How was public input gathered?

Included in the agenda of the City Commission Regular Meeting held on June 3, 2024, was an Administrative Recommendation which outlined seven instances where the public was invited to provide input on matters related to parks, recreation, and the proposed millage. Although these events took place, it’s important to note that there were no public meetings before the millage decision that allowed for open dialogue, where the community could ask … Read More

What are Parks & Recreation Advisory Boards?

Parks and Recreation Advisory Boards are groups typically established by local governments to provide guidance and recommendations on matters related to parks and recreation. They are established by passing ordinances to define the purpose, authority, and structure of the board. Bylaws provide detailed operational procedures, meeting schedules, and specific duties. These boards act in an advisory capacity only and are commonly responsible for: A good example of such a board … Read More

Why do we need a millage now?

The City Commission held a Recreation Study Session on May 22, 2024, prior to approving the millage language. The slide shown was part of a presentation given by City Commissioners and Recreation Director. While questions were addressed verbally during the session, the answers were not included in the presentation materials nor the minutes from the session. Although I attended, I honestly do not recall the response to the question, “Why … Read More

Where other funding options exhausted before asking the citizens for a millage?  

Currently, the City of Plymouth does not have a formal parks and recreation sponsorship program. Recently, when a citizen asked about sponsoring a park they were told sponsorships are on hold until after the millage vote. Page 15 of the  5-Year Parks and Recreation Master Plan 2024-2028 states: The 5-Year Parks and Recreation Master Plan 2024-2028 references the City of Plymouth Strategic Plan on page 53 and lists “review park … Read More

Who participates in the programs the city funds?

In 2023, only 395 (27%) of the 1443 participants in the City of Plymouth’s Youth Soccer Programs were residents of the city. The other 73% of participants are from Plymouth Township, Canton Township, and other neighboring communities. The data below is a summary of information provided by the city in response to a FOIA request of participant residency information for each program in the calendar year 2023. Not all programs … Read More

Who participates in city parks and recreation programs?

In 2023, only 395 (27%) of the 1443 participants in the City of Plymouth’s Youth Soccer Programs were residents of the city. The other 73% of participants are from Plymouth Township, Canton Township, and other neighboring communities. The data below is a summary of information provided by the city in a response to a FOIA request of participant residency information for each program in the calendar year 2023. Not all … Read More

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