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The City Council directed staff to develop a new Parks Zone as part of the 2024 Comprehensive Plan Periodic Review. After receiving feedback on the initial draft of the Parks Zone development regulations from the Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC), Planning Commission (PC), and the community, the project was returned to the PRC for further input and analysis. The PRC provided a recommendation to separate the zoning work into two separate zones: one for open space lands and one for developed parks. The Open Space Zone was identified as the first phase of the project, which was completed in 2024 with input from the PRC, Open Space Conservancy Trust (OSCT) Board, and the PC. The Open Space Zone was adopted by the City Council with Ordinance No. 24C-15, establishing development regulations for City-owned open space lands.
The Parks Zone is the second phase of the project, which will establish development regulations for City-owned parks. The PRC began discussions on the Parks Zone at the October 2024 PRC meeting and is anticipated to provide a recommendation to PC in Q2 2025. The PC will then conduct the legislative review process and the City Council is anticipated to review and adopt the Parks Zone by the end of 2025.
The City Council directed staff to develop a new Parks Zone as part of the 2024 Comprehensive Plan Periodic Review. After receiving feedback on the initial draft of the Parks Zone development regulations from the Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC), Planning Commission (PC), and the community, the project was returned to the PRC for further input and analysis. The PRC provided a recommendation to separate the zoning work into two separate zones: one for open space lands and one for developed parks. The Open Space Zone was identified as the first phase of the project, which was completed in 2024 with input from the PRC, Open Space Conservancy Trust (OSCT) Board, and the PC. The Open Space Zone was adopted by the City Council with Ordinance No. 24C-15, establishing development regulations for City-owned open space lands.
The Parks Zone is the second phase of the project, which will establish development regulations for City-owned parks. The PRC began discussions on the Parks Zone at the October 2024 PRC meeting and is anticipated to provide a recommendation to PC in Q2 2025. The PC will then conduct the legislative review process and the City Council is anticipated to review and adopt the Parks Zone by the end of 2025.
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The Native Plant Park (in Mercerdale Park) is very neglected. It's not even mentioned on the city's website even though there is a MI Native Plant Sign at the Park. The pathway is littered with fallen trees and the pathway is questionable (it needs gravel to show the clear pathway). The plant identification signs have been damaged from trees falling over. With the Farmer's Market starting soon and Riot Games moving in soon, this park needs a facelift and some attention.
DNR
12 months ago
The Pioneer Park informational signs in the NW quadrant need to be replaced. It's good information- but the signs are cracked and there is water damage to all of them.
DNR
12 months ago
Pioneer Park needs signs along the street where it is okay for vehicles to park. The parking spots should have designated gravel or pavement so it is well known the spots are available. Right now there is grass or dirt parking areas and no signage so it is unclear where to legally park.
Also, the Pioneer Park trails need trail signs since there are 6 miles within the 3 quadrants of trails, it gets confusing. The NW quadrant has a few signs in the middle of the park, but that's the only quadrant that has signage. The NE quadrant has a couple of wooden signs, but the SE quadrant has none. It is very hit and miss and I walk the trails frequently and still get confused where I am. "Fern Trail," "Flicker Trail," etc. would make the trails easier to navigate. Trail Maps in the middle of the park with "you are here" would also help in each quadrant. See the Bridle Trail signs in Bellevue as inspiration- each sign has a picture to go with the name. Those signs make it fun and easy to navigate the park- without getting lost!
The Native Plant Park (in Mercerdale Park) is very neglected. It's not even mentioned on the city's website even though there is a MI Native Plant Sign at the Park. The pathway is littered with fallen trees and the pathway is questionable (it needs gravel to show the clear pathway). The plant identification signs have been damaged from trees falling over. With the Farmer's Market starting soon and Riot Games moving in soon, this park needs a facelift and some attention.
The Pioneer Park informational signs in the NW quadrant need to be replaced. It's good information- but the signs are cracked and there is water damage to all of them.
Pioneer Park needs signs along the street where it is okay for vehicles to park. The parking spots should have designated gravel or pavement so it is well known the spots are available. Right now there is grass or dirt parking areas and no signage so it is unclear where to legally park.
Also, the Pioneer Park trails need trail signs since there are 6 miles within the 3 quadrants of trails, it gets confusing. The NW quadrant has a few signs in the middle of the park, but that's the only quadrant that has signage. The NE quadrant has a couple of wooden signs, but the SE quadrant has none. It is very hit and miss and I walk the trails frequently and still get confused where I am. "Fern Trail," "Flicker Trail," etc. would make the trails easier to navigate. Trail Maps in the middle of the park with "you are here" would also help in each quadrant. See the Bridle Trail signs in Bellevue as inspiration- each sign has a picture to go with the name. Those signs make it fun and easy to navigate the park- without getting lost!