The Village of Barryton and Fork Township are located in a rural county with rich natural resources. Abundance of water and woodlands make recreation a significant part of their resident’s lives and their economy. The lands surrounding the many lakes have summer cottages and retirement homes but many tracts of land remain undeveloped. Many visitors are drawn to the county for these assets and the beauty of the area.

It is the purpose of this plan to provide the Village of Barryton and Fork Township with a useful guide for the future development of their parks and other recreational properties. The recreation plan will be a comprehensive plan to address the needs of youth, senior citizens, and visitors. The plan will establish goals and projects to meet the recreation needs of Fork Township and the Village of Barryton through the year 2028.

Description of Planning Process

In the summer of 2022 the Barryton Village Council determined it was time to rewrite its recreation plan. This village’s previous recreation had been accepted and added to the Mecosta County Recreation Plan. The previous village plan was expiring in 2022 and the council believed it was in the best interest of the village to rewrite the expiring plan. The council also thought that to prepare its recreation plan with Fork Township, the township that surrounds the village, would have advantages for both municipalities and the greater Barryton community.

In October the Fork Township board approved joining in the project. A joint Recreation Committee was established with members from both the village council and the township board plus members from the community at large. The committee subsequently met once a month for five months. The meetings were widely publicized by notices and newsletters. After inventories of existing recreation facilities were done, existing recreation facilities and opportunities were compared to national recreation standards, and potential projects were discussed at committee meetings and board meetings. Members of the recreation committee met with business owners and citizens to discuss the needed facilities. The new proposed projects include improvements and additions for both communities.

The draft recreation plan was completed in December of 2022 and made available for review at the village and township offices and the public library. Comments and suggestions received were addressed by the Joint Committee. Fork Township and Village of Barryton then approved the Five-Year Recreation Plan and submitted it to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

FORK TOWNSHIP BOARD

VILLAGE OF BARRYTON COUNCIL

JOINT RECREATION COMMITTEE

Recreation Facilities Non-Discrimination Policies and Barrier Free Compliance

The Village of Barryton and Fork Township do declare, in accordance with MCL 125.1352, that any and all construction performed by or on behalf of the Village of Barryton and Fork Township within their limits, will comply with the State of Michigan and Federal Governments’ definitions and regulations to always be in compliance of barrier free standards as set forth by such.

The Village of Barryton and Fork Township are equal opportunity providers.

Village of Barryton Recreation Budget

FY 2022 Parks and Recreation Expenditures

Salary and Wages
Supplies
Contract Services
Insurance
Utilities
Repairs and Maintenance

Total = $XX,XXX

FY 2023 Preliminary budget is $XX,XXX plus allocations for projects identified

in this plan.

The Village of Barryton’s fiscal year (FY) begins in March.

Allocations for new projects will be included in the winter budget process.

Fork Township Recreation Budget

FY 2022 Parks and Recreation Expenditures

Salary and Wages
Supplies
Contract Services
Insurance
Utilities
Repairs and Maintenance

Total = $19,627.43

FY 2023 Preliminary budget is $27,300 ($7,300 for camera surveillance system) plus allocations for projects identified in this plan

Fork Township’s fiscal year (FY) begins in April.

Allocations for new projects will be included in the spring budget process.

Community Description

History¹

There is evidence of mankind being in Mecosta County 11,000 to 13,000 years ago. The rivers, streams, and plentiful wildlife were the attraction then and later to the Ottawa and Chippewa Indians who used the Little Muskegon, Muskegon, Chippewa Rivers, and many of the other tributaries before and after Europeans arrived. It is estimated that there were approximately 5,000 Native Americans from the Grand River in the Lower Peninsula to the Chocolate River in the upper peninsula of Michigan.

The earliest Europeans were traders, clergy, and soldiers. After 150 years Europeans, by benefit of guns, diseases, whiskey, and sheer numbers,

came to dominate Mid-Michigan. The influx of settlers began after the Erie Canal opened in 1825 making migration by the Great Lakes as easy, or easier than, the Ohio River route which had led to the settlement of the lower Midwest much sooner than Michigan. This new immigration from the northeast is evident by the numbers of New Englanders and New Yorkers who were the early settlers of the area.

