Section F - Capital Improvement Schedule and Action Plan
1. Capital Improvement Schedule and Action Plan
The Elk Rapids Parks & Recreation Commission, in cooperation with the Elk Rapids Harbor Commission, compiled a prioritized list of projects for implementation, funding permitting, for the period 2007 through 2011. The Commission based this list on the various public input sessions and surveys, as well as from information obtained from the Harbor Commission. The Harbor Commission itself is in the midst of developing the Harbor Master Plan, and this project list reflects the priorities in their Plan. These projects, their estimated costs, the project implementation schedule, and potential funding sources are shown in Table F-1.Table F-2 below shows the estimated distribution of capital costs for the proposed projects. The costs, especially for the larger capital projects, are estimates only, in the absence of formal feasibility and design studies. Costs for such studies, where appropriate, have been included in the project costs. The distribution of the total project costs over the individual years in the 5-year planning horizon was estimated based on assumed workload distribution over the implementation phase of each project. Hence all figures are subject to change as more information and funding become available.
Table F-3 displays a matrix that shows how the proposed recreation projects will meet the Recreation Goals adopted by the Parks & Recreation Commission (see Section E, "Recreation Goals"). It is not difficult to design a project to meet all the recreation goals of the community, but it is certainly possible to design a mix of projects that, taken together, accomplish most of not all of the goals of the community.
The balance of Section E will present the details of the Action Plan, which is the collection of the 12 proposed recreation projects. (Two of the line items in Table F-1 are the construction phases of their respective projects.) The following sections will describe the projects in some detail, with layouts and conceptual drawings attached if available, and presenting a location map of the proposed project.
2. Bridge Street Boat Launch Pumpout Station
| Priority | 1 |
| Estimated Cost | $100,000 |
| Implementation | 2007 - 2008 |
| Funding Sources | Village, Harbor Commission, MI Waterways Program, DNR Boat Pumpout Grants, Civic Groups, donations |
A boat pumpout station provides a convenient and sanitary means for pumping waste out of recreational boat holding tanks. A new pumpout station is proposed for the Elk River Upper Harbor area at the River Street Boat Launch. This will complement a similar facility already in existence at the Grace Memorial Harbor (Lower Harbor) on Grand Traverse Bay.
The Village of Elk Rapids hosts the water control facilities located at the downstream-most point of the Elk River Chain of Lakes watershed that extends into Antrim, Kalkaska, and Grand Traverse Counties. The Elk River Dam and Hydropower Station (owned and operated by Antrim County) and the related dam spillway discharges runoff from the Chain of Lakes watershed into the East Arm of Grand Traverse Bay.
The proposed boat pumpout station is located just upstream of the dam and spillway, and will service recreational vessels operating in Elk River, Elk Lake, and in other lakes in the Chain of Lakes system. Establishment of such a station will help maintain the pristine water quality of the Chain of Lakes.
The pumpout station is proposed for implementation during 2007 and 2008 at an estimated total cost of $100,000. The Village of Elk Rapids and its Harbor Commission will be the lead agencies in overseeing this project.
Potential sources of grant funding include, but are not limited to, MI Waterways Program and the DNR/Federal Boat Pumpout Grants. Local match funding sources include the Village and the Village Harbor Commission, civic groups, and private donations.
3. Upper Harbor Dockage Additions
| Priority | 1 |
| Estimated Cost | $700,000 |
| Implementation | 2007 - 2008 |
| Funding Sources | MNRTF, MI Waterways Program, Village, Harbor Commission, Civic Groups, private donations |
The success of the harbor system in Elk Rapids has created a perennial shortage of mooring facilities for recreational vessels in both the Upper (Elk River) and Lower (East Arm Grand Traverse Bay) Harbors.
The Elk Rapids Harbor Master Plan, currently under preparation by the Elk Rapids Harbor Commission, calls for further development of the Upper Harbor area by increasing the number of mooring facilities and expanding the boardwalk system currently acting as an underpass though the US 31 bridge over Elk River.
Provision of the additional mooring facilities will enable additional recreational vessels to call at Elk Rapids, allowing additional visitors to come and enjoy the diverse recreational facilities of the Village and its environs. The proposed locations are a short walk from the Village downtown areas and the numerous beaches, parks and flower gardens in the Village.
The primary location of the proposed piers and boardwalk is the area along the northern shore of Elk River downstream of the US 31 Highway Bridge (see location plan above). The proposed system will extend from the end of the current boardwalk to the point where the Dexter Street walkway merges with Dexter Street.
