ONTONAGON - The Western Upper Peninsula Planning and Development Region and officials in Ontonagon are looking for the public's help on the next five-year recreation plan.
The village of Ontonagon and the township park board members have teamed up with WUPPDR to create a consolidated five-year recreation plan. The joint committee is seeking help from the public to help plan for new activities, facilities and improvements to existing facilities, said Sandra Hauswirth, vice president of the township park board.
"We are looking for their ideas on areas that could use development for recreational purposes," she said. Surveys are available at local businesses, at the village office, and online at wuppdr.org.
Hauswirth said the survey is an important tool to be used by the committee and WUPPDR to address needs, potential recreation projects and upgrades.
The survey contains 16 questions and will be followed up with a public hearing in Ontonagon. Hauswirth said they are looking for input that spans across the Ontonagon community and beyond.
"It's not necessarily just people from Ontonagon because we're looking for ways to improve the recreation in our area in hopes that will bring some people here," she said.
Questions on the survey ask what kinds of outdoor recreation is enjoyed by the participant, including everything from archery and golf to volleyball and dancing.
Questions include whether the township should construct a new public pavilion, if a band shell should be put up and if the beach access needs an observation platform.
Currently, there is an ice rink within the village, offering a place to play hockey and ice skate.
"But other than that in the winter, there's nothing," she said.
Surveys must be submitted to the village office or mailed to WUPPDR by Dec. 26 and online surveys must be taken by Jan. 3.
To mail surveys to WUPPDR, send them to P.O. Box 365, Houghton, MI.