Mecosta County was originally part of Newaygo County and both Barryton and Fork Township were organized in the late 1860’s. Fork Township’s population in 1870 was 140 and in 1880 it was 343. The Village of Barryton was established in Fork Township at the juncture of the North and South Branches of the Chippewa River. Mecosta County was organized in 1858.

The timber boom in Michigan, which was to last through the end of the nineteenth century, had begun in the 1850’s. The dam in Barryton was built to facilitate running logs down the Chippewa River to Saginaw.

¹Most of the information for this section of the Recreation Plan was taken from Salt of the Earth by Dorothy Langdon Yates, published in 1987 by the Midland County Historical Society of The Midland Center for the Arts, Inc, Barryton My Home Town by Barbara G. Dean, 1950, and Village of Barryton, Michigan; Mecosta County 1894-1994; 100 Years Young; compiled by Norma & Everett Cope.

The Saginaw Bay watershed, which includes the Chippewa River, was used to float white gold (white pine logs) to sawmills in Saginaw, where they were converted to lumber and shipped on to the burgeoning East and Midwest. From 1851 to 1897, the last big year of this boom, the Saginaw River floated 25 billion board feet of lumber in pine logs, enough to build one million medium-sized homes. Michigan’s green rush was worth a billion dollars more than California’s gold rush.

During this time, the Tittabawassee Boom Company and the companies cutting the timber employed over 4,000 men and had as many as 130 miles of floating logs through Midland County to Saginaw. Waste wood was used to vaporize water from brine wells into salt as

Michigan supplied half the nation’s salt during the lumbering era. As the timber was cut, agriculture and other enterprises began in earnest. It is claimed as much timber was burned by settlers as was cleared by lumberman. Trappers and hunters came to the area to take advantage of the wild animals such as bears, wolves, lynx, bobcats, deer, beavers, muskrats, and mink which provided food and a profitable fur trade.

The Graduation Act of 1854, Homestead Act of 1862, and the new railroads, which usually received six miles either side of their tracks as an incentive to construct the railroad systems; conjoined to bring waves of farmers into the region. Most of the early settlers homesteaded 80 acres of land through the land office in Ionia.

The construction of the Flint and Pere Marquette Railroads was the key that unlocked Central Michigan and helped to bring many early settlers to Fork Township. Flint and Pere Marquette Railroad promoters even maintained an agent in Germany to promote land sales. A sawmill was built in 1894 at the forks of the Chippewa River and in November, the first train arrived in Barryton. Lumber was then shipped by rail for the next decade until the mill closed. (The

railroad continued operations until 1943 when the track was removed.)

Other early businesses that came to the area were a bank, hotels, grocers, and blacksmith shops, among others. Dr. Frank Berry came to the area in 1894 and opened a drug store on what would become Northern Avenue in Barryton. He purchased land and subdivided it creating the Village of Barryton. Two hotels were built soon after and the first saloon was opened in 1894 as well. The Post Office, which had been at Disciple, was transferred to

Barryton the same year. There was a flour and grist mill near the dam owned by John Settler, as well as a hoop and stave factory, and a shingle mill. An elevator was built on the railroad.

Unfarmable, cut-over lands went ultimately into tree farms, hunting and fishing businesses, or back to the State for non-payment of taxes. Many thriving timber towns in Mecosta County became ghost towns.

New settlers burned existing woodlands, used giant tripods and pulleys with horse teams to pull the huge white pine stumps, and sent hogs into the remaining woodlots to clear the rattlesnakes. With the invention of the steel plow (1830), the reaper (1834), and the tractor (1920), agriculture became the dominate land use in Mecosta County and the whole region. Various crops have predominated over the years from wild cranberries harvested by the Chippewa Indians through the mid-1800’s to chicory in the 1910’s. Dry beans were introduced after the Civil War and sugar beets in the 1890’s and corn, as its productivity increased, became a major crop in the twentieth century. Locally produced crops included potatoes, beans, and cucumbers for pickles. Small dairy farms dotted the Mecosta County landscape.

