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Parks staff plan Fitzgerald Nature Center demolition and push to finalize Fitzgerald Park strategic plan
Summary
Parks staff reported hazardous-material sampling for the condemned Fitzgerald Nature Center, plans to bid its demolition, renovations at Lincoln Brick Interpreter Center, and progress on a strategic plan for Fitzgerald Park. Commissioners said county intends a long-term lease before investing in major work.
Parks staff told the Board of Commissioners they are moving toward demolition of the condemned Fitzgerald Nature Center, continuing improvements at Lincoln Brick and Crandall parks, and finalizing a strategic plan for Fitzgerald Park.
Alex (parks staff) said the department completed hazardous-material sampling at the nature center and is waiting on lab results before seeking demolition bids. He said staff are exploring options to remove the building that avoid overstressing a nearby pedestrian bridge, such as using equipment that can reach the site without crossing the bridge, or moving the structure piece by piece.
Alex said the department expects to reuse existing allocated funds from the Lincoln Brick House project, if costs permit, and will determine whether to amend that budget after bids come in. He emphasized that the building is condemned and that any future structure on the site would be limited (for example, to restroom facilities) until a final decision is made.
Parks deputy director Ethan (identified in the meeting as deputy director) described ongoing programming and community engagement: holiday parades, an ornament hunt across county parks, a holiday food drive with the Greater Lansing Food Bank, and upcoming winter programs. He said the county plans a boardwalk project at Keeney Park and a forestry assessment by Natural Capital Forestry to remove storm-damaged trees and restore forest areas.
On Fitzgerald Park, Alex and staff said consultants Williams and Works are preparing a draft strategic plan. Staff anticipated receiving a rough draft before Christmas and scheduled a Jan. 8 meeting to finalize the plan so construction bids can follow.
Commissioners said the county wants a long-term lease with the City of Grand Ledge before investing significant millage funds in Fitzgerald Park. One commissioner said the county has not previously had funds to invest in the park but "we do now," and urged the city and county to move forward together. Staff said they had met with the city manager and provided suggested lease-language changes and expected the city would take the item up again in January.
The department reported it had completed hazardous-material sampling of roof material and caulking at the Fitzgerald building and was waiting for lab results. Alex confirmed the site's parking area is separated from the building by a wooden bridge and said crews are evaluating options to avoid damaging the bridge during demolition.
No formal board action on the Fitzgerald demolition or strategic plan was recorded during the meeting; staff will return with bids, test results and any proposed budget amendments.
