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Commissioners recommend adoption of 2025–2029 Barry County Parks and Recreation master plan
Summary
A county panel recommended that the Board of Commissioners adopt Resolution 25‑4 to approve the 2025–2029 Barry County Parks and Recreation five‑year master plan after a public hearing and limited discussion about accessibility and historic integrity.
The Barry County panel voted to recommend that the Board of Commissioners adopt Resolution 25‑4, the 2025–2029 Barry County Parks and Recreation five‑year master plan.
The recommendation was moved by Commissioner Toonis and supported by Commissioner Hatfield; the chair called for a voice vote and the motion carried. The parks board and staff plan to submit required materials to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) following the county board’s consideration.
The plan matters because it lays out an organized multiyear approach to facility improvements, trails and access across county parks and recreation assets. Proponents at the meeting emphasized volunteer and commissioner work on the plan and said adoption will allow the parks board to proceed with required grant submittals to the DNR.
Ben Patton, speaking on behalf of the parks board, said the public‑input process began with earlier hearings and online and hard‑copy availability of materials. He described the final step as the county board adoption and the subsequent DNR submittals.
During discussion, a commissioner asked whether Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) work would change the historic integrity of buildings in county parks. Patton replied, “we don't necessarily do anything to the buildings themselves. So, from a historical standpoint, there's no significant change on the structures.” He added that some interior adjustments were necessary to allow wheelchair access—for example, removing or making movable a seat in a schoolhouse to allow a wheelchair turn radius—but said the work did not alter the underlying buildings.
Speakers also thanked volunteers and named contributors who helped prepare the plan. A member of the public, identified as Rick Moore, offered brief verbal support for the plan.
The chair then offered the motion to recommend adoption of Resolution 25‑4 to the county board; after the voice vote the chair said the motion carried. The parks board and staff said they would complete the DNR submittals in the coming week.
The county board is scheduled to consider the recommendation at its next meeting; adoption at that meeting would clear the parks board to pursue DNR funding and implement items in the master plan.
