Help shape the future of county parks in Manchester

The Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission (WCPRC) is holding a Master Plan Public Engagement meeting this week to share plans for future park development and gather ideas from the public for new park lands, particularly in the Manchester area.

Every five years, the WCPRC undertakes a comprehensive planning process to develop a Recreation Master Plan. This plan is used as an overall operation and development guide for the county’s parks, preserves and other recreational amenities. The public presentation, set for 7 pm on Thursday, May 9 at Village Hall, will highlight significant initiatives and exciting new projects for the Manchester community. In addition, you are invited to provide input on the future of the county parks system.

According to Coy Vaughn, Director of WCPRC, two current proposals for the Manchester area include connecting the village to the new Watkins Lake Park and Preserve through the construction of non-motorized trail.

“The village of Brooklyn, in Jackson County, is doing the same,” Vaughn said. “The idea is to eventually have a 10-mile trail connecting the two communities.”

Also, Vaughn said, future plans include constructing a canoe/kayak livery operation that will allow patrons to access the River Raisin at Sharon Mills County Parks and take out in downtown Manchester at the newly developing River Raisin Park, a village park.

“The purpose of the Master Plan meeting is to discuss these projects, as well as come up with additional priorities that are important to the community,” Vaughn said. 

Residents are encouraged to attend this meeting. For additional information, contact the Village offices at 734-428-7877.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.