The last major event in the area’s early development was the discovery of petroleum oil in the twentieth century. Oil production in Mecosta County began in 1942. This production added to the area’s wealth and its urbanization. Severance taxes went to local communities and the state. This economic dynamism also added further impetus to the newly developing companies in the region.

As the roads and highways in Michigan were improved, the influx of summer residents and tourists began to grow significantly. Cottages and campgrounds were built around the many lakes and rivers. Notable developments just to the east of Barryton and Fork Township were Canadian Lakes and the Blue Lake Lodge.

Agriculture still is an important part of the landscape and economy of Fork Township. Dairying is still active; hog rearing, cattle farming, and potatoes, corn, soybean, and other crops are currently pursued in the township. The township has a number of small manufacturing and other commercial enterprises. Township and village service and retail businesses cater to local residents, summer residents, and tourists.

“Items of Interest Concerning Fork Township”

Marvin A. Rogers was the first white settler in Fork Township. In 1880 the population in Fork Township was 343. Mecosta County had a population of 13,973 and Big Rapids had 3,552 persons.

The equalized valuation of properties in Fork Township in 1868 was $64,096.00. In 1883 the value had risen to $122,705.00.

The first supervisor, William Creevy, was elected in 1867 and the total vote in November of 1882 was 43.

The first white child born in the township was on August 21, 1866 and the first death in the fall of 1869. The first marriage was solemnized in the fall of 1867.

The first framed building was erected in 1870 and the first schoolhouse was a log building also erected in 1870. Lewis Scott opened the first store in 1875 and the first post office was established in 1860 at Fork.

Location

The Village of Barryton is in Fork Township located in the northeast corner of Mecosta County. The village is on M-66 where the north and south branches of the Chippewa River come together. It is the only village in Fork Township. The village encompasses approximately 1.04 square miles. It is bounded by 20 Mile Road on the north, 35^th Avenue on the west, 19 Mile Road on the south, and 20^th Avenue on the east.

There are several small cities within 40 miles of Barryton. Distances to these and other Michigan cities are listed in the table at the right.

Transportation

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City/Village	Distance fromthe Village of Barryton (miles)
Big Rapids	21.1
Evart	15.9
Reed City	29.4
Clare	23.6
Remus	10.8
Mt. Pleasant	29.7
Grand Rapids	76.1
Lansing	100
Detroit	185

Road Systems

There are four main roadways near the Village of Barryton. U.S. Highway 10 runs east- west through Osceola County about 12 miles north of the village and M- 20 runs east-west through Remus about 12 miles south of the village. U.S. Route 131 runs north- south through Big Rapids in western Mecosta County. M-66 runs north- south through Barryton.

U.S. Highway 10, north of the village, is a two-lane undivided highway

running through rural areas of western and central Michigan. U.S. 10 meets M-66 north of Barryton and meets U.S. 131 just west of Reed City. M-20 is a major east-west travel corridor in the central Lower Peninsula. The highway starts near Lake Michigan at U.S. 31 and goes east to Midland. U.S. Route 131, a north-south United States highway, starts at the Indiana state line and ends in Petoskey. M-66 is a north-south state trunk line highway in the Lower Peninsula. Most of the highway is two-lane rural highway. It runs from the Indiana

state line to Charlevoix. M-66 runs through the western part of Barryton. The annual average daily traffic on M-66 through Barryton is 3,777 vehicles.

Almost all of the roads within the village limits are asphalt paved and are maintained by the Village Department of Public Works.

Airports

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Evart Municipal Airport is located one mile southwest of Evart. It is publicly owned and approximately 16 miles from Barryton. The runway is 3804’ x 75’ with an asphalt surface and has an average of 60 operations a month. There are five aircraft based at the field: one single engine airplane and four helicopters.

