Brighton City Council on Jan. 14 adopted the city’s 2025–2029 Recreation Plan, approving Resolution 2025-3 with amendments discussed during the meeting.

City Manager Gamolka and consultant Jill Bame of Giffels Webster told council the recreation plan is part of the master plan and must be updated by Feb. 1 to preserve eligibility for state recreation grants administered by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Bame described the DNR’s expectations for an inventory, needs assessment, goals and an administrative structure that qualify communities for funding.

The plan notes past grant awards, inventories city recreation assets and lists priorities including improvements to Mill Pond and Imagination Station, barrier-free upgrades, and opportunities to support arts and culture. Community Development Manager Caruso said a site-specific example — the Imagination Station — could be eligible for matching grants if council pursues a project and a local match.

Council members discussed items to correct or expand in the draft before final filing: adding the new high-school field house and school-owned facilities to the facilities inventory; clarifying that Parker Nature Reserve is privately owned; updating events listed in the plan; and confirming the city’s calculated area. Manager Gamolka and staff said many minor corrections had already been collated and could be incorporated before submission.

After closing the public hearing with no public speakers on the plan, Council member Gibson moved to adopt Resolution 2025-3 “with the amendments, as stated on the record here tonight,” supported by Council member Schmike. Clerk Brown conducted a roll call; the motion carried unanimously.

Council and staff repeatedly noted the plan is intended to be a living document that can be used as an agenda-driven tool to pursue grants and guide specific projects over the next five years.

The adopted plan will be submitted to the Michigan DNR to restore the city’s eligibility for state recreation grant programs that rely on a current recreation or master plan.