Parks and Recreation Commissioners Discuss Park Rules, New Developments

Oakland Township-Lake Orion Patch caught up with Parks and Recreation Commissioners recently to discuss recent developments, including new property, increased security at and plans to develop .

Here's a closer look at what commissioners had to say about committee happenings:

Lost Lake Nature Park

I for Lost Lake Nature Park, along with extra parking and a dock at the park, the sledding hill will be reconfigured. A dock for fishing, nonmotorized boats and nature observation will be created and storm water buffers and signage will be set up. The dock will provide an accessible kayak launch as well.

The sledding hill will be recontoured so everyone doesn't end up at the same spot as they slide down the hill. The bunny hill will be changed as well, being separated a bit more from the main sledding hill to provide a safer run for children.

"Where we're starting out now gives them a nice run, but at the same time when you come down to the bottom of the hill you meet up with an incline to naturally slow the sled down," said Joe Peruzzi, Parks and Recreation treasurer.

"We're excited with the new contours of the hill ... the kids are going to enjoy it more and they're going to feel like they're going to be going faster and it's going to be safer for them," Commissioner Lana Mangiapane said.

The construction work is scheduled to begin this year, Peruzzi said, after a bid is awarded for the project.

Bear Creek Nature Park

Members of the will now be walking through Bear Creek Nature Park a couple of hours a couple of days every week. Commissioners agreed foot patrol was needed at the park after receiving a variety of complaints about dogs being off leashes at the park, which has posted rules stating that dogs are not allowed to run loose.

"I personally am a dog owner, we have three dogs, so I have some sympathy for people who want to walk their dogs, but you know you've got to keep them on a leash, especially in a park setting," Peruzzi said.

Mangiapane agreed, saying it's a good, safe practice for the safety of residents and the animals.

A letter went out to residents in neighboring subdivisions and the copy of the letter is posted on Oakland Township's website.

"As with most public use parks across the country, including federal, state and locally managed parks, Oakland Township has an ordinance requiring that all dogs in a township park be kept on a leash at all times. Violation of this ordinance, a misdemeanor, could entail ticketing and a fine up to $500 and/or up to a 90-day jail term," the letter reads.

If problems persist, the letter warns, that dogs could be barred from the park, among other possible repercussions.

"We're hoping this process will help the situation and act as a proactive approach without closing the park to dogs," Peruzzi said.

Marsh View Park

The Parks and Recreation Commission has acquired an additional five acres for Marsh View Park. According to Parks and Recreation Commission Secretary Colleen Barkham, there are no short-term plans for the property at this point, however acquiring additional property for the parks is in the Parks and Recreation Department's master plan.

"We thought this was a great opportunity and the price was right," Barkham said. "We're very excited to add on."

Barkham noted that the commission believes Marsh View Park could use additional parking spaces. Peruzzi agreed, saying that parking is critical there and the parking that is at the park is probably too small of a lot for when the soccer fields open next year.

Archery program

The archery program at Marsh View Park is under way.

"It's an attractive program and it's fun. Archery is fun for all ages," Mangiapane said. "I can attest to it that it's great fun and our instructors are excellent."

This year, the Parks and Recreation Department added senior archery into the mix. For information on archery classes and prices click here.

Other highlights

• Barkham noted that three employees were hired for a seasonal stewardship program to work on the natural areas in the township by cleaning up trails and clearing out invasive plants and more this summer.
• A DTE Energy contractor recently trimmed trees away wires at .
• The commission has reviewed, replaced and updated policies regarding Parks and Recreation Department equipment, Mangiapane said.

Upcoming Parks and Recreation Commission meetings

The meeting scheduled for tonight has been canceled. The next regularly scheduled Parks and Recreation Commission meetings are:

• June 13
• June 27
• July 11
• July 25

The Parks and Recreation Commission meetings are at 7 p.m. at the Paint Creek Cider Mill building. For more information visit www.oaklandtownship.org.