Hancock County Board of Parks and Recreation: 2/19/26

MEETING: Parks & Recreation.  Public Forum

Date: 2-19-26

Recorder: Cathy Cooper

BACKGROUND:

Survey was distributed to public in advance.  Sixty responses submitted.  Survey will remain open until March 6.  .

https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/bea481e24f6c482dac3f8366dc1a1643

Public forum portion, which commenced after a brief board meeting, was not recorded. 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT AGENDA ITEMS AND KEY POINTS:

Background presented by chairperson Rolles: Land donated by NineStar in Spring Lake.  Significant portion is in flood plain.  Parking lot will be constructed on 100N, not in the town.  Trails will connect with Pennsy Trail.   Park is already named “NineStar Park at Spring Lake”.

Public input requested in the following areas of potential use: Recreation, Education, Natural Habitat, Water Access.  After public brainstorming and input the following were the highest priorities for each category: 

1.    Recreation

a.    Restrooms

b.    Canoe/Kayak launch

c.     Connection to Pennsy Trail and park trails

2.    Education

a.    Dark sky viewing

b.    Amphitheater

c.     ID of plants and trees

d.    ADA access

3.    Natural Habitats

a.    Celestial viewing: Potential for certification which would allow grant opportunities. There is a private citizen who is an amateur astronomer and night photographer who will be a resource in this area.  

b.    Pollinator and community gardens

c.     Identification of plants and wild life

4.    Water Access

a.    Boardwalk and other elevated trails over flood plans, creak and pond

b.    Designated fishing access.  Needs to be clearly designated so as to not interfere with canoes and kayaks.   

c.     Preservation of water

Next steps:

1.    Continue to gather public feedback (via survey) and along with input obtained today, will share with consulting firm and DNR to further identify the highest priorities. 

2.    Develop Five Year Master plan based on above.  Deadline to develop is 4-15-26.