Planning

Overview ~ Comprehensive Plan ~ Frequently Asked Questions ~ Fee Schedule ~ Forms KCRC ~ Lot Split Process ~ Ordinances ~ Planned Unit Developments ~ Recreation Plan Residential Accessory Buildings ~ Sign Variance Process ~ Site Plan Review Process Special Use Permit ~ Stormwater (NPDES Phase II) ~ Subdivison Maps (State of Michigan)   Zoning Map ~ Zoning Ordinance ~ Zoning Variance Process

Recreation Plan

INTRODUCTION

The Cascade Township Recreation Plan is an important step towards a more comprehensive policy for future park and recreational development. The plan provides a specific framework for utilizing the Township’s natural and cultural resources for recreational purposes in order to effectively meet identified needs. It also complements the Township’s overall planning and development efforts by satisfying one of the objectives of the 1999 Comprehensive Plan that identified the updating of the Township'’ recreation plan as a desirable action.

This plan is the fourth recreation plan prepared for Cascade Charter Township. The first plan, which was completed in 1974, was prepared to guide the development of the Township’s only park. The second plan, adopted in 1988, expanded beyond the 1974 plan to examine more thoroughly the recreational needs of the Township’s growing population. The 1995 plan moved beyond the first and second plans to examine more thoroughly the total recreational needs of the Township’s residents and identify where deficiencies in recreational opportunities may exist. This new plan assesses the expanding need for facilities in the Township and program projects to meet the demands of future residents. As a result, this plan will provide a more comprehensive strategy for meeting those community recreation needs and eliminating any identified deficiencies.

The planning process undertaken for this plan analyzes the economic characteristics of Cascade Township, its relevant development patterns, the physical and natural attributes of the Township, accessibility of facilities, and resident opinions related to recreation. In 2001, the Park Committee, with the assistance of their consultant, undertook several focus group sessions to pinpoint specific recreation needs. The focus group input guided the Committee in generating a future development plan for the Township’s recreational facilities. Another element of this process is an assessment of the Township’s local and area wide recreational resources. This includes an inventory of public and private recreational facilities and programs. A comparison of these local recreational resources with commonly accepted community standards had been made. The strengths and deficiencies within the existing resources were identified. From these evaluations, overall recreation goals and objectives for the Township are established.

The Cascade Township Recreation Plan concludes with a strategy and action program that suggests the direction and the activities that can be adopted for future recreational development and programming. This action program establishes program priorities, identifies financial requirements, and discusses the general administration of the overall program. This plan has been prepared to identify and propose a strategy for eliminating those deficiencies in the Township’s recreation opportunities that can be accomplished within a five-year time frame. The plan has also been prepared to satisfy recreation planning requirements established under certain state and federal grant programs. Additionally, this document will provide recreational information and direction for other public agencies and the private sector, all of which will affect recreational activities and opportunities within Cascade Township.

The Cascade Township Parks Committee prepared this plan. Technical assistance was provided by the Cascade Township Planning Department, Williams & Works and Cornelisse Design Associates, Inc.

Cascade Township is one of the fastest growing communities associated with the Grand Rapids metropolitan area and, consequently, the Township is experiencing significant changes over a short period of time. Therefore, it is important to initiate this planning process so that Cascade Township can be assured of a responsive and timely recreational program to satisfy existing and future community recreation needs.

According to the U.S. Bureau of the Census, Cascade Township’s population continues to be one of the fastest growing in Western Michigan. In 2000, 15,107 persons resided in Cascade Township. Between 1990 and 2000, the population increased 17 percent.

Recreation and associated leisure activities have become a significant part of today’s lifestyles. The type of activities preferred by a community’s residents often reflects the specific characteristics of the community. Such characteristics include a community’s population growth rate, the age structure of the population, the social-economic composition of the population, land development patterns, available natural resources, climate, and geographical location. All of these characteristics can be correlated to a community’s recreational preferences in one manner or another, describing the particular quality of existing recreational opportunities as well as identifying some of the factors that will influence recreational needs in the future.

Geographic Location

Cascade Township is located in the southeastern section of Kent County, immediately adjacent to the expanding metropolitan area of Grand Rapids. (See Map 1.) The Townships of Ada, Lowell, and Caledonia border Cascade Township on the north, east and south while the growing City of Kentwood forms a western border with the Township.

Interstate 96, connecting Muskegon, Grand Rapids, Lansing, and Detroit, bisects Cascade Township in a northwest by southeast direction. M-21 briefly borders the Township in the northeast and M-11 terminates at I-96 within the Township. M-11, also known as 28th Street, is a major east-west route for the Grand Rapids metropolitan area and has also become a major focus of commercial development along much of its length. Other important primary roads that are part of the Township’s transportation network include Cascade Road, Patterson Avenue, and Thornapple River Drive.

Climate

Cascade Township is under the climatic influence of Lake Michigan located about 35 miles to the west. As a result, the weather from season to season is generally modified by the tempering effect of the lake with prolonged periods of intense cold and heat significantly reduced. The growing season averages about 170 days between the months of April and October. July is the sunniest and warmest month, while January is the coldest month and December is the cloudiest. Half of the annual precipitation (over 36 inches per year) falls between the months of May and September. The snowfall season extends from November to March and averages about 86 inches annually.

Natural Resources

In addition to its proximity to the enlarging Grand Rapids metropolitan area, the attractiveness of the Township’s natural features has also been responsible for Cascade’s increasing suburban development. The Township offers natural amenities that are conductive to both a new residential development and to a variety of recreational activities.

Soil resources within the Township are the result of complex natural events that have occurred in the past, such as continental glaciation, as well as natural processes that are occurring today. The consequences of these historical and current natural events and processes are a variety of soil types possessing varying suitability levels for recreational facilities.

In Cascade Township, the soils best suited for recreational facility development include: the Plainfield-Oshtemo-Spinks Association, Marlette-Perrinton-Metea Association, and Marlette-Chelsea-Boyer Association. These associations are characterized by nearly level to very steep terrain, either wooded, pastured, or cropped, and with minimal limitations from flooding, wetness, slope, or texture. The suitability of these soils for recreational development must be evaluated on a site-specific basis and include considerations of what type of recreational facility is being proposed as well as the expense that would have to be incurred if the site was modified, through design or engineering, to accommodate certain recreational activities.

The topographic features within the Township vary from steep slopes and hilly knobs associated with river drainage ways to nearly level glacial till plains along the Township’s western sections. The effect of these variations (See Map 2) in local topography is a diverse and interesting landscape that is suitable for a variety of recreational activities.

The most dominant geographic feature in Cascade Township is the Thornapple River, which flows from the south and converges with the Grand River about a mile north of the Ada Township border. The Thornapple River divides the Township into east and west halves with several smaller streams and creeks merging with the river along its course. Two hydroelectric dams along the river have created large impoundments that have expanded some of the recreational uses that can be made of the river. Other water resources found within the Township include scattered wetlands, a few gravel pits, and several small lakes, each under 20 acres (Wood, Walden, Laraway, and Quiggle Lakes). The lakes have limited recreational potential.

Cascade Township is fortunate to have many areas covered with various woods. Many of the scattered wood lots represent those areas in the Township that have slopes that are too steep or soils that are too wet or dry for farming and were consequently spared for development. In addition, several areas that were previously cultivated and have since been abandoned for continued farming are now returning to a woodland habitat. The types of woodlands found in the Township are dependent on the soils present and other local conditions. Mixed hardwoods, composed of red and white oak, shagbark hickory, sugar maple, beech, black cherry, and white ash, can be found on some of the Township’s upland areas. Other upland areas may contain white pine, basswood, and aspen as predominant woodland species.

In low lying areas and bottom lands associated with drainage ways, representative woodland species include: red and silver maple, cottonwood, sycamore, ironwood, black ash and willow. Other plant communities characteristically found in the Township include meadowlands, marshes, swamps and other open undisturbed areas containing a variety of native herbaceous plants.

Cascade Township is also the home of three (3) rare plant species listed under the Michigan Endangered Species Act. The three (3) plant species known to occur are: Virginia snakeroot (Aristolochia serpentaria), kitten-tails (Besseya bullii), and prairie buttercup (Ranunculus rhomboideus). All three species are classified as "threatened" under the Michigan Endangered Species Act.

CHAPTER 2. DEMOGRAPHICS

Population Characteristics

Cascade Township has continued its steady growth throughout the 1990’s and into the 21st century. Between 1990 and 2000, the Township’s population has increased 17%. The rate of growth has appeared to slow down in comparison to the previous decade, 1980 to 1990, when the population increased by 27%.

The 2000 census count indicated the population of Cascade Township as 15,107. Of the 15,107 residents of Cascade Township, there are 7,492 men and 7,615 women. The Townships master plan estimated that 15,091 people would be living in Cascade Township by 2000 using the Arithmetic Method. This method bases population growth on the overall average increase in the number of persons per year. In the case of Cascade Township, the average annual increase of residents was approximately 237 people.