An alternative location (possibly an additional location) is the riverfront area of the former Bech mustard factory (see location plan). The Village is currently in talks with the owner for potential purchase of the waterfront. The purchase price has not been agreed upon at this time. The boardwalk system may be designed for compatibility with a proposed non-motorized trail system linking Elk Rapids with the TART trail system in Traverse City.
Two alternatives have been proposed to date for the primary location. They differ in the layout of the boardwalk. "A" hugs the shoreline, but will yield fewer piers.
"B" extends more into the water, but will yield more piers.
Construction is proposed for 2007-2008, at a cost of $500,000 (exclusive of any land acquisition costs). Potential grant funding sources are the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund, MI Waterways Program, with local funding from the Village, Harbor Commission, civic groups, and private donations.
4. Veterans Memorial Park Restrooms
| Priority | 1 |
| Estimated Cost | $250,000 |
| Implementation | 2008 - 2009 |
| Funding Sources | Village, Tribal Grant, Rotary/Lions, MNRTF, Coastal Zone, Donations |
The Elk Rapids Veterans Memorial Park is an extremely popular park located on the East Arm of the Grand Traverse Bay. It has a popular bathing beach, tennis and basketball courts, picnic areas, walking path, and playground equipment for children. The park is also used for several community events.
The park is currently void of permanent restroom facilities. This impacts the ecology of the bay, is inconvenient for visitors and does not provide hand washing options for those wishing to picnic. Public opinion surveys indicate a need for such permanent facilities at the Veterans Memorial Park.
In September, 2006, Elk Rapids Village Council and the Elk Rapids Planning Commission approved the plans to construct a Veteran's Memorial Park restroom facility to be completed early 2007.
This action was in response to a recent village survey that showed overwhelming interest and support for providing such a facility.
The proposed design for the facility is as follows:
The facility will be located behind the tall cedar trees in the park to make it less visible from the landward side of the park. The estimated construction cost of the bathrooms is $225,000.
Elk Rapids Village Council has budgeted limited funds for this facility. The remainder will be raised through grants and private donations. Some funds have already been pledged by local civic groups. Grand funding and private donations will be sought to fund the balance of the construction cost.
5. Village Ice Skating Rink
| Priority | 1 |
| Estimated Cost | $5,000 ($1,000/yr) |
| Implementation | Every Year (winter) |
| Funding Sources | Village of Elk Rapids, Civic Group/private Donations |
In the late 1990's, the Parks and Recreation Commission - along with a group of volunteers - organized, maintained and supervised a temporary ice rink in the Village of Elk Rapids. After a brief hiatus for several years, the Commission began discussing the idea of resurrecting the rink again in 2004. Due to a late start and the advent of warmer temperatures, the idea was put on hold until 2005, when the Commission requested, and received, permission from the Village Council to restart the ice skating rink.
The 2005/2006 winter turned out to be a disappointment in terms of the climatic conditions required for starting up and maintaining an ice rink. Freezing temperatures of sufficient duration did not occur in time for the winter ice skating season. The project will be re-started , weather permitting, in the 2006/2007 winter season.
The skating rink will be located at the Village parking lot, just south of the governmental center and police station. The project will be a public service by the Parks & Recreation Commission and volunteers for the enjoyment of interested village and area residents. The 2005 Master Plan Opinion Survey showed that a solid 62 percent of respondents favor the establishment of a seasonal outdoor ice rink.
Village personnel will be primarily involved during the start-up process (and shut-down in early spring). Once the base is established, it would be up to the volunteers to maintain and oversee the rink. The water source for the rink will primarily be through the fire department (tanker truck), or a specified hydrant under supervision by the fire department or department of public works. The Village fire department may assist with regular maintenance on a limited basis - pending the availability of fire department personnel and level of priority.
The Parks & Recreation Commission estimates an annual (recurring) budget of $1,000 for this activity. Funding for this and other related activities will come from Village funds as well as civic groups and private donations.
6. Grace Memorial Harbor Expansion
| Priority | 2 |
| Estimated Cost | $800,000 |
| Implementation | 2008 - 2009 |
| Funding Sources | Village, Harbor Commission, MI Waterways Program |
Grace Memorial Harbor and Elk Rapids Upper Harbor is located on Grand Traverse east bay in the village of Elk Rapids. Both are at full capacity and have long waiting lists for slips. Throughout the summer there are several boaters looking for short term dockage at both harbors.