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Roben-Hood Airport is located on the Durfey farm just north of Big Rapids. It is publicly owned and approximately 24 miles from Barryton. The runway is 4300’ x 75’ with an asphalt surface and an average of 77 operations a week. There are 19 single-engine airplanes, two multi-engine airplanes, one helicopter, and 1 ultra-light based at the airport.

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Gerald R. Ford International Airport is located in Grand Rapids approximately 80 miles from Barryton. The airport is owned by Kent County and managed and operated by the Airport Authority under the direction of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority Board. The airport has been operating since 1926. Today the airport has six airlines offering 120+ daily nonstop flights to 24 cities. Total annual operations include passenger, aircraft operations, and cargo.

Public Transportation

Mecosta Osceola Transit Authority (MOTA) provides curb-to-curb service public transportation throughout Mecosta County. Operation hours are from 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM Monday through Friday with a fleet of ten lift-equipped vehicles.

Utilities

The Village of Barryton is served by a municipal sewer system and a storm water system that services most of the village. The storm sewers on M-66 are owned and maintained by the Michigan Department of Transportation. Property owners have individual wells for potable water.

Consumers Energy provides electrical service to Barryton residents. DTE Energy provides natural gas service. Other residents rely on propane, woodstoves, or some other form of alternative heat.

Frontier Communications, along with Point Broadband, are the providers of local telephone and internet services for the village. There are currently 40 wireless communication towers located in Mecosta County providing both cell phone and internet service, a vital need in encouraging economic growth in rural areas such as the Village of Barryton. The local tower on 20 Mile Road is owned by Verizon. There are currently no cable services in the village.

Climate

The temperatures in the Village of Barryton range from a daily average low temperature of 14.5°F in January to an average high temperature of 77°F in July. The lowest average temperature of the year is usually recorded in January. The average annual temperature for the area is

68.9°F. Average temperatures in the Village of Barryton fall below the United States averages for all months of the year.

Total annual average precipitation in the village is 32.1 inches. October tends to have the highest amounts of rainfall with averages of 3.35 inches. February has the lowest amount of precipitation with an average of 1.3 inches. Average precipitation in the Village of Barryton is consistent with the United States for most of the year.

Normally, January has the most amount of snowfall with an average of 22 inches. The next highest snowfall month is December with 20.5 inches. Snowfall averages in the Village of Barryton are above the United States average for the year.

The month of July has the highest percentage of sunshine at 65%. The month of December has the lowest percentage of sunshine at 25%. The Village of Barryton is below the United States average for sunshine for all months of the year.

Above average snowfall makes the Village of Barryton and surrounding areas popular and desirable areas for snowmobiling, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing in the winter. These activities draw tourists and visitors to the area.

Topography

There are 35.3 total square miles in Fork Township; 35.0 square miles of land and 0.3 square miles of water. Land features in Fork Township and the Village of Barryton are the result of two glacial basins. When Lake Michigan and Saginaw Glacial lobes began melting and depositing their debris, they left undulating to sloping moraines throughout most of Mecosta County creating a two to three-mile-wide valley known as the ancestral Muskegon River. Another outwash plain was formed by water from the Saginaw Lobe. The Little Muskegon and Chippewa Rivers are in these one to six-mile-wide plains. The glaciers left behind in Fork Township and the Village of Barryton are sand and gravel deposits called Glacial Outwash Plain. The glacial till and outwash deposits formed soils that are loamy and sandy,

from excessively drained to poorly drained, and nearly level to gently rolling and steep terrains.

Woodlands

Woodlands cover approximately 160,000 acres, 44% of Mecosta County. The soils in these woodlands are generally too wet, too sandy, or too steep for agriculture purposes. The vast majority of for forested land in Mecosta County is held in private ownership (78.70%). The State of Michigan holds the second largest amount of forestland (12.67%) with its various recreational and State Forest areas. Approximately 2,249 board feet of timber is harvested yearly in Mecosta County.

