Vision outlines improvements At Leelanau County parks

Veronica Valley County Park will host more family gatherings, provide shelter for those gatherings through a pavilion and  become a centerpoint for activities for people with mobility issues under one vision provided to the Leelanau County Parks and Recreation Commission.

That vision was provided by county commissioner candidate Al Campbell to the Parks Commission as part of a process to write a new recreation plan for Leelanau County. He was the only resident attending the special meeting.

Campbell, who is chair of the Kids Fishing Day event that drew more than 1,000 people to Veronica valley in late June, nonetheless told commissioners that the park should be developed for the enjoyment of all residents rather than one special event.

His vision, much of which could be achieved with grants sought through the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund, also included establishing a program in which the purchase of benches would be underwritten by families seeking to memorialize their loved ones. In addition, an effort should begin to establish a “Friends of Veronica valley” group, which would invite more citizen involvement in the park’s improvement and development.

The bench and friends concepts are applicable for all three county parks, which are under utilized by the people who own them.

Presently Leelanau County is in the midst of surveying residents for their thoughts on the future of the county’s three parks.  A link to the survey may be found on the county website.