Recreation & Placemaking
The Mancelona Area Recreation Plan calls for improving and increasing park amenities in the Village of Mancelona and connecting and creating trail systems in Mancelona Township. Ideas include a new skate park, ice-skating rink, reconnection to the snowmobile trail, new Wetzel Lake trail, and new Johnson Pond walking loop. In-fill sidewalk connections, to link the Village parks, schools, and commercial amenities, are also desired.
The plan also encourages continuing to hold and attract lively, family-friendly events in neighborhood parks, like the Summer Celebration Concerts hosted by the Mancelona Regional Chamber of Commerce. New events could include public art, festivals, craft shows, and tournaments. Events need not have large budgets or fancy displays, but should focus on connecting and celebrating our community and place.
With this guidance, the CRD is working on the following goals related to recreation and placemaking.
First, improve park amenities and support community events.
Beginning with Palmer Park, the CRD is actively seeking investment to improve and increase park amenities and facilities. With support from community partners, the CRD is exploring how we can support existing, and create opportunity for new, community events that celebrate and connect our people and place.
Second, fill gaps in existing sidewalk network.
The CRD is advocating for in-fill sidewalk connections between critical community destinations and neighborhoods in the Village of Mancelona. We are building resources, partnerships, and consensus on where these in-fill connections will have the highest impact. A good example of a recent improvement is the the Safe Routes to School sidewalk, facilitated by the Village of Mancelona, Mancelona Public Schools, and a couple of visionary Mancelona students!
Third, connect and create regional trails.
The CRD is pursuing the creation of regional trail connections, including the once-existing link between the snowmobile trail and Village, as well as new trail systems, including possible loops at Wetzel Lake and Johnson Pond. These improvements require cooperative easement agreements between public and private parties, funding to construct, and partnerships to operate and maintain.