Geology

Mecosta County was completely covered by a series of glaciers during the Pleistocene Epoch. The glaciers left deposits from 450’ to 825’ thick on the original bedrock of shale and limestone creating the present topography and soil material. The high concentration and abundance of gravel deposits make Mecosta County a great location for mining and mineral extraction operations and provide varied and interesting terrain for recreation.

Surface Water

Approximately 2% of the surface area in Mecosta County is covered with water in the form of lakes, rivers, ponds, streams, and creeks. With wetlands and flooded areas, the surface area increases to 16% coverage. The MSU Extension Office estimates there are approximately 399 lakes and ponds in Mecosta County with approximately 35 inland lakes 14 or more acres in size. There are over 480 miles of rivers and streams and an estimated 8,827 acres of natural and artificial lakes and ponds. The major river systems are the Muskegon River, Little Muskegon, and the Chippewa River. Major water resources are located in Canadian Lakes, the Martiny and Haymarsh Flooding Projects, and the Muskegon River.

Wetlands

Mecosta County is located within three major watersheds: the Muskegon River Basin, Saginaw River Basin, and the Grand River Basin. These three major watershed basins extend to 34 sub-basins within the county. It is estimated that there are 51,922 acres of wetlands in Mecosta County. Approximately 29,960 acres of the wetland area in the county is forested. Haymarsh State Game Area, Canadian Lakes, and the Martiny Lakes are manmade flooding areas. Wetlands are mainly associated with floodplain areas along the rivers, streams, and lakes.

Socioeconomic Characteristics

Population Fork Township

The population in Fork Township was 1,435 according to the 2020 American Community Survey.

Females account for 48% of the population and males 52%. The township is predominately white

(95.1%). The median age of township residents in 2020 was 50.3 years. The largest percentage of

township residents 25 to 44 years-of-age followed by 263 aged 55 to 64 years, and 230 aged 65 to

74 years.

Village of Barryton

The population in the Village of Barryton was 405 according to the 2020 American Community

Survey. Females account for 52% of the population and males 48%. The village is predominately

white (95.3%). The median age of village residents in 2020 was 49.1 years. The largest percentage of

village residents are in the 60 to 69 years-of-age followed by 46 aged 0 to 9 years, and 37 aged 40 to

49 years.

Housing

Fork Township

As of 2020 there were 927 housing units in Fork Township, 673 units were occupied and 249

units were vacant. The average household size for owner-occupied housing is 2.1 persons and

2.4 for renter-occupied housing. The average for all units is 2.13. The average family size is

2.88. There are 512 one-unit detached dwellings, one unit attached, 5 three or four units, and 8

ten or more units, and 145 mobile homes. The township is reported to have 222 seasonal homes.

The median household income in 2015 was $29,741; in 2020 was $55,536. Of the reported

home-owner units, 273 have mortgages had mortgages and 271 do not.

Most housing was built before 1980. Twenty-one units were built since 2010, 91 units were built from 2000 to 2009, 183 from 1980 to 1999, 195 from 1960 to 1979, 121 from 1940 to 1959, and 62 1939 or earlier. The majority of homes heat with utility gas or LP gas. All households have complete plumbing facilities, one lacks complete kitchen facilities, and 19 have no telephone service.

Village of Barryton

As of 2020 there were 188 housing units in the Village of Barryton, 144 units were occupied

and 44 units were vacant. The average household size for owner-occupied housing is 2.1 persons

and 2.4 for renter-occupied housing. The average for all units is 2.13. The average family size is

2.92. There are 512 one-unit detached dwellings, one unit attached, 5 three or four units, and 8

ten or more units, and 145 mobile homes. The village is reported to have 222 seasonal homes.

The median household income in 2015 was $29,741; in 2020 was $55,536. Of the reported

home-owner units, 273 have mortgages had mortgages and 271 do not.

Most village housing was built before 1960. Nine units were built from 2000 to 2009, 8 from 1990 to 1999. 10 from 1980 to 1989, 21 from 1970 to 1979, 35 from 1960 to 1969, 39 from

1950 to 1959, 17 from 1940 to 1949, and 52 1939 or earlier. The majority of residents heat with utility gas. Seventeen households have no telephone service.