In 1990, population projections conducted by Grand Rapids and Environs Transportation Study (GRETS) estimated that in the year 2010 there would be a population of 22,060 persons in Cascade Township. In order for that number to become accurate, there must be a 46% increase in the next ten years.

Cascade Township is not very diverse in ethnic origin. The 2000 U.S. Census reported that of the 15,107 residents, 14,284 or 94.6% of the population categorized themselves as white, 151 or 1% categorized themselves as Black or African American, 462 or 3% consider themselves of Asian decent, and 42 people (0.3%) classified themselves as American Indian or Alaskan Native.

Age

Comparing age groups and their representative proportions within a community’s population provide insight to the types of recreational activities that would most benefit the community. In Cascade Township, the population is aging. This age increase may indicate the need for more passive recreational activities versus those that require more active and intense participation.

Table 1 lists the age group structure of both the 1990 and 2000 population in Cascade Township. The table also reveals that the median age of Cascade Township has been rising. In 1990 the median age was 37.5, while in 2000, the median age has increased to 41.1.

Age Group Classification 1990 Population 1990 Population % 2000 Population 2000 Population %   Under 5 Preschool 813 6% 903 6%     5-19 School Age 3141 24% 3862 26%     20-24 College and Early Career 1876 15% 1448 10%     25-54 Career 4692 36% 5421 36%     55-64 Retirement 1187 9% 1757 12%     65 + Senior Citizen 1160 9% 1716 11%

The percentages shown above portray a noticeable increase in School Age, Retirement and Senior Citizen classifications, while there is a decrease in percentage for those individuals of College and Early Career ages. Although the development of recreational facilities must benefit the generalized population, there should also be a certain amount of focus on activities that benefit the majority of the population. In referencing the information provided by the table, activities that are both relatively passive in nature, as well as activities that are appealing to active and athletically aggressive school age individuals may be desirable for Cascade Township residents. Good examples of passive activities may include more social events or organized outings for those that are retired or near retirement, while organized as well as individual sports or sporting facilities and equipment may receive strong support from the younger age classifications.

Households

Statistics from the 2000 U.S. Census have indicated that there are a total of 5,394 households in Cascade Township. Of the 5,394, 4377 of them are family households in which 2,119 have children under the age of eighteen. The average family size in Cascade Township is 3.16 people. Non-family households make up the remaining 1,017 homes. From these 1,017 homes, 899 contain individuals living alone, and 434 of those households are individuals that are 65 and older. Overall, there are 1,189 households with individuals 65 years and older in Cascade Township. These statistics indicate that Cascade Township is still predominantly a family community with desires that will follow suit.

For the following topics: Persons with Disabilities, Median Income for Cascade, and Education Level, and the U.S. Census has not concluded its findings for the 2000 Census. What information has been received was in the form of a Supplemental Survey sent to 70,000 random households in 36 of the larger counties of Michigan. Kent County was one of the participants of the Supplemental Survey. The information received from this survey is only reported at a state level. Therefore, the above mentioned topics will be compared to the reported findings of the 1990 U.S. Census at a state level for 1990 in order to determine if the Supplemental Survey maintains a reasonable projection of the figures for 2000.

Persons with Disabilities

Residents with disabilities must be considered in the preparation of any recreational plan. The U.S. Census categorizes disability as an individual that has a long-lasting physical, mental, or emotional condition. The condition can make it difficult for a person to do activities such as walking, climbing stairs, learning, or remembering. The condition can also impede an individual’s ability to go outside or participate in activities alone.

The 2000 Supplementary Survey reveals that for individuals between the ages of 21 to 64 years of age, there are 818,977 people out of a possible 5,568,960 that categorize themselves as having a disability. This is approximately 15% of the population for this age range. Those individuals over 65 have a slightly larger representation. Out of a possible 1,153,947 individuals over 65, an estimated 490,469 report some type of disability. This accounts for approximately 43% of the population over the age of 65. Because that the age classification of individuals 65 and over is growing, special consideration for this portion of the population is appropriate. Finally, among the younger residents, out of 2,285,575 individuals, aged 5 to 20, 169,602 claim to have some form of disability, making up approximately 7% of the population. Although this percentage is thankfully small, it is still an area of consideration when developing recreational activities.

Median Income

In 1990, the median income per household for the state was $31,020, while the median income of Cascade Township per household was $63,301. The difference between the state and Township’s median income is 104% of the State’s median. Between 1990 and 2000, the median income per household for the state increased by an estimated 40% according to the Supplemental Survey, making the state median income per household $43,451. If the difference between the state’s and Township’s median income per household remains consistent, at a difference of 104%, while also applying a 40% increase in median income per household over the last decade, Cascade Township’s projected income for 2000 will be approximately $88,668 per household.

Education Level

Referring back to 1990, the percent of the population with a bachelor’s degree or higher for the state of Michigan was approximately 17.4%, while Cascade Township reported 46.7%, more than double the State level. In the year 2000, it has been estimated that the percent of the population with a bachelor’s degree or higher for the state will be approximately 23.1%, an increase of 5% from 1990. If the same estimation is applied to Cascade Township’s level of education, then by 2000, approximately 52.4% of the Townships population will have obtained a bachelor’s degree or higher.

Once again, the methodology used for the last two sections is based on analyzing the difference between reported data from the 1990 U.S. Census and a Supplementary Survey estimating the possible results for the 2000 U.S. Census. It is highly recommended that when the official data from the U.S. Census is available, the plan be updated. The information from the U.S. Census should be available sometime between the spring and fall of 2002.

The population characteristics for Cascade Township regarding income and education indicate a relatively affluent and educated population. A population such as Cascade Township, according to several studies, is more inclined to participate in a variety of leisure activities more frequently than most other population groups. Residents of Cascade Township may be more aware of the recreational activities and facilities available to them and residents may prefer diversity when recreating. Based on these studies, it can be assumed that there will be a demand for a variety of recreational activities and opportunities available for the residents.

Land Development Patterns

Cascade Township’s land development patterns are very characteristic of a formerly rural community undergoing relatively rapid suburbanization. The attractiveness of the Township’s landscape as well as its proximity to a thriving urban area have contributed to these major changes in land use patterns. Much of this new development is occurring in the central and northern sections of the Township while the southern and eastern sections continue to contain low-density rural developments. Residential development in the Township represents the most significant land use change with single-family developments and some multiple-family developments constituting much of this change (See Map 3). The Thornapple River has experienced considerable development pressure during this period of rapid suburbanization. Further residential expansion in other areas of the Township is likely to be restricted by the availability of water and sewer in the Township.

Commercial development has principally taken place along the 28th Street corridor. The commercial expansion along this major east-west thoroughfare is likely to continue as existing vacant land is converted to commercial use. Office park development is also associated with this commercial development but located at sites off of the main thoroughfare. In 1995, Cascade Township established a Downtown Development Authority (DDA) for 28th Street, from Kraft Avenue to Cascade Road. This DDA district also includes the village area of the Township. The DDA has completed streetscape improvements in the village area. These improvements will also included an 8-foot wide pedestrian path, which was funded by bonds issued by the Township.

Industrial development is also expanding within the Township, along the western sections of the Township and north and south of the Kent County International Airport from Starr Street to 60th Street. The location of this major regional airport as well as the I-96 and M-11 (28th Street) interchange have also played a major role in attracting growth and development within the Township. Additional development pressures can be expected when the South Beltline (M-6) connecting I-96 and I-196 in the west is finally constructed (See Figure 1).

Describing the community and its characteristics establishes the special qualities that will help in determining the possible type, quantity, and location of recreation in the Township. It is similarly important to establish the types, quantities, and locations of existing recreational facilities are already available in the Township. Between what already is available and what is needed for recreation in the Township comes the identification of recreational deficiencies that must eventually be accompanied by a strategy for alleviating these identified deficiencies.

An inventory of recreational facilities and programs should include not only those opportunities available on the local level but also those regional recreational opportunities available to Township residents beyond the boundaries of their own community. In addition, the role of privately owned and operated recreational facilities will also be included.

Cascade Park

The Township of Cascade owns and operates a 55-acre park located on Thornapple River Drive north of the I-96 overpass. The park was acquired in 1973. Improvements include two fenced softball fields and a third unfenced ball field that also serves as a multi-purpose football and soccer field; four tennis courts; plumbed restrooms; a sheltered picnic pavilion; a paved one-mile walking/jogging trail; a gazebo structure; a nine-hole frisbee golf course; a volleyball court; and a playground and small picnic shelter. The playground includes a play system that is accessible to the physically impaired, slides, sandbox, hanging bars, climbing bars, and other miscellaneous play equipment; and a maintenance barn. Park development has been phased since 1973 with the restrooms and walking/jogging trail completed in 1985.

