Feasibility study will examine options for collaboration on community-wide recreation services and facilities.
MARQUETTE, Mich. – September 4, 2013 – Three local governments have embarked on a new study to investigate options for multi-jurisdictional cooperation on recreational services and facilities. The goal of the feasibility study is to determine if and how the City of Marquette, Marquette Charter Township and Chocolay Township can better work together to provide for community-wide recreational needs. In addition, the study will provide options and the basis for establishing a formal intergovernmental body that will be capable of both raising the necessary funds and providing for the operation, maintenance and management of existing recreational facilities. While the study will examine the future of each jurisdiction’s recreation facilities, special attention will be devoted to the future of the Heartwood Forestland property.
The study is being overseen by an Ad Hoc Committee formed of representatives from each of the three jurisdictions. Member Nikki Dewald said that the Committee has been exploring ways to better collaborate on recreation for the last couple of years.
“We recognize that the three jurisdictions must work together to provide community-wide recreation opportunities in the most effective manner possible,” Dewald said. “This study will provide a blueprint for how to do that. Then it’s up to the three jurisdictions to decide how they want to move forward.”
The feasibility study will include a public meeting at which citizens will be asked to comment on some of the proposed options for cooperation. Committee Chairperson Jason McCarthy hopes citizens will use the public meeting to give their own opinions of how to move forward. “The Committee believes public input is a vital component of the feasibility study and we invite everyone to share their ideas,” McCarthy said. In addition to the public meeting, McCarthy noted that citizens are welcome to talk with members of the Ad Hoc Committee and will have a chance to voice their opinion before the legislative body of each participating jurisdiction. It is anticipated the feasibility study will be completed by December.
The nonprofit Land Information Access Association (LIAA) is assisting on the project. Harry Burkholder, a community planner with LIAA, said that the feasibility study is a great first step in helping to determine which cooperative options are best for the greater Marquette Community. “Many communities across the state are working together to determine how they can better cooperate to provide for municipal services,” Burkholder said. “Recreation seems to be one issue where jurisdictions can come together more easily. We look forward to working with the Ad Hoc Committee and the entire community to develop a study and action plan that will help guide the discussion.”
For more information on this project, please contact:
Jason McCarthy – Ad Hoc Committee Chairperson
Phone: 906-228-6220 ext. 105
Nikki Dewald – Ad Hoc Committee Member
Phone: 906-869-4054
Harry Burkholder – Community Planner
LIAA
Phone: 231-929-3696
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