nature Park, the bog and southern hardwood swamp at Cranberry Lake Park, and the great blue heron rookery and forest habitat at the Blue Heron Environmental Area.
Oakland Township staff, officials and consultants now begin working with the Oakland Land Conservancy on the creation of conservation easements for these three natural areas. This includes conservation management plans for each of these natural areas, the drafting of the easements which indicate the permitted and prohibited uses in each area, and the surveying of the final easement areas. Final descriptions of the easement documents and surveys will be subject to the approval of the property owners, Oakland Township Parks and Recreation Commission and Board of Trustees, as well as the agency that would be responsible for monitoring the easements, the Oakland Land Conservancy.
Cranberry Lake Park Historic District Happenings
Thanks to the efforts of the Oakland Township Historic District Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission and the Historical Society, on September 29th, 2002 this 16-acre farmstead, known as the Axford-Coffin farm, was commemorated with both a National Register of Historic Places marker as well as a Michigan Historical Marker. The state marker is installed in front of the farmhouse at 388 West Predmore Road. It describes the farm’s history starting with its initial establishment in the 1840’s by John Axford and continuing through 1939 when Howard Coffin, a U.S. Congressman, purchased it. The receipt of these two historical honors will enable the Township to qualify for additional public funding such as grants for the continued restoration of the farmstead. The long-term goal for the farm is to create a community historical museum that might also function as a gathering place for Township-wide events. Much of the farmhouse exterior restoration has been completed and the focus is now on its interior as well as the restoration of several other key structures. The restoration process is managed by the Cranberry Lake Farm Supervisory Committee; composed of members of the Township Board of Trustees, Parks and Recreation Commission and the Historic District Commission. While the restoration work continues, park users are invited to continue to use and enjoy the park trail system which begins at the parking area just west of the historic district and extends up to 32 Mile Road.
Fall 2002
Land Preservation Millage Approved!
Approximately 22% of our Township’s registered voters turned out and approved the land preservation millage by a 20% margin: 1202 votes in favor of the proposal versus 791 votes against it. Levied for the first time in December 2001.
Spring 2002
Bear Creek Nature Park Accessibility Improvements
On October 11th, 2001, residents participated in a public meeting led by Johnson-Hill Associates and Land Ethics. Residential input has helped in the transition from a concept plan to a site plan for this park’s improvements. The construction process is slated to occur between May and August 2002.
Paint Creek Trailway Prairie Restoration and Art Project
The Paint Creek Trailway Commission (PCTC) acquired a 1-acre prairie area located along the trail between Silver Bell and Dutton Roads and obtained funding for a prairie restoration and management plan. Restoration and management of this area will be the responsibility of the Oakland Township Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC).
Immediately north of the Gallagher Road parking lot is where the PCTC has located a Prairie Restoration Art Project that was funded by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs. The purpose of the art project, a copper bur oak leaf sculpture housed within a wooden structure, is to interpret and celebrate our local prairie areas.