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DOWAGIAC — The City of Dowagiac is asking residents to help imagine the future of city parks and recreation opportunities as it prepares to create its new parks and recreation plan.  

A community parks and recreation plan provides a five-year framework for decisions regarding the establishment, development, and maintenance of recreational programs and facilities. Having the plan is also necessary to be eligible for certain state and federal grants. 

As part of the planning process, the city is gathering public input.  There is a survey available for residents and business owners to take. The survey asks what types of improvements residents would like to see, what recreational opportunities are most important, what parks residents visit most, and more.  

Residents can take the survey online by visiting www.surveymonkey.com/r/DowagiacRecPlan or you can pick up a paper copy of the survey at Dowagiac City Hall, 241 S Front St, Dowagiac, MI 49047, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.  The survey must be completed by Sept. 20, 2024. 

“We’re seeing in some of the social media avenues that there are a lot of people who have a lot of different opinions on what should happen with the park system,” Sleigh said. “Unfortunately it can be difficult for us to monitor and find constructive feedback through all of the varieties of different posts. It’s really important for us for everybody to complete the online survey so we can harness that and give the community members an opportunity to provide direct input into the process.”

In addition to the survey, the city will be hosting a public input meeting on Tuesday, September 3, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Dowagiac Middle School Cafeteria. This meeting will provide an opportunity for residents to share their thoughts on the future of recreational opportunities in the City. The city encourages residents to attend and participate in shaping the future of the community.

Highlights of the previous plan include the Elks Trail development and the establishment of Burling Park, maintaining current park systems to improve accessibility and creating public access to the flowing waters of the Dowagiac Creek at all locations where streets and flowing water intersect.

Sleigh said parks and recreation improve the quality of life for residents, help maintain and attract residents and businesses, promote healthy lifestyles, provide opportunities for social connections, protect natural features and the environment and improve property values.

“The reason the parks and public space system exists is to serve the community which is why we are encouraging as much public participation in this plan as possible,” Sleigh said. “We’re going to take that Community input very seriously.”

Those with questions can contact Bekah Schrag with the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission at (269) 925-1137 x1521 or at schragb@swmpc.org.  The Southwest Michigan Planning Commission is assisting the city with the development of the plan.