Cascade Park serves as the hub of recreational activity during the summer. It is the home of the Cascade Softball Association which annually assists in improving the softball fields from fees it receives for organizing recreational softball leagues. Softball tournaments as well as recreational leagues for football, soccer, and other special field sports are held during the year in the park. The park is used nearly to capacity during these league sports and the picnic pavilion is rented out nearly every weekend. The playground is also extensively used. These conditions indicate that the demand for these facilities has not been adequately met in the Township.

Cascade Dam

The Township owns the Cascade Dam along the Thornapple River and has leased it to STS which operates it for hydroelectric power, which is sold to Consumers Energy company. At this time, access to the river can be made from both sides of the dam. The upstream east bank off of Thorncrest Street is most accessible for boating and canoeing. The west bank, both up and downstream, is used primarily for fishing and also has a canoe portage. There are other areas along the river that have also been used for access to the river. Some of the access has been through public property and some of it has been through trespassing on private property. None of this access has been recognized as official and recommended because of the trespassing issue and the damage that has occurred in many instances.

Leslie E. Tassell Park

In 1993, the Township began purchasing residential properties downstream of the Cascade Dam. In 2000, the Township began the development of a small park along the west bank of the Thornapple River, near the village downtown area. It was thought that this proposed park would serve as a passive focal point for the village area. The Park now serves Cascade Village as a community-gathering place along the Thornapple River immediately below the Cascade Dam. It is an intensely developed public space with picnic shelter, boardwalks, canoe/kayak/fishing access, public sculpture display, and support facilities on a 3-acre parcel.

Cascade Museum Garden

A small perennial garden (.4 acres) with walks and benches has been developed adjacent to the Township Museum building. It is located at a strategic intersection in the Village and is enjoyed by many residents.

Grand River Parcel

Recently, 68.8 acres of Grand River frontage was donated to the Township for park use. It is contiguous to a similar parcel donated to Ada Township to the northwest. It is primarily floodplain with extensive wooded lowlands along the River. While no development has occurred yet, it is envisioned as a passive recreational park with trails, picnicking and natural areas. Ideally, it will connect with similar facilities in the Ada Township parcel providing river frontage all the way to Ada Township Park.

Township Bike Paths

The Township has made substantial strides in providing bike paths (separate, 10' wide) throughout the northwest and central portions of the Township - essentially in the more intensively developed residential parts of the Township and along major thoroughfares. Approximately 13 miles have been constructed with 3 more miles in the planning phases. These bike paths are linked to Ada Township's trails and to the bike lane along Grand River Avenue, providing a looped, interconnected system that many residents enjoy.

The School District

Two elementary schools and the school district administrative offices also offer some recreational opportunities to Cascade Township residents. Pine Ridge Elementary School, located off of Redford and Leyton Drive, offers 10 acres of open land plus a recently improved playground, a ballfield, a multi-purpose field, and a gymnasium. Thornapple Elementary School located off of Middlebrook and Bridgewater, has approximately five acres devoted to a playground, softball fields, a multi-purpose play field, and a gymnasium. The Forest Hills School District Administrative Offices, a former school located at Cascade Road and Burton Street, contains five acres with a ballfield and a gymnasium. All of these facilities are available for public use even though there are no formal arrangements between the school district and the Township. The school district also sponsors community recreation programs, such as basketball, volleyball, and other indoor recreational activities. Additionally, the school district offers services to the Forest Hills Senior Citizens Organization by providing them an activity center at the Forest Hills Aquatic Center, located in Grand Rapids Township.

Map 4
Publicly Owned Recreational Facilities in the Township

Click here for larger view

Map 5
Private and Commercial Recreational Facilities in the Township

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• Radisson Plaza Resort.  A registered resort open to the patrons of Radisson Plaza.
• Watermark Golf Club.  A private 18-hole golf course on 89 acres.
• The Golfclub at Thornapple Pointe.  An 18-hole public golf course on 229 acres.
• Quail Ridge Golf Club.  An 18-hole golf course on 279 acres.
• Cascade Golf Center.  A public golf instruction center and driving range.
• Patterson Ice Center.  A public ice arena with 2 sheets of ice for all forms of ice skating competition and recreation.

A number of special recreational programs and events take place each year in the Township.  These include:

• Fourth of July Festival sponsored by the Township.
• Run Jane Run.  A series of recreational competitions for the female athlete include a run, a bicycle tour, a softball tournament and other events.  Proceeds are donated to local and national charities.
• Reeds Lake Triathlon sponsored by the East Grand Rapids Parks Department with part of the bicycle race taking place in the Township.  (September)
• Rapid Wheelmen Bicycle Time Trials along Township roads.  (August)
• Thornapple Valley Baseball Little League baseball in the Township park.  (Spring)
• AYSO soccer league in the Township Park.  (Spring)
• Baseball and softball tournaments sponsored by a variety of organizations and held in the Township Park.
• Forest Hills Youth Football conducted in the Township Park.  (Fall)
• Cascade Library (part of the Kent County Library system).  Offers a variety of activities and programs throughout the year.
• Clubs and organizations.  Several groups meet regularly in the Township, using Township facilities for their meetings.  These groups include a garden club, hockey club, horse club, basket guild, library support club, and neighborhood associations which will sponsor a variety of recreational activities.

Area-Wide Recreational Resources

There are no state-owned recreational facilities within Cascade Township.  There are three state game areas in Kent County (Rogue River with 5,587 acres located twenty miles northwest of Cascade Township, Cannonsburg with 1,331 acres located six miles north of Cascade Township, and Lowell with 840 acres located six miles northeast of Cascade Township) that provide Township residents with some resource-based recreational opportunities.  Hunting, hiking, and cross-country skiing are available in some of these areas.  The nearest state parks to the Township include Ionia State Recreation Area, Newaygo State Park, Grand Haven State Park, Hoffmaster State Park, Holland State Park, Muskegon State Park, and Yankee Springs State Recreation Area.  All of these parks are within 60 miles or approximately an hour drive of Cascade Township and offer camping, swimming, hiking, picnicking, and a variety of other recreational activities.

Kent County maintains 33 recreational areas that encompass more than 3,700 acres of parkland and recreational open space.  Those County parks that are within a 20-minutes drive of Township residents include:

• Chief Hazy Cloud Park.  A 27-acre park along the Grand River providing fishing, picnicking, and a playground in Ada Township.
• Seidman Park.  A 422-acre park containing Honey Creek and providing nature trails, hiking, and cross-country skiing in Ada Township.
• Ruehs Park.  A three-acre park with a playground, picnicking, and fishing along the Thornapple River in Alaska (Caledonia Township).
• Fallasburg Park.  A 534-acre facility along the Flat River in Lowell Township and containing picnicking, fishing, hiking, playground, and ball fields as well as a covered bridge.
• Dutton Park.  An 18-acre park in Gaines Township providing picnicking, tennis, a playground, and ball fields.
• Paris Park.  A 59-acre park in Kentwood identified as a nature area.
• Caledonia Park.  A 20-acre facility in Caledonia that provides a playground, picnicking, and ball fields.
• Townsend Park.  A 157-acre park in Cannon Township offering ball fields, cross-country skiing, fishing, hiking, nature trails, picnicking, and playgrounds.
• Fred Meijer Nature Preserve/Pickerel Lake.  A 63-acre county park in Cannon Township.  This park opened in the fall of 1994.
• Knapp Valley Forest.  An 80-acre facility in Grand Rapids Township presently undeveloped.
• Creekside Park.  A 32-acre park in Gaines Township providing hiking, picnicking, and playground.

•  Brewer Park.  A 47-acre park in Gaines Township containing a frisbee golf course, picnicking, and a playground.

• Provin Trails Park.  A 45-acre facility in Grand Rapids Township providing cross-country skiing and hiking.

• Egypt Valley Trail.  A 20-mile cross-country ski trail cooperatively operated between the state, county and private landowners and located between Townsend Park and Cannonsburg State Game Area.

• Ada Township Park.  A 57-acre park providing park office, restroom, 1 picnic shelter, 1 picnic gazebo, playground, 6 tennis courts, 1 basketball court, 2 irrigated softball fields, 2 horseshoe courts, 3 soccer fields (1 AYSO regulation), walking trails, natural area and arboretum, and fishing pond.

• Leonard Park.  A 2-acre facility in Ada Township with softball field, riverfront fishing and historic bridge, and outdoor ice skating.

• Forest Hills Central Middle and High Schools (School District, Restricted to Primarily School Use).  Eight tennis courts, 2 baseball fields, 2 softball fields, one football field and track, open playfield, 2 gymnasiums, and 1 auditorium.

• Lion's Park.  A private, 16-acre park with 4 Little League Baseball fields.

