Leelanau Township and the Village of Northport are pursuing a collaborative initiative in which they would jointly own the Township property at Buster Dame Park (3.14 acres) and a portion of the Village property at 7th street and North Shore (4.69 acres). The project involves removing the Michigan Department of Natural Resources requirement that the Buster Dame property be a park and applying that requirement to the 7th street property. This would enable the Buster Dame property to be used for more than a park (currently a dog park and baseball field), it could also be a site for affordable housing, a need which both municipalities have been trying to meet. Buster Dame could be multi-use, including housing and park amenities, while a portion of the 7th street property would become a new park for the Township and Village.
The Leelanau Township Parks and Recreation Committee and the Village of Northport Parks and Trails Committee invite public input and ideas for: 1) ways to develop 4.69 acres of property at 7th Street and North Shore as a park; and 2) ways to maintain and/or include other park/ green space at Buster Dame, including if housing were to be built there.
There will be a community meeting to discuss housing on April 9 where residents can get information and share input. Stay tuned for more details. At this time we are seeking input regarding parks and recreation matters at the Buster Dame and 7th street properties.
Please consider the various parks and trails we currently have and how the 7th street property could fulfill a missing need or interest for outdoor enjoyment. For example, accessible paths/walkways for wheelchairs, walkers, strollers; a restroom; picnic sites; a gazebo for small gatherings or meetings; benches along a path; a fitness trail with chin-up bars, balance beams, etc.
You are invited to attend the meeting of the Leelanau Township Parks and Recreation Committee on March 19 at 5:30 p.m. at the township offices to offer comments and ideas. Or, you may submit your comments and ideas by email to Leelanau Township Supervisor Barb Conley at supervisor@leelanautownshipmi. gov.