Twenty-six renters in the village pay $500.00 or less, 21 pay $500.00 to $999.00, and 5 pay

$1,000.00 to $1,499.00.

Employment Fork Township

Out of a population of 1,435 in 2020 there were 567 residents of work force age in the township

of which 525 are employed and 42 unemployed. The employment rate in 2020 for the township

was 42.5%. Forty-two percent of all residents in Fork Township are at or below poverty level.

The main economic sectors in 2015 in Fork Township were Production (9.6%), Service

(7.0%), and Management, Business, and Science (6.9%). The mean travel time to work is 34

minutes. Fifty-six-point nine percent of working residents work within the county, 41.5% work

outside the county, and 1.6% work out of state. The median household income in 2015 was $29,741.

The median family income in 2020 was $55,536. Eighty-one residents reported not having health

coverage in 2020.

Thirty residents reported an income of less than $10,000, 61 residents $10,000 to $14,999, 95

residents $15,000 to $24,900, 82 residents $25,000 to $34,999, 152 residents $35,000 to $49,900,

117 resident $50,000 to $74,999, 79 residents $75,000 to $99,999, 49 residents $100,000 to $149,999,

8 residents $150,000 to $199,999 and zero residents $200,000 or more.

Of the 762 residents aged 25 to 64 years, 94 have less than a high school education, 327 have a

high school diploma or equivalent, 251 have an Associate’s Degree or some college, and 90

residents have a Bachelor’s Degree or higher.

Village of Barryton

Out of a population of 405 in 2020 there were 268 residents of work force age in the village of these 115 are employed and 4 are unemployed. The unemployment rate in 2020 for the township was 23.1%. Forty-two percent of all residents in the Village of Barryton are at or below poverty level.

The main economic sectors in the Village of Barryton are Education, Health, and Social (31.0%), Manufacturing (22.3%), and Retail Trade (11.7%). The mean travel time to work is 28 minutes; 62.6% work in the county, 33.3% work outside the county, 4% work out of state, and 2% work at home. Thirty-seven-point eight percent of the families in the Village of Barryton are below poverty level. Twenty residents reported having no health coverage in 2020. Thirteen residents reported an income of less than $10,000, nine residents reported $10,000 to $14,999, forty-two reported $15,000 to $24,900, twenty-two reported $25,000 to

$34,999, fourteen reported $35,000 to $49,900, thirty reported $50,000 to $74,999,

eighteen $75,000 to $99,999, twelve $100,000 to $149,999, one $150,000 to $199,999 and zero

$200,000 or more.

Of the 26 residents aged 18 to 24 years 10 have less than a high school education, 7 have a high school diploma or equivalent, 9 have an Associate’s Degree or some college, and no residents have a Bachelor’s Degree or higher. Of the 236 residents aged 25 years or older 3 have less than a 9^th grade education, 26 have a 9^th to 12^th grade education but no high school diploma, 79 have a high school diploma or equivalent, 70 have some college education but no degree, 14 have an Associate’s Degree, 36 have Bachelor’s Degree, and 8 have a Graduate or Professional Degree.

The following inventory table displays the existing recreational facilities in the Village of Barryton. The tables include a description of each facility and a notation of the ownership. All of the facilities within the village are in good to excellent condition and are handicap accessible.