Therefore, expanding both harbors makes sense in order to accommodate the recreational needs of this area. Additionally, since the harbor is financially self-sufficient, the expansion will add to its profitability. (See Section 3 above for details on Upper Harbor expansion.)
There is a need for a pump-out station on the Upper Harbor to accommodate boaters on Elk Lake since the only available one is located at the northern end of Torch River. See Section 2 above for details of this project.
The fishing dam site improvements will enhance the recreational area by improving restroom facilities, parking, viewing areas, and beach area access ability. Section 10 below outlines the proposed improvements.
There are also benefits to expanding Grace Memorial Harbor by moving the break wall. It will protect the harbor from sand inflow from prevailing winds and reduce the cost of maintenance for dredging.
The Village Harbor Commission is currently preparing a Harbor Master Plan that will describe the various components of the Grace Memorial Harbor Expansion project in more detail. The harbor-related projects described in this Community Recreation Plan are part of this Harbor Master Plan. More activities for the Lower Harbor than described here are anticipated for presentation and justification in the final version of the Master Plan.
The currently estimated cost for the Lower Harbor Expansion Project is $800,000. The funds are anticipated to be sourced from the Village, the Harbor Commission, the Michigan Waterways Program, and other donors and grantors.
7. Village Park Equipment Upgrades
| Priority | 2 |
| Estimated Cost | $30,000 ($6,000/yr) |
| Implementation | Every Year |
| Funding Sources | Village, Grants, Civic Group/private Donations |
There are two parks maintained by the Village at present: the Veterans Memorial Park and the Bass Lake Park. Other facilities maintained by the Village include a number of public access sites for Grand Traverse Bay, Elk River, and Elk Lake.
Various pieces of equipment deployed at some of these sites require replacement and improvements from time to time. These fall under the purview of the Village Parks & Recreation Commission.
The Commission has an on-going program of installing and upgrading the ever-popular children's playground equipment at Veteran's Memorial Park. Some concern has been voiced by residents about the stability and safety of the wooden bridge and jungle jim at the site as well.
Replacement and upgrading of picnic tables and benches at other parks and facilities within the Village are required from time to time.
To continue these programs, the Parks & Recreation Commission proposes an annual budget of $6,000 over the course of the next five years, to be provided from Village funds, with additional funds from civic groups and private donations.
8. Elk River (Fourth Street) Access Improvements
| Priority | 3 |
| Estimated Cost | $15,000 (study/design cost only, constr. TBD) |
| Implementation | 2008-2009 (study/design) 2010-2011 (constr.) |
| Funding Sources | MI Waterways Program, Village, Harbor Commission, Civic Group |
There are several public access sites to Elk River and Elk Lake within the Village of Elk Rapids. Most of these sites are ends and extensions of public roads into the water bodies, operated and maintained by the Village.
Most of these are used by the public to launch small motorized and non-motorized watercraft such as kayaks, canoes, rowboats, and very small motorboats.
There have been some discussions in the Parks & Recreation Commission and the Harbor Commission about installing boat launch ramps in suitable public access sites in the Village.
There are two boat launch sites for Elk River (to Elk Lake) that are well suited for shallow draft boats. One of these is the Fourth Street Access.
The Fourth Street location (sometimes known as East Fourth Street) is at the east end of Fourth Street between Millers Park Road and the western shore of Elk River. It is approximately 66 feet wide and has a grass surface. Currently it is primarily used for launching shallow draft boats.
Future improvements could include a more user-friendly vehicle access and an improved launching ramp. This facility is bounded on the south by R-2 zoning and on the north by RM-L zoning. Vehicular parking space may not be appropriate for this location.
A feasibility study is proposed for the 2008-2009 years, examining possibilities for the Fourth Street Elk River Public Access Site to be equipped with a boat ramp and other facilities as required. Potential funding sources for the feasibility study, and for construction if found feasible, are MI Waterways Program, Village, Harbor Commission, and local Civic Groups.
9. Elk River (Rotary Park) Access Improvements
| Priority | 3 |
| Estimated Cost | $20,000 (study/design cost only, constr. TBD) |
| Implementation | 2009-2010 (study/design) 2010-2011 (constr.) |
| Funding Sources | MI Waterways Program, Village, Harbor Commission, Civic Group |
There are several public access sites to Elk River and Elk Lake within the Village of Elk Rapids. Most of these sites are ends and extensions of public roads into the water bodies, operated and maintained by the Village.