• Forest Hills Aquatic Center (School District, School and Community Use).  Contains an indoor pool, Senior Citizen Center and 2 small informal soccer fields.
• Forest Hills Administration (School District, Community Use).  Includes a gymnasium and 2 small soccer fields.
• YMCA (Private, Fields are used by Outside Groups).  The facility includes a gymnasium, classrooms, 2 small soccer fields, 1 softball field, an indoor pool, weight room, cardiovascular rooms, aerobic instruction and teen center.
• Lowell Township Riverfront Park.  The park includes 3 full-size soccer fields, a picnic shelter and portajons, 7 small soccer fields, and 2 softball fields.
• Thornapple River County Park.  A recently acquired County parkland.  It is 3 miles south of the Township, west of Whitneyville Road at 68th Street.  It provides substantial river frontage.  Development of the 200 acre plus parcel is projected at 5-10 years in the future.  Current plans are for picnic areas, natural areas, river access, ball fields and support facilities.
• Lowell Area County Park.  A large parcel of rolling farmland and wooded areas.  Acquisition is projected to be completed at about 700 acres.  Little development is projected to occur in the near future.

River Access

The Township encompasses a number of natural features that make it an attractive place to live.  The most obvious features are the Grand River and the Thornapple River, both of which run through the Township.  The Grand River forms the northeast border, roughly 2 miles in length.  The Thornapple River bisects the Township north to south.  Until very recently, the Township residents had no opportunity for access to either of these rivers within the Township, with the exception of a public access site for canoe/kayak access at the Cascade Dam on the Thornapple River in the Village of Cascade.

With the addition of Leslie E. Tassell Park on the Thornapple River and the recent acquisition, although undeveloped at present, of the Grand River parcel, river access opportunities for Township residents have improved although still limited.

Immediately to the north of the Township, within 1/2 mile are other access points:

• On the Thornapple River, at the Ada Dam (primarily foot traffic for fishing)
• On the Grand River, at the Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources Public Access Site (boat launch ramp, restrooms, parking)

Historic and Cultural Resources

Historical sites in the Township that are state listed include the original Cascade Christian Church Chapel, the Township Museum Building, and Camelback Bridge.  The Township Museum building, which was designated as a historical site in 1998, was the original structure for the Cascade Township Hall.

The Cascade Dam, and a few buildings in the "village" area are also eligible for consideration as historic sites.  The Township will pursue historic designation of the Cascade Dam after the museum building is placed on the historic register.

A significant archaeological find has also been located in Cascade Township.  Fluted arrowhead points, of the Clovis style that were used by paleo-Indians of 10,000 years ago, were found in the vicinity of 28th Street and Thornhills Drive.  Indian artifacts as well as burial mounts have been found in the Township.

A variety of area-wide cultural opportunities are available within the Grand Rapids metropolitan area and include the 133-acre Howard Christensen Nature Center, the 144-acre Blandford Nature Center and Farm, the Grand Rapids Public Museum, the Grand Rapids Art Museum, the Grand Rapids John Ball Park Zoo, and Fredrick Meijer Gardens.  Several city parks are also available within this area.

Private and Commercial Recreational Resources

Private and commercial recreation facilities that are available o a regional basis include a variety of recreational facilities.  There are 32 golf courses in Kent County and the following are most proximate for Township residents, within a short drive of the Township:

• Arrowhead Golf Course.  A public facility with 18 holes in Vergennes Township.
• Briarwood Golf Club.  A public facility with 18 holes in Gaines Township.
• Broadmoor Country Club.  A public facility with 18 holes in Caledonia Township.
• Cascade Hills Country Club.  A private facility with 18 holes in Grand Rapids Township.
• Deer Run Golf Club.  A public facility with 18 holes in Lowell Township.
• Egypt Valley Country Club.  A private facility with 36 holes in Ada Township.
• Grand Rapids Golf Club.  A public facility with 27 holes in Grand Rapids Township.
• Indian Trails Golf Course. A public facility with 18 holes in the City of Grand Rapids.
• Meadowlane Golf Course.  A public facility with 18 holes in the City of Kentwood.
• Thousand Oaks Golf Course.  A public facility with 18 holes in Plainfield Township.
• Saskatoon Golf Club.  A public facility with 36 holes in Caledonia Township.
• Tyler Creek Golf Course.  A public facility with 18 holes in Bowne Township.

Privately owned and operated campgrounds in Kent County include the following:

• Duke Creek KOA Campground in Solon Township - 131 sites.
• Grand Rogue Campground in Plainfield Township - 100 sites.
• Olin Lakes Resort in Solon Township - 45 sites.
• Lake Side Camp Park in Solon Township - 200 sites.
• Lincoln Pines Resort in Spencer Township - 314 sits.
• Paradise Cove Trailer Park Resort in Nelson Township - 133 sites.
• Tyler Creek Recreational Area in Bowne Township - 200 sites.
• Woodchip Campground in Byron Township - 97 sites.
• Pleasant Hill in Spencer Township - 55 sites.

Three canoe liveries operate in Kent County.  These include the Grand Rogue Campground and Livery at the juncture of the Rogue and Grand Rivers, the Misty Valley Canoe Livery along the Flat River near Lowell, and AAA Rogue River Canoe Rental in Rockford.  Downhill skiing is available at Cannonsburg Ski Area with 22 runs and Pando Ski Area with 6 runs, both in Cannon Township and within a half hour drive of Cascade Township residents.  A variety of other commercial businesses that cater to the recreational needs of urban and suburban residents are available throughout the Grand Rapids metropolitan area and include such activities as miniature golf, racquetball, tennis and indoor soccer.

CHAPTER 4.  CASCADE TOWNSHIP RECREATION FACILITIES ACCESSIBILITY EVALUATION

This evaluation is meant to highlight those recreational structures or activities requiring further work to meet federal accessibility regulations or guidelines.  It is not meant to be comprehensive or extremely detailed nor is it meant to be a safety evaluation.  Each recreational activity or feature should be thoroughly investigated prior to actual implementation of accessibility improvements.

Cascade Township has two developed parks.  Leslie E. Tassell Park and Cascade Township Park (See Map 6.). In addition, the Township has many miles of bike paths which are reasonably barrier-free given the topography along the bike routes.

Tassell Park was constructed in 2001 and meets all current accessibility requirements.  Cascade Township Park was constructed in the 1970’s and has been progressively expanded over the years.  A number of recreational features/elements have been modified or retrofitted to meet then current accessibility requirements.  However, most of the recreational features need to be upgraded or replaced to meet current standards. 

The following list focuses on Cascade Township Park:

Playground Area

The Park has two adjacent play equipment areas that have been recently upgraded with new play equipment and surfacing.  The two areas are approximately 40’ apart and the easterly play area surface is 3’-4’ above the westerly play area.  Both areas contain large multi-level play structures with resilient wood-fiber safety surfacing.  The East Play Area has 4 swing seats and several perimeter benches.  The play areas are supplemented with several benches and a small picnic/shade structure.  An in-ground sand box is along an access path to the West Play Area.

1. Access to Play Areas: A 5’ wide asphalt path connects the parking lot with the West Play area, but it does not connect to the supplemental amenities such as picnic shelter, benches or sand box.  Its surfacing and slope are accessible.  The East Play Area is not connected by an accessible route in any way to the West Play Areas.  A path from a group picnic pavilion runs within 10’ of it.  However, given the distance and slope of this route, it cannot be considered as having an accessible route directly to it.
2. Access to Play Equipment: A paved connection between the access route and play equipment ramp is provided in the West Play Area.  However, it is not accessible or safe.  The surfacing in this play area is considered accessible to all other play equipment entry points (if maintained properly).  The East Play Area surfacing is considered accessible (if properly maintained). However, the transfer platform allowing access to the equipment is difficult to approach from any nearby walkway.
3. Surfacing Around Play Equipment: The play areas are surrounded by wood fiber safety surfacing that is considered accessible if properly maintained.  Surfaced areas are flat with minimal slopes.  They are contained with concrete curbing along the perimeter.  The surfacing should be flush with the curbing at all playground entry/exit points.
4. Play Structures: The sandbox, because it is in ground is not an accessible play element.  The swing set does not incorporate an accessible swing seat. The play structures are required to provide a certain number of accessible ground level and accessible elevated play components depending on the number of total play ‘events’ on the structure.  Neither play structure meets current accessibility requirements.  The West play structure has a ramped entrance onto the multi-level play structure.  It does not provide access to any play events beyond the initial clatter bridge for a wheelchair-confined child.  The East play structure has a transfer platform into the structure but has minimal accessible play activities beyond the transfer platform.

Site Furniture

Benches:  Not on accessible route and do not have adjacent wheelchair seating space.

Picnic Tables:  Number and type of accessible tables are limited and do not meet current standards for number, surfacing or type.

