Ad hoc trails committee votes to end Onekama trails initiative, cites technical and financial challenges

Committee member Matt reported that the ad hoc trails committee voted unanimously to end the township’s trails initiative, citing unresolved technical issues and financial constraints. The committee discussed how ending the trails effort affects long‑range planning and budget priorities for the parks system.

Why it matters: committee leadership had considered trails as a potential multi‑site connection across township parks. Ending the ad hoc effort redirects staff and volunteer capacity toward other projects identified in the 5‑Year Plan, including parking and water access at North Point.

What happened: At the May 29 meeting, Pratt summarized recent board actions and said the township board approved the 5‑Year Plan deliverables due June 1. Jean relayed committee member Matt’s report that the ad hoc trails committee voted unanimously to discontinue the trails initiative because technical requirements and projected costs were prohibitive. No vote tally was recorded in the minutes beyond the statement that the ad hoc committee’s vote was unanimous.

Next steps and context: Committee members emphasized the need to reallocate planning resources to projects already scoped in the 5‑Year Plan, and to finalize cost estimates and leads for priority work such as North Point parking and a drinking fountain. The committee’s 5‑Year Plan materials are being prepared for the June 1 submission and the inventory and goals are due July 1.

The committee adjourned at 10:10 a.m. with follow‑up actions assigned to staff and volunteers to document the trails committee decision and update the 5‑Year Plan materials.