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Parks staff outline Fitzgerald Nature Center demolition, strategic plan and ask for long-term lease certainty
Summary
Parks staff updated the committee on upcoming demolition of the condemned Fitzgerald Nature Center pending hazardous-material results, described strategic-plan work with Williams & Works, and urged a long-term lease with Grand Ledge before the county invests further in park infrastructure.
Parks staff told the Public Works & Planning Committee they will seek bids to demolish the condemned Fitzgerald Nature Center once hazardous-material test results are returned and that demolition timing may hinge on access during a nearby wastewater-plant construction project.
Unidentified Speaker (S6) said GFL performed hazardous-material sampling and that the department is waiting for results before issuing a bid package. Staff indicated they may fund demolition from unused allocations for the Lincoln Brick House project or seek an amendment after bids set the cost.
The committee also reviewed a strategic plan for Fitzgerald Park developed with Williams & Works. Staff described recent public engagement (parade participation and ornament-hunt events) and said they will present a final strategic-plan draft to the board for approval, then prioritize actions for the remaining years of the parks millage.
Commissioners raised a social-media post that had caused local concern and urged staff to stick to facts in public outreach rather than online disputes. Several commissioners emphasized they will not invest county funds in significant park improvements until the county and the city of Grand Ledge finalize a long-term lease or agreement establishing responsibilities and investment commitments.
Staff will return with hazardous-material results, demolition bid results, and any recommended budget amendments needed to complete the work.
