By David Fleet

Editor

Atlas Twp.– The future of the first county park in the township could be decided by December.

On Sept. 22, the board of trustees was expected to pass a resolution that would commit the township to a collaboration and marking partnership with the Genesee County Parks and Recreation Commission if Genesee County is successful in its efforts to secure a Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant to acquire a large tract of property.

The 155-acre parcel on the north side of Hegel Road about 800 feet east of Gale Road, incorporates an abandoned Detroit Urban Railroad railbed as well as the Kearsley Creek and frontage on the Atlas Mill Pond, was targeted by the GCPR about a year ago. The property, owned by the Polus family, was purchased about 40 years ago as a speculative land investment and was for sale for many years; however, last year the family approached the township about purchasing the land for recreational use.

Township officials contacted Amy McMillan, director of GCPR, to see if the they could possibly apply for a grant to purchase the property. In October 2015, the GCPR contacted the Six Rivers Land Conservancy to determine the possible use of the land that is a mix of wetlands, open space and woodland.

“There’s a lot of pressure for home development in the area,” said McMillan. “Genesee County has about11,000 acres of park land—we were not really looking for more, but large tracts of property do not come along too often. Also, this land is near the new Gale Road pathway, so it’s just a good fit.”

Following the assessment, on April 1 the GCPR applied for a $547,000 grant from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund. If approved the GCPR will need to fund $182,000 of the purchase price to obtain the property. The NRTF was established exclusively for acquisition and development of public land, and funding comes from royalties on the sale and lease of state-owned mineral rights. When the NRTF was voted into the Michigan Constitution in 1984 it was to be used for conservation, resource protection, public outdoor recreation and to develop outdoor recreation facilities such as the Atlas Township property.

The property includes a parcel owned by Consumers Energy running diagonally through the middle of the land. In addition, walking paths, scenic overlooks, a pavilion and parking area at the front along Hegel Road could be incorporated in the design of the park. The public access to the Atlas Mill Pond would offer canoeing and kayaking opportunities from a livery on the shoreline.

“It’s my understanding the land will not be a park; rather, kept in a natural state,” said Shirley-Katuman Jones, township supervisor. “The location directly across from Goodrich schools is ideal for educational use such as science projects and trails for hiking.”

The competition for the NRTF grant is fierce, so in order to increase the chances of obtaining the funding for the park land a collaboration with the township is necessary, added Jones.

“Twice a year there will be a direct mailing regarding the park,” she said. “Perhaps we can also provide information on the park in residents’ tax bills or promoting the park land at public meetings is also a suggestion.”

The deadline for the GCPR to enhance their chances of obtaining the grant is Oct. 3.