Most of these are used by the public to launch small motorized and non-motorized watercraft such as kayaks, canoes, rowboats, and very small motorboats.
There have been some discussions in the Parks & Recreation Commission and the Harbor Commission about installing boat launch ramps in suitable public access sites in the Village.
There are two boat launch sites for Elk River (to Elk Lake) that are well suited for shallow draft boats. One of these is the Elk River Public Access Site at Rotary Park. It is located on the west shore of Elk River on the east side of Rt. 31 just south of the bridge, and is well suited for shallow draft boats.
There could be some improvements in vehicular access. However, there should be more emphasis on ramp and river accessibility to enhance its usefulness. This ramp is bounded by land zoned P (public) and as such could have facilities for vehicular parking.
It is also anticipated that Rotary Park will serve as a trailhead for a proposed non-motorized trail linking Elk Rapids with the TART trail system in Traverse City. As a trailhead, the park will provide parking as well as trail access, and will also display trailhead-related signage.
A feasibility study is proposed for the 2009-2010 years, examining possibilities for the Rotary Park Elk River Public Access Site to be equipped with a boat ramp and other facilities as required.
Potential funding sources for the feasibility study, and for construction if found feasible, are MI Waterways Program, Village, Harbor Commission, and local Civic Groups.
Funding permitting, this feasibility study may or may not be carried out concurrently with the similar proposed feasibility study for the western bank Elk River Public Access Site on Fourth Street.
10. Fishing Park (Dam) Parking Lot Area Improvements
| Priority | 3 |
| Estimated Cost | $6,000 (study/design) $357,000 (est constr.) |
| Implementation | 2009-2010 (study/design) 2010-2011 (constr.) |
| Funding Sources | Study: Village, Harbor Commission, Parks & Rec, DDA, Antrim County Construction: Coastal Management (DEQ), Harbor Commission, DNR Fisheries, Village, Antrim County |
The Elk Rapids Fishing Dam parking lot serves the public by providing parking for two major public recreational facilities in the Village: The Dam Fishing Park, and the North (Dam) Beach.
The Fishing Park and the Dam Beach are located on land owned by Antrim County, but leased by the Village of Elk Rapids for a 99-year period.
In 1996, the Village of Elk Rapids and Antrim County performed a joint planning study (funded by the MI Coastal Zone Management program) for the improvement of the Fishing Dam parking lot. The effort yielded a preliminary design proposal, but no action was taken to implement the project.
In the decade that has lapsed since the study, several events have transpired that may necessitate a re-study of the area before implementation of any plans. These include possible changes in the operation of the hydroelectric station, opinions of the Elk Rapids residents as expressed in the 2005 Master Plan Opinion Survey, the ongoing development of an Elk Rapids Harbor Master Plan, and any DDA plans for the area.
Any improvements in the Hydro Dam Parking Lot must take into account these plans, as well as the opinions of the Antrim County Parks & Recreation Commission, whose 2005 Community Recreation Plan lists these improvements as a "high priority" item.
The Elk Rapids Village Parks & Recreation Commission and the Elk Rapids Harbor Commission propose a feasibility study, for the years 2009-2010, for upgrading the Fishing Park Parking Lot in cooperation with Antrim County Parks & Recreation Commission. This will update the original study of 1997 through some public input sessions as required. The tentative estimate for the study will be $6,000, subject to change depending on the scope of the study. Funding sources for the study portion will primarily be Village and County funds.
The estimated cost for constructing the improvements is tentatively estimated at $375,000, subject to change depending on the results of the study. Major funding for the upgrade is expected from the MI Coastal Management (DEQ) program, as well as Village, County, and local (private) funds.
11. Old Campground Parkland Study
| Priority | 3 |
| Estimated Cost | $30,000 |
| Implementation | 2009-2010 |
| Funding Sources | Village, Civic Groups, MNRTF, Coastal Zone, Private Donations |
The Old Campground property (aka The Campground) is a parcel of land deeded to the village of Elk Rapids. The deed has a restriction that dedicates the land for use as "… municipal park, recreation, and camping ground purposes only …". It is one of the few, if not the only, forested publicly-owned parcels remaining in the Village.
It is bounded on the north by Chippewa Street, and on the west by South Bayshore Road (Oak Street). It is about midpoint between two large public parks: the County Day Park (one block to the south) and the Veterans Memorial Park (three blocks to the north).
