Planning commission opens 30-day review for Parks & Recreation Master Plan, schedules Jan. 12 public hearing

The Farmington Planning Commission opened a 30-day public review period and scheduled a Jan. 12 public hearing for the draft 2025 Parks and Recreation Master Plan after consultants from OHM presented the plan's findings and recommendations.

OHM's Rachel summarized the plan's key findings, saying Farmington has about 12 parks totaling nearly 40 acres and that roughly 60% of residents live within a 10-minute walk of a city park. Rachel emphasized demographic shifts toward a larger population aged 65 and older and said that suggests prioritizing passive, accessible recreation and gathering spaces: "We see a significant increase in the older adult population over 65 years and a decrease in the youth population," she said.

The plan incorporates results from steering-committee meetings, open houses, farmers-market pop-ups and two community surveys. Consultants recommended park-specific improvements including adding or winterizing restrooms and improving vendor-friendly covered space at Riley Park, developing programming and a promenade park calendar, enhancing Shiawassee Park's connectivity to downtown, and exploring feasibility and accessibility upgrades at the Warner Mansion.

OHM and staff noted the formal 30-day DNR-required public review period begins immediately, with a notice to be published and the draft posted on the city website for public comment. Consultants said the plan must be submitted to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources by Feb. 1. A commissioner moved to schedule the Jan. 12 public hearing; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.

What happens next: the commission will hold the public hearing on Jan. 12, consider public comments, then consider adopting the plan for referral to city council and submission to the DNR.