Drinking Fountain: See Restroom Evaluation for fountain at restroom.  Tennis court fountain is accessible, both fixture and access route.

Water Spigot at Group Picnic Shelter:  Not a barrier free fixture or accessible pavement surround.

Tennis Courts

The courts are fenced and have a gate opening width that exceeds the 32”minimum.  There is an accessible route to the courts from the parking lot.  The paved court surface is accessible.

Parking Lots

Main Lot:  paved with designated barrier-free parking.  Surface and slopes are compliant.

East Lot ( at group picnic shelter):  loose gravel surface (non-compliant) with no designated accessible parking spaces along an accessible route.

West Lot (gazebo):  paved at gazebo, no designated accessible parking space.

Playfield Lot: loose gravel with no designated accessible parking spaces along an accessible route.

Tennis Count/Maintenance Building Lot:  Paved accessible parking spaces.

Walks and Access Routes

The Park is ringed with a mile long, 5’ wide asphalt walk, connected to a number of the recreational activity areas.  While the outlying portions have segments exceeding 1:20 longitudinal slopes, as a hiking/walking trial this is reasonable given the topography of the site.  Where the walk segments are an accessible route to major recreational components, it should have slopes less than 1:20.  For the most part these walk segments do meet slope requirements.  Some of the surfacing on the accessible route segments needs to be replaced, as they are in poor and uneven condition.

Several major recreational activities do not have accessible route connections:  the East Play area and the playfields at the center of the park.  Further, all walks should reasonably link the various recreational activities of the park to each other (group picnic area to restrooms, etc.).

Playfields

The softball and soccer fields have no accessible routes to the playfield gates, team benches or spectator seating areas from the parking lot.

Restroom Building

There is one concrete block building with separate toilet facilities for men and women.  The women’s restroom has two toilet stalls and one sink.  The men’s restroom has one toilet stall, one urinal and one sink.  Partial concrete block walls without doors define the stalls.  One stall in each room is meant to be barrier free, however, they do not meet current barrier free design standards.

The thresholds between the concrete sidewalk and the concrete floor of the building meet the barrier free requirements.  However, there has been some settlement of the sidewalks and a large crack has appeared across the sidewalk in front of the entry to the Women’s room.  The vertical change between the levels of walk is 3/4”; a threshold should have a maximum height of 1/2” with a maximum abrupt vertical change of 1/4”.

The doors to the restrooms are propped fully open with a doorstop.  The door knobs do not meet barrier free requirements.  Typically, they should be lever handles or push devices.  However, since the doors remain in an open position, the existing hardware should be acceptable.

The restroom doors are not properly signed to meet the barrier free requirements.  A symbol of barrier free compliance and either a pictograph or room name sign is required.  Room name signs with pictographs are located on the inside of the doors and are able to be read from the exterior when in the propped-open position.  With this condition, their location on the door rather than to the side of the door would be acceptable.  However, the signs are located at 73” above the floor rather than 60”.  Letters are neither capital nor sized correctly.  There is no Braille component or Symbol of Compliance.

The lighting in both restrooms is very poor, especially the Men’s room.  On the date of inspection, floors had been mopped, but were not drying because the rooms were so dark, there was very little air movement, and it was a humid day.  Since the floors are poured concrete, these conditions create a slipping hazard. 

Early barrier free design codes allowed a 42” wide stall with a 60” clear floor area or 60” tee outside the stall for turning a wheelchair.  The current code requires a 60” wide x 36” deep stall for wall mounted toilets.  This provides clear floor area for turning and stool mounting maneuvers within the stall as well as outside the stall.  With a 42” stall, the toilet was typically centered on the width of the stall.  With a 60” wide stall, the toilet is located 16”-18” from the sidewall and 42” from the stall wall.  This allows for maneuvering at the side of the toilet.  A 36” grab bar is required behind the toilet, starting 6” from the sidewall, although a 24” bar centered over the toilet is allowed where existing space does not allow for a 36” bar.  Alternatively, the side grab bar must extend to at least 54” from the back wall. 

There is a 60” diameter turning space outside the stalls in the Men’s room and a 60” turning tee in the Women’s room.  However, neither room has the required 60” wide stall.  The accessible stalls in both rooms are 44” wide with the toilet centered within that dimension.  There are 48” long metal grab bars on either side of the toilet.  In the Men’s room, they are located 34 1/2” above the floor and begin 4” from the rear wall bringing the leading edge to 52” from the rear wall.  In the Women’s room, they are located 35” above the floor and begin 5” from the rear wall bringing their leading edge to 53” from the rear wall.  They are located within the 33”-36” height requirement.

The toilet seat in the Men’s room is located 16” above the floor.  The toilet seat in the Women’s room is located 15” above the floor.  These should both be located 17” - 19” above the floor.  The toilet paper dispensers are double roll, continuos type located too close to the toilet to comply with the code.  At least one roll should be located so that its centerline is between 7-9” in front of the toilet.  These dispensers are located between 5”-6” in front of the toilet.

Hand dryers are provided for handwashing in each room.  Their control buttons are centered at 44” above the floor.  Soap dispensers in each room are located 42” above the floor to the dispensing button.  Dryers and dispensers are both located within the acceptable range for a forward (48”) or side (54”) approach for adults.  However, although it is not a code requirement, they are a bit too high to be reached conformably by children.

The drainpipe is exposed under the sink, but is not insulated.  This could present a safety issue.  The clear height below the sink apron is 27 1/2” in the Women’s room and 28” in the Men’s room.  The clear height requirement is 27”.  The sink in the Women’s room is also only 17” deep; the requirement is a minimum 18” deep.  The faucets are twist type and self-closing with no time delay.  They should be a lever, push button or similar type requiring a maximum 5 lb. pressure to operate with valves remaining open for at least 10 seconds if self-closing.

There is no emergency warning system in place for this building.  It should have both audible and visual warning elements in each restroom. 

Emergency Telephone

The operating lever for the emergency telephone’s box is located at 57” above the sidewalk.  This should be located no more than 54” above the sidewalk for a side approach.  The cord should be a minimum 29” long.

Drinking Fountain

The drinking fountain is located on a paved maintenance strip at the back of the building.  The current fixture and location are not accessible.  Clear knee space, control operation, bubblier height and fountain approaches are not in compliance.

CHAPTER 5.  ACHIEVING BARRIER-FREE COMPLIANCE FOR CASCADE TOWNSHIP PARK

Many of the park facilities not in compliance with current accessibility standards can be brought into compliance as part of a maintenance program.  Others will require a major expenditure of effort to change and should be part of any capital improvements planned for that particular facility.

Playground Area

Revise and add to existing play structure components to meet current requirements for type, number and location.  Provide access routes to the play area and its supplemental amenities.  Create accessible route up to the play structure entry point.

Site Furniture

Replace some picnic tables with accessible types and quantity.  Locate these tables on barrier-free surfacing and along accessible routes or other paved areas.

Place benches along accessible route, including wheelchair seating area adjacent to each bench.  Review use of arm rests on some of the benches to assist elderly in using the benches.

Replace water spigot at group picnic shelter with a barrier-free fixture in an accessible location.

Parking Lots

East Lot:  Designate  barrier-free parking spaces, aisles, and signage along an accessible route.  Improve surfacing and slopes at these spaces to meet barrier-free requirements.

West Lot:  Designate  barrier-free parking spaces, aisles, and signage along an accessible route.  Improve surfacing and slopes at these spaces to meet barrier-free requirements.

Gazebo Structure Lot:  Designate a barrier free parking space.

Walks and Access Routes

Provide accessible walks between picnic shelter, parking lots, playfields, restroom and play areas.

Ballfields

Provide accessible walks to field entrances, team seating and spectator seating from parking lots.

Restroom Building

This building would continue to be “grandfathered” into acceptance as long as major renovations are not required.  The restrooms do not meet the ADA legislation, but with adaptations, could be more “user friendly.”  Expanding the 44” wide stalls would require a complete renovation of the restrooms and may require the elimination of one stall in each room to meet the barrier free requirements and convert the rooms to single user restrooms.  Considering the popularity of the park and the usage of the restroom facilities that is not a recommended option.  A more logical approach would be to make minor changes to the existing facilities and plan for the addition of a unisex barrier free toilet room at the back of the building or expanded toilet facilities elsewhere in the park.

Following are recommendations for changes to make the rooms more barrier-free:

1. Replace concrete sidewalk as necessary outside Women’s room to eliminate vertical rise at door threshold.

2. Provide new restroom signage at the entrances.  This would be a restroom sign centered 60” above the floor on the wall at the latch side of the door, with 1” high, contrasting capital letters and Grade II Braille.  This sign may have a pictograph or be a pictograph without words if it is a minimum 6” high.  The symbol of compliance should not be added since these rooms do not comply with current codes.