Adjacent land (part of the land deeded to the village that had the restrictions lifted) is occupied by a twenty-unit (single occupancy apartments) senior low-income residence (Noble Pines), the smallest such residence in the state. The remaining property is undeveloped, except for a paved section and a small storage building.
The property needs to have its perimeters visually defined, and the Village needs to determine the highest and best use of it for the benefit of the residents of the Village. Once this is done, an implementation plan can be developed to achieve this goal.
To this end, the Parks & Recreation Commission proposes a study and public input session, operated either by the Commission or by the Village Council, to gather input from the Village residents and other interested parties, for the 2009 - 2010 time frames.
The estimated budget for this effort is $30,000, with potential funding from the Village, Civic Groups, MNRTF, Coastal Zone, and Private Donations.
12. Support for North-South non-Motorized Trail Project
| Priority | 4 |
| Estimated Cost | $25,000 ($5,000/yr) |
| Implementation | Every Year |
| Funding Sources | Village, Civic groups, private donations, MI/US-DOT, Rotary Charities |
One of the goals of the Top of Michigan Trails Council and other similarly interested groups in the region is to realize the dream of walking or cycling, on non-motorized trails, from Sault St. Marie to Frankfort. Towards this goal, numerous groups in the various counties have been planning and building a regional network of non-motorized trails over the past decade.
At present, there are non-motorized trails extending from Charlevoix to the Antrim County Line and from the Traverse City area to Acme Township. The big gap in the growing network of non-motorized trails in our region is Antrim County.
In recent years, various groups within Antrim County have started the planning process for a trail system within the county. Most of these activities are in their very early planning stages, with various local groups forming to exchange ideas and plan strategy.
In the Elk Rapids area, the lead in this effort has been the Elk Rapids Rotary Club. To date, they have commissioned a consulting firm (NW Design Group) to delineate alternative routes for a non-motorized trail that would join Elk Rapids with the Tart Trail currently under construction from Traverse City. (See figure above.)
The 2005 Master Plan Opinion Survey made clear the wish of the Elk Rapids residents to support such a trail, but without levying a millage or using public funds to construct it.
The Village of Elk Rapids could provide logistical and institutional assistance to the various civic groups involved in making this trail system come true. Institutional support could come in the form of participating in joint, multi-local governmental unit Recreation Plans that will allow future joint application for funding from relevant state and federal donors.
Other forms of support could include in-kind contributions to planning studies, design efforts, and other activities that would supplement activities of civic groups spearheading the non-motorized trail planning activities.
To this end, the Parks & Recreation Commission proposes an annual budget of $5,000, either in cash or in in-kind activities from the Village, toward supporting the activities of the Rotary Club and other civic organizations in their efforts to bring about a non-motorized trail connecting Elk Rapids with the Tart Trail in Grand Traverse County.
The funding for this would come primarily from the Village. In the land acquisition and construction phase, funding is anticipated from Village, Civic groups, private donations, MI/US-DOT, Rotary Charities, and the MI Natural Resources Trust Fund.
13. Walking/jogging and Fitness Paths in Village
| Priority | 4 |
| Estimated Cost | $TBD (pending Village Sidewalk Plan implementation) |
| Implementation | 2010 onward |
| Funding Sources | Village, Civic groups, private donations, MI/US-DOT, Rotary Charities |
In 1997, the Village of Elk Rapids unveiled its Sidewalk Master Plan (shown in red above) to provide Village residents with a safe and healthy way to provide a walking connection between the major parks, schools and other facilities within the Village.
Over the past decade, the Village has been implementing this plan as resources permit. The recent opinion surveys conducted by the Planning Commission and the Parks & Recreation Commission indicated support for a network of walking/jogging paths and fitness trails within the Village. These opinions were reinforced at the public input session in June of 2006.
The Parks & Recreation Commission believes that the walking/jogging paths and fitness trails are a logical complement to the Village Sidewalk Plan, and will start planning activities for such facilities as the Village implements the Plan. As such, the implementation schedule for the walking/jogging paths and fitness trails will be a function of the rate of progress of the sidewalk plan.
The Parks & Recreation Commission envisages a network of paths connecting Village Parks and greenbelts through new residential developments. A system of fitness stations along the trails/sidewalks connecting the parks will provide a variety of exercise options to hikers and joggers as they progress in their route around the Village.
No funding projections have been made for this activity, as the Commission anticipates possibly building these stations concurrently with the construction of elements of the Sidewalk Plan.
