NILES TOWNSHIP — While an open house to get public feedback on Niles Township parks is over, it is not too late for people to share what they want to see in their local parks.

Monday night, the Niles Township Parks Commission hosted an open house at the township hall, with the hopes of hearing what people want to see improved in the parks. Only about a dozen attended to provide insight, but Jill DeLucia, the chairwoman for the Niles Township Parks Commission, said residents can still complete an online survey to share their feedback. The survey is available on the Niles Township website at nilestwpmi.gov. The survey can be accessed under the Departments tab and by clicking on the Parks, Recreation and Cemeteries tab. The survey is open through Aug. 17 and should not take more than a couple of minutes to complete.

DeLucia said the timing for the feedback is particularly important because the department’s master plan expires in 2018.

“What kinds of things have people seen in other parks and would like to see?” DeLucia said. “It is a great time to let us know with the survey, so that we can incorporate those ideas in the five-year plan and then go for the funding to make it happen.”

As of Monday, DeLucia said people were mostly asking to see more from their parks. Many wanted to see increased amenities, such as the addition of a splash pad.

Those who attended the open house Monday also got a chance to ask questions about the Indiana-Michigan River Valley Trail. Because construction bids for the project came in at about $250,000 over budget, the bids were rejected and the trail completion is now expected to be delayed about 10 months. 

Suzannah Deneau, an engineer with Wightman & Associates, was present to field people’s questions at the open house about this development and other aspects of the Indiana-Michigan River Valley Trail. Wightman is the company helping to engineer the 1.2 miles of trail addition. Deneau said some people she spoke to Monday expressed disappointment that the trail was delayed.

Deneau said the increased bid cost was likely due to the current saturation of the construction market. She said the project will be re-bid in the winter time and they are hoping the timing will be a better for obtaining a bid.

Laura Heyne, of Niles Township, was among those who took the time to visit the township hall for the open house. Heyne is an avid biker and said she enjoys walking her dog along the Indiana-Michigan River Valley Trail. She said she attended the meeting to let park officials know they are doing a great job.

“I think [the parks] are very nicely maintained,” Heyne said. “It’s good the department allows input from the community and responds.”

Heyne said she was disappointed that the trail will be delayed, particularly because there are not many other places to bike ride in Niles Township, because there are not many sidewalks.

“There’s a danger to riding on the roads and the trail is a nice alternative,” Heyne said.

Whether they like to ride their bike on the trail or play in the park with their children, DeLucia encouraged residents or non-residents who visit the park or trail to provide feedback.