3. Provide better lighting in both restrooms.

4. The grab bars are very close to meeting the codes, but should extend 54” from the back wall.  The toilet paper dispensers are also within inches of meeting the code.  These could be removed and mounted further from the back or front of the toilet to meet the requirements.

5. Either provide lift toilet seats in each barrier free stall, or replace the toilets with taller fixtures.  The seats should measure 17”-19” from the floor to the top of the seat for a safer transfer.

6. The sanitary napkin disposal should be relocated to 20” from the rear wall.

7. Provide new faucets at the sinks that meet the barrier free requirements.  They will be easier to operate for everyone using the facility.  If a self-closing control mechanism is desired, provide a minimum 10-second time delay.

8. Optional:  The hand dryers and soap dispensers could be relocated so that their control buttons are not greater than 40” above the floor.  This would be beneficial for the use of smaller children as well as those requiring accessible facilities.

Emergency Telephone

Relocate the telephone so that the operating lever for the box is no higher than 54” above the sidewalk for a side approach or 48” above the sidewalk for a front approach.  Provide a minimum 29” long cord on the telephone.

Drinking Fountain

Remove and replace with an accessible fixture located along an accessible route.

CHAPTER 6. ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE

The responsibility for planning, developing, programming, budgeting, operating, and maintaining the Township’s recreational facilities and programs belongs to the Park Commission that is appointed by the Township Board.  Two full-time Township employees and seasonal staff currently handle Park maintenance.  The Township does not offer any formal recreation programs but does cooperate in scheduling fields for organization use. An organizational chart graphically illustrating these responsibilities is contained in Figure 2.

The Township Park Commission is appointed by the Township Board.  The legislation enabling the creating of this public body responsible for recreation administration within the Township is Michigan Public Act 271 of 1921, as amended.  Funding for the parks in Cascade Township is appropriated from the Township’s general fund.  The budget, expenditures, and revenues for the Township’s recreational facilities for the past five years are summarized in Table 2.

Figure 2
Organizational Chart

TABLE 2
CASCADE TOWNSHIP PARK BUDGETS FOR THE YEARS 1997 - 2001

1997 1998 1999 2000 2001   Supplies and other expenses $3,500 $3,863 $3,380 $3,650 $2,450   Operations & Maintenance $6,500 $6,800 $9,115 $11,500 $15,000   Capital Expenses (a) $25,000 $30,000 $20,000 $5,103 $48,400   Total Rec Budget (b) $35,000 $40,663 $32,495 $20,253 $65,850   Total Rec Revenue (c) $7,000 $7,000 $6,500 $6,500 $4,835

(a) Some money is carried over from year to year for capital improvements that were planned but not done in the year budgeted.

(b) Compensation for the work that is performed by the Buildings and Grounds Department on the Township Park’s from the Buildings and Grounds Budget.

(c) Revenue received from renting the park to large groups

CHAPTER 7. NEED AND PRIORITIES

Determining what recreational facilities should be provided to Township residents in the future to most effectively satisfy their needs is a critical and difficult element of a recreation plan.  No community can casually fund recreation projects without being assured that these facilities would be used.  Funds for recreation are difficult to obtain when other community needs must also be addressed.  Consequently, it is important to accurately predict and prioritize what recreational facilities will be popular now and in the future.

Making these predictions about recreation needs and priorities has not been an exact science.  Therefore, a variety of methods have been utilized to determine what residents will want for improving recreational opportunities in a community. 

Beginning in 1975, Cascade Township conducted a series of surveys of residents to determine their interest and desire in recreation facilities.  These surveys were conducted in 1975, 1983, 1985 and 1991.  A summary of those results follows.

The 1975 and 1983 Surveys

The surveys in 1975 and 1983 were essentially the same and can best be summarized in how the responses compare from one year to the next survey year.  When the survey respondents were asked, both in 1975 and 1983, if they desired additional recreational facilities in the Township, over 60 percent replied “yes”.  In the 1975 survey, nearly 30 percent of the respondents felt the Township should provide such facilities while 21 percent felt the county and 15 percent felt the state should provide additional facilities.  In 1983, respondent attitudes shifted to indicate that 25 percent felt the responsibility belonged to the Township, 32 percent indicated county responsibility, and 24 percent state responsibility.  Concerning the type of facilities that should be provided, respondents in 1975 were equally divided over preferences for passive and active types of recreation.  In 1985, a stronger preference for passive types of recreational activities resulted.

In both survey years, about 70 percent of the survey respondents’ thought that the acquisition of recreational sites in advance of need was desirable.  In 1975, respondents were asked whether developers should be required to set aside or reserve a portion of their developments for neighborhood parks (84 percent were in favor of such a requirement).  A different question was asked in 1983; specifically, what type of Township park was preferred (65 percent of respondents selected small neighborhood parks over large community parks).  Finally, as part of the more comprehensive survey, respondents in both surveys were asked what specific public service out of a list of ten were they willing to pay additional taxes to support.  In 1975, recreational facilities came in as number three after fire and police protection.  In 1983, recreational facilities received the number one rank from that same public service list.

The 1985 Survey

In 1985, a limited survey was conducted to gauge resident opinion on a variety of topical issues of the time.  One question focused on the ranking of public service improvements in which recreation was ranked number 6 out of a list of nine other public services.  This particular survey was much less conclusive about resident support for recreation since it had a response rate of only 8 percent compared to the earlier surveys which received response rates of 35 percent to 40 percent.  These surveys do indicate that there is considerable support for the development of recreational facilities in the Township, whether from the Township, County, or State.  The preferred facility could provide either passive recreation or more active recreational pursuits.  Small neighborhood parks seem to be preferred over large community parks.  However, the survey were limited in identifying specific types of recreational activities that would be desired by Township residents.

The 1991 Survey

The 1991 survey asked respondents 16 questions ranging from the frequency of use of the Township park to possible improvements to the facility.  Like the previous surveys, residents were favorable to the Township purchasing land for future park development.  Overall, approval of this policy went down from a 60 percent approval rating in 1975 and 1983, to a 49 percent approval rating in 1991.  Residents were also asked if they were satisfied with the park facilities in the Township.  Approximately 39 percent of the residents were satisfied with the facilities, while 25 percent were not satisfied. Residents were also asked to rank the facility improvements that they would like to have provided at the park. 

The top five choices were:

1.      Hiking/Nature Trails

2.      Cross-Country Ski Trails

3.      Outdoor Ice Skating Rink

4.      Tennis Courts

5.      Tobogganing/Sled Runs

Several of the top choices show a preference towards winter sports activities.  The occurrence may be attributable to the timing of the survey which was distributed in February.

2001 Focus Groups

In the fall of 2001, the Parks Commission undertook a new technique of obtaining public opinion and desires for recreation facilities.  Two Focus Groups were formed based on a community wide solicitation for interested volunteers.  Over 30 Township residents and business persons responded to the solicitation to provide input to the Township.  The output of the two groups is provided in the Appendix.  Facilities and improvements identified as needs by these groups include the following:

Current Acquisition Needs:

• Additional neighborhood park acreage (5-10 acre parcel) in 2 west-central locations

Future Acquisition Needs:

• Additional neighborhood park acreage (5-10 acre parcel) in east-central location
• Community park acreage (40 acre parcel, minimum) in east-central location

Current Facility Needs:

• Bike path amenities:  trailhead parking, toilets, route information signage, rest stops
• Dog park
• In-line hockey and skateboard court
• Finish bike route connections
• Neighborhood playground
• Basketball court
• Volleyball court
• Shuffleboard
• Soccer fields

• Picnic Shelters

• Spray park areas

Future Facility Needs:

• Community Center (village center)
• Develop community park
• Develop neighborhood park
• Develop Grand River parcel as passive, nature-oriented park
• Expanded bike routes
• Ice rink, outdoor
• Picnic shelters
• Volleyball
• Playground equipment
• Basketball
• Tennis Courts
• Softball
• Football field
• Soccer field

Barrier-Free Accessibility Needs

• Upgrade restroom at Cascade Township Park
• Upgrade recreational facilities at Cascade Township Park

Cascade Township Bike Path Goals

• Bike paths design should emphasize safety, with emphasis on Class 1, separate bike paths
• Bike paths should connect destination points, whether recreational, cultural, natural, commercial
• Bike paths should provide looped bike routes
• Bike paths should provide support facilities, i.e.
• Toilet facilities
• Trash/dog pickup stations
• Rest stops
• Route information signage
• Trailhead parking

Recommended Bike Path Connections

• Kraft Ave. (Burton to 28th St.)
• Cascade Road to Tassell Park
• Burton Road to Patterson Ave.
• Hall Street to Central High/Middle Schools
• Thornhills Drive to Cascade Township Park

Recreation Facility Standards

Another planning tool used to assess recreation needs is a suggested community standard for recreational facility development.  Standards can be a useful guide in determining what recreational opportunities may be absent or inadequate within a community.  These standards are often based on averages per population as estimated from and compared with various communities from across the country.

Standards for recreational facilities are useful but they possess significant limitations, especially when the standard is not supported by other criteria for assessing a community’s recreation needs, such as a community survey or local input.  Standards often lack an appreciation for the differences that exist between different communities.  For example, standards will suggest that a community of a certain size should have so many tennis courts or playgrounds.  However, perhaps in a certain community, their existing tennis courts are unused and the community is characterized by a high percentage of individuals of retirement age that would not require the devotion of so many acres for playgrounds.

Although standards for recreational development are not absolutes, and this should be recognized whenever they are used, these standards do offer some guidance on what may be an appropriate number or size for a certain recreational facility.  For Cascade Township, the use of facility standards in combination with the results of the past community survey and the recent Focus Group input can suggest how the community compares with other communities and whether there might be a greater or lesser demand for certain facilities than the standards indicate.

Table 3 and 4 compares suggested community standards for those recreational facilities that were identified on the survey with the Township’s existing facilities and nearby facilities.  The result of this comparison shows that volleyball, shuffleboard, picnic shelter, play equipment, basketball courts, and neighborhood parks are deficient given the current and projected population.  The Focus Group identified these needs plus several others as desirable.

TABLE 3
CASCADE CHARTER TOWNSHIP
EVALUATION OF PARK/RECREATION FACILITY NEEDS

(Including Ada Township Park, Leonard Park, Lions Field, and F.H. Aquatic Center Facilities)

Neighborhood Parks:  Pine Ridge and Thornapple Elementary

Community Parks:  Cascade Township Park, Leslie E. Tassell Park, Museum Gardens, Grand River Parcel, Forest Hills Administration

Regional Parks:  Chief Haz Cloud, Seidman, Thornapple River and Lowell Area County Parks

*The National Standards have been adjusted to reflect local demand/interest based on consultant experience.

Source:   Building Michigan's Recreation Future Recreation, Park and Open Space Standards and Guidelines, NRPA, 1983

TABLE 4
CASCADE CHARTER TOWNSHIP
EVALUATION OF PARK/RECREATION FACILITY NEEDS

(Limited to: Cascade Township Limits)

Neighborhood Parks:  Pine Ridge and Thornapple Elementary

Community Parks:  Cascade Township Park, Leslie E. Tassell Park, Museum Gardens, Grand River Parcel, Forest Hills Administration

Regional Parks:  Chief Haz Cloud, Seidman, Thornapple River and Lowell Area County Parks

Recreation, Park and Open Space Standards and Guidelines, NRPA, 1983

*The National Standards have been adjusted to reflect local demand/interest based on consultant experience.

Source:   Building Michigan's Recreation Future

CHAPTER 8. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

The establishment of community goals and objectives for providing recreational opportunities create a framework from which decisions can be made on a daily basis.  Goals represent a long-term ideal to be aimed for by the community in providing recreational opportunities.  Goals are a mountain’s peak to be reached while objectives are the steps taken and the routes chosen to reach that peak or goal.  For Cascade Township, the following goals and objectives have been formulated to establish an ideal for community recreation and to identify what steps can be taken to reach that ideal.

Goal  I

Complete the integration and expansion of the Township bike path system to link existing and future neighborhoods, commercial and cultural destinations, parks, schools and regional parks and trails.

Objectives:

1.   Develop support facilities for the bike path to encourage a safe, cleans, attractive and user-friendly recreational bike path system.

• orientation, route and information signage
• rest area amenities (sanitary facilities, seating, trash, dog stations)
• ‘trailhead’ parking at Hall and Cascade Road

2.   Integrate existing bike path segments with village business district, business corridors, parks, destinations and adjacent community bike paths.

• Kraft Ave. (Burton to 28th St)
• Cascade Road to Tassell Park
• Burton Road to Patterson Ave
• Hall Street to Central High/Middle Schools
• Thornapple River Drive to Cascade Township Park.

3.   Continue to provide a separate, Class I, looped/connected bike path system.

4.   Establish a greenbelt corridor and develop a non-vehicular trail along the south side of Grand River from Ada Township’s proposed trail to the east edge of Cascade Township.

5.   Encourage and coordinate future bike path expansions to tie into future residential and recreational lands to the east and south sides of the Township as well as proposed Kent County regional parks to the east in Lowell Township and in Caledonia Township, located south of Cascade Township.

Goal  II

 Assure communication to encourage public awareness and involvement in the recreation process and recreation resources.

Objectives:

1.   Promote good public relations for recreational facilities through the media.

• Use Township newsletter to identify what is happening, what’s available, who to talk to, etc.
• Continue ‘garden’ adoption program
• Use bike path route signage to highlight Township parks
• Place park directional signage on Township main roads
• Use local newspaper to highlight recreation news wherever possible

2.   Develop brochures to explain available recreational facilities.

3.   Identify projects that private individuals and organizations can undertake or fund.

• Develop a gift guide that could serve as a tool to facilitate public awareness of recreational needs with the Township.

4.  Identify and promote areas or recreational planning that need citizen involvement.

Goal  III

Assure the availability of a quality recreational experience in the Township parks.

Objectives:

1.   Assure accessibility in all existing and future recreational facilities for persons with special needs.

• Update the playground, walks, parking and restroom at Cascade Township Park to meet current ADA guidelines and requirements.

2.   Provide adequate maintenance of all Township parks and recreational facilities.

3.   Consider the long-term or on-going maintenance costs of all future park improvements to Township recreational facilities prior to making such improvements.

4.   Develop Master Plans to guide the development or additions to the Cascade Township Park and to the Grand River parcel.

5.   Explore the possibility of a dedicated maintenance fund for the care of special recreational facilities requiring special maintenance such as bike paths, perennial plantings, fountains, etc.

Goal  IV

Develop mechanisms to meet future recreational needs in the Township.

Objectives:

1.      Cooperate with intergovernmental efforts to establish a regional greenway and trail system Along the Grand River from Lowell to Grand Rapids.

2.      Pursue a dedicated Township millage levy for park, recreation, bike path and open space facilities and acquisition.

3.      Budget for implementation funds for a recreational capital improvement program each year.

4.      Establish a fund for site acquisitions.

5.      Pursue a variety of possible funding sources, including state and federal grant programs.

6.      Explore mechanisms for evaluating and accepting private donations of land, time and monies.

Goal V

Promote coordination of recreational facilities, programs and activities with other recreation providers to avoid duplication and use Township resources wisely.

Objectives:

1.      Cooperate in recreation programming with the school district Community Education Program, the YMCA, AYSO, GRASA, the Little League and other providers of recreation programs.

2.      Cooperate with the school district, the YMCA, the AYSO, GRASA, and other providers of soccer programs in the development of an area-wide soccer facility.

3.      Initiate interaction and cooperation with the school system.

• Develop and formalize an agreement to jointly share and support mutually beneficial facilities
• Work with the schools to improve the recreational facilities available to the community at the school sites, particularly elementary schools.

4.      Participate with the County in planning a regional recreational facility to serve southeast Kent County

Goal VI

Encourage preservation and integration of Township natural resources.

Objectives:

1.      Protect and conserve the Township’s natural resources.

• Encourage and develop legal mechanisms to encourage the preservation of natural features into an integrated, viable, open space system that would ideally be integrated with Township recreational lands.

• Pursue the acquisition of land or development right to land by the Township, county, state or private land trust to permanently protect the floodplain and wetlands along the Grand River.

2.      Pursue the acquisition of land upstream of the Cascade Dam along the Thornapple River to protect fragile floodplain and wetlands and to provide public access to the River.

Goal VII

Set aside undeveloped properties for future recreational needs.

Objectives:

1.   Acquire land for a future community park on the east/central side of the Township

• adjacent to a bike path extension
• encompassing desirable natural features

2.   Acquire land for neighborhood parks that is geographically balanced.

• 28th St and 30th Street area, possibly as an extension of the 30th Street fire station
• Burton, Cascade and Laraway Lake Road area
• 52nd Street and Whitneyville Road area
• Encourage and coordinate development of needed recreational facilities in future residential developments
• Encourage the establishment of subdivision parks through appropriate ordinances

3.      Encourage and coordinate easement or ownership for non-motorized bike path trail extensions as result of private developments.

Goal VIII

Provide a wide range of community recreational opportunities to meet current needs.

Objectives:

1.      Improve recreational facilities to eliminate deficiencies

• At Cascade Township Park develop basketball, rollerblade, and picnic shelter.  Improve accessibility of ballfields, parking playground and restroom.
• At Grand River parcel, develop first phase parking and picnic shelter.

2.      Accommodate all age groups and their specific recreational needs

• Explore acquisition of land for development of Community Center in Village Area, connected to other public leisure and cultural opportunities.
• Provide skateboarding or rollerblading opportunities for youth.
• Provide water spray area for youngsters
• Develop a dog park within Cascade Township Park

3.   Develop a system of geographically balanced parks

• Develop neighborhood park at 30th Street/28th Street area, adjacent to the bike path, with playground, rest area amenities, and picnic shelters.

CHAPTER 9.  ACTION PROGRAM

On the basis of those recreation needs and priorities that have been identified by the results of the recreation survey and on the basis of the knowledge that the Cascade Township Park Commission has acquired in talking with and listening to Township residents, the following “action program” has been developed.  This action program proposes a variety of activities, some which are physical and others that are policy oriented.  The action program is aggressive and the Commission understands there will need to be a greater level of commitment to the Township recreation system.  When the action program is fully implemented, it will accomplish the long-term goals that have been established for this Recreation Plan in meeting the existing and future recreation needs of Township residents.  The following provides a summary of the recommendations.  Table 8 summarizes the schedule and costs for the action program. 

On-going Items

The following is a list of items the Park Commission desired to pursue as part of their overall park and recreation planning.  There is no priority to the items but the list does provide a “to do’ list of desirable accomplishments over the next several years and into the future.  The idea is to review the list annually and select a few that are relevant and timely for the year.

1. Continue to improve the Class I, looped/connected bike path system in the Township.
2. Develop orientation, route and information signage.
3. Use Township newsletter to identify what is happening, what’s available, who to talk to, etc.
4. Explore volunteer opportunities.
5. Use bike path route signage to highlight Township parks.
6. Place park directional signage on Township main roads.
7. Use local newspaper to highlight recreation news wherever possible.
8. Develop a gift guide that could serve as a tool to facilitate public awareness of recreational needs with the Township.
9. Dedicated maintenance fund for the care of special recreational facilities requiring special maintenance such as bike paths, perennial plantings, fountains, etc.
10. Establish a fund for site acquisitions.
11. Explore mechanisms for evaluating and accepting private donations of land, time and monies.
12. Cooperate in recreation programming with the school district Community Education Program, the YMCA, AYSO, GRASA, the Little League and other providers of recreation programs.
13. Cooperate with the school district, the YMCA, the AYSO, GRASA, and other providers of soccer programs in the development of an area-wide soccer facility.
14. Develop and formalize an agreement to jointly share and support mutually beneficial facilities.
15. Work with the schools to improve the recreational facilities available to the community at the school sites, particularly elementary schools.
16. Participate with the County in developing a regional recreational facility to serve the southeast Kent County.
17. Encourage and develop legal mechanisms to encourage the preservation of natural features into an integrated, viable, open space system that would ideally be integrated with Township recreational lands.
18. Pursue the acquisition of land or development right to land by the Township, county, state or private land trust to permanently protect the floodplain and wetlands along the Grand River.
19. Explore acquisition of land for development of Community Center in Village Area, connected to other public leisure and cultural opportunities.
20. Accommodate all age groups and their specific recreational needs.
21. Encourage and coordinate development of needed recreational facilities in future residential developments.
22. Encourage the establishment of subdivision parks through appropriate ordinances.
23. Encourage and coordinate easement or ownership for non-motorized bike path trail extensions as result of private developments.
24. Pursue the acquisition of land along the southeastern edge of the Thornapple River to protect fragile floodplain and wetlands and to provide public access to the River.
25. Acquire land for a future community park on the east/central side of the Township adjacent to a bike path extension and encompassing desirable natural features.
26. Prepare detailed park plans illustrating existing facilities and future improvements.
27. Establish a dedicated maintenance/improvement fund for ballfields.

Plan Implementation Strategy

The following schedule proposes a program for satisfying identified recreation needs, for eliminating deficiencies in the provision of recreational opportunities, for improving existing activities and facilities, and for establishing a strategy to accomplish stated goals and objectives.  The schedule is organized by the year for undertaking the described project, description of the project, and the estimated cost. The project includes the years 2002-2007.

Phase 1 2002-2003

1. Update the playground, walks, parking and restroom at Cascade Township Park to meet current ADA guidelines and requirements.  $181,500

2. ‘Trailhead’ parking at Hall and Cascade Road.   $83,000

3. Bike path extensions as indicated in the Goals.  $164,500

4. Budget funds for property acquisition.  $20,000

5. Maintenance/improvement fund for ballfields.  $10,000

Total Phase I = $459,000

Phase II  2003-2004

1. Develop a dog park within Cascade Township Park.  $27,000
2. Provide skateboarding or rollerblading opportunities for youth.  $60,000
3. At Grand River parcel, develop first phase parking and picnic shelter.  $150,000
4. Bike path rest area (3 locations) amenities (sanitary facilities, seating, trash, dog stations).  $37,500
5. Bike path extensions as indicated in the Goals.  $265,000
6. Budget funds for property acquisition.  $20,000
7. Maintenance/improvement fund for ballfields.  $10,000

Total Phase II = $569,500

Phase III  2004-2005

1. At Cascade Township Park develop:  basketball and picnic shelter.  Improve accessibility of ballfields and parking.  $85,000
2. Bike path extensions as indicated in the Goals.  $260,000
3. Budget funds for property acquisition.  $20,000
4. Acquire land for neighborhood parks that is geographically balanced.  $200,000
5. Burton, Cascade and Laraway Lake Road area.
6. 52nd Street and Whitneyville Road area.
7. 28th Street and 30th Street area, possibly as an extension of the fire station or near the bike path.
8. Maintenance/improvement fund for ballfields.  $10,000

Total Phase III = $575,000

Phase IV  2005-2006

1. Bike path extensions as indicated in the Goals.  $330,000
2. Budget funds for property acquisition.  $20,000
3. Maintenance/improvement fund for ballfields.  $10,000

Total Phase IV = $360,000

Phase V  2006-2007

1. Provide water spray area for youngsters.  $190,000
2. Greenbelt corridor and develop a non-vehicular trail along the south side of Grand River from Ada Township’s proposed trail to the east edge of Cascade Township.
3. Bike path extensions as indicated in the Goals.  $445,000
4. Develop neighborhood park near Buttrick Avenue.  $490,000
5. Community Center Building  $2,000,000
6. Maintenance/improvement fund for ballfields.  $10,000

Total Phase V = $3,135,000

SUMMARY OF COSTS

Table 5
Action Program 2002-2007
Cascade Township

Project Local* Other Funds* Project Costs*   Phase I $137,700 $321,300 $459,000   Phase II $170,850 $398,650 $569,500   Phase III $172,500 $402,500 $575,000   Phase IV $108,000 $252,000 $360,000   Phase V $940,500 $2,194,500 $3,135,000   Subtotal $1,529,550 $3,568,950 $5,098,500   Grand Total $1,514,550 $3,533,950 $5,098,500

*Local funds include Township, school, special recreation millage and in-kind contributions.

**To be determined: LWCF, Michigan Recreation Bond Program and Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund, and other state, federal or private funding sources as available.

Adopted February 27, 2002

Williams & Works
Cornelisse Design Associates, Inc.

Prepared by the:

Cascade Charter Township Park Commission

• Judi McSorley
• Sandi Parrish
• David Keyser
• Michael Spitters
• Tom Zelinski
• Michelle Bottrall

In cooperation with:

Cascade Charter Township Board

• Michael R. Julien, Supervisor
• Sandi Frost Parrish, Trustee
• Ronald H. Goodyke, Trustee
• Robert C. Timmons, Trustee
• Richard Jones, Trustee
• Mary J. Carpenter, Treasurer
• Marlene Kleinheksel, Clerk
• Jay Cavens, Manager

with the assistance of:

• Williams & Works
• Cornelisse Design Associates, Inc.

with special thanks to:

• Steve Peterson, Planning Director
• Sandra Otey, Assistant Planner
• Darrin McSorley, Buildings and Grounds Supervisor
• Marilyn Thompson, Planning Commission Secretary

And members of the Focus Groups

Stephen Channer*, Debra Caukin*, Gene DeYoung, Robert Neve*, Ken Bourjaily*, Joe Hollman, Jim Reed, Bill Banta*, Sandra Veenkamp*, Linda Stewart*, Chuck King*, Glenn Ann Ruggeri*, Michael Spitters*, Larry Brannan, Gregory Gillespie, Scott Rissi, Mary Hanson*, David Karle, Tom Zelinski*, Dan & Terry Wallace, Tom McDonald*, Rob Beahan, Nancy Schellenboom*, Tom Rooks, Mick McGraw, Jennifer DeRoos, Judi McSorley, Sandi Parish, David Keyser, Robert Hoban, Gary Jaarda, Michelle Bottrall

* Denotes Active Participant

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