Village of Barryton Recreation Facilities Inventory

Facility Name	Description	Owner
1 Central Park	Approximately 18 acres, two picnic pavilions, 22’x44’ and 28’x65’, 18 picnic tables, two barbeque grills, men’s and women’s restroom, two horseshoe courts, one tennis court with basketball backboard at each end, artesian well, kiosk/pavilion with picnic table and grill, two benches, approximately 1,300’ walking trail with four benches, 24’x24’ fishing dock/pond overlook, farmers market pavilion with two benches, and playground area with swings and climbing structures. ٭ Accessibility ranking of 3.	Village of Barryton
2 East River Park	Approximately ½ acre, playscape with swings, balance beam, and merry-go-round, gazebo, two picnic tables, and two grills. ٭ Accessibility ranking of 3	Village of Barryton
3 Barryton LionsClub Riverside Park	Gazebo, two picnic tables, and artesian well. ٭ Accessibility ranking of 2	Village of Barryton
4 Barryton Elementary School	Playgrounds, swings, climbing and exercising structures, benches, spring riding animals, and merry-go-rounds, two soccer fields with goals, two ball fields with backstops, and ½ basketball court with backboard. ٭ Accessibility ranking of 3	Chippewa Hills School District

*Accessibility Assessment

All items listed in the recreational facilities inventory for Fork Township and the Village of Barryton have been graded for accessibility based on the following ranking:

1 = none of the facilities/park areas meet accessibility guidelines.

2 = some of the facilities/park areas meet accessibility guidelines.

3 = most of the facilities/park areas meet accessibility guidelines.

4 = the entire park meets accessibility guidelines.

5 = the entire park was developed/renovated using principles of universal design.

Village of Barryton Recreational Facilities Map

Central Park Map

Facility Name	Description	Owner
Fork Township Community Center	The Community Center and Recreational Park is situated on 20 acres, which includes a 7,200 square foot indoor event space and a 18 acre recreational park. The indoor facility includes a 3,840 square foot event hall (300 person capacity), a commercially equipped kitchen, ADA compliant restrooms, a large paved parking lot, and a walk-in cooler. The recreational park includes a lighted 5,600 square foot covered pavilion with 64 picnic tables, a stage, and refreshment area; public restrooms; two baseball fields with dugouts and bleachers; a playscape; six horseshoe pits; a truck/tractor pull facility, and a paved walking path. A camera security system was recently installed that provides continuous surveillance of both the indoor and outdoor areas. *Accessibility ranking of 3	Fork Township

Fork Township Recreation Facilities Inventory

The following inventory table displays the existing recreational facilities in Fork Township. The tables include a description of each facility and a notation of the ownership. All of the facilities within the township are in good to excellent condition and are handicap accessible.

All items listed in the recreational facilities inventory for Fork Township and the Village of Barryton have been graded for accessibility based on the following ranking:

1 = none of the facilities/park areas meet accessibility guidelines.

2 = some of the facilities/park areas meet accessibility guidelines.

3 = most of the facilities/park areas meet accessibility guidelines.

4 = the entire park meets accessibility guidelines.

5 = the entire park was developed/renovated using principles of universal design.

Fork Township Recreational Facilities Map

Inventory of Major Events

in the Village of Barryton and Fork Township

Many of the special events and celebrations in Barryton and Fork Township are held at their parks. Among these events are:

Lilac Festival
Fourth of July
Barryton Days Homecoming
- Tractor Pull
- Truck Pull
Old Fashion Christmas
Harvest Festival
Winter Festival
Movie Nights in the Park

Service Clubs Involved in Local Recreation

Lions
American Legion
Barryton Area Food Pantry

Mecosta County Recreation Facilities Inventories Map

Mecosta County Recreation Facilities Inventories

Facility Name	Description	Owner
Brower Park	Two-hundred eighty acres, 230 campsites with water and electric hookups, ten rustic cabin sites, 8,000 feet of water frontage with 1,000 feet of sandy beach, three modern bathhouses, picnic areas, arts/crafts/programming building, updated playground facilities, two boat launches, two tennis courts, multi-purpose court, softball diamond, and movieamphitheater.	Mecosta County
Davis Bridge	Provides access to the 18-mile-long Hardy Dam Reservoir, day use area including a boat launch, picnic facilities, entrance roads, parking for 10-15 vehicles and 25-30 vehicle/boat trailer units, entry contact stations, and shoreline and erosionstabilization to improve shoreline fishing access on the Muskegon River.	Mecosta County
Merrill-Gorrel Campground	Ninety acres, frontage on two lakes (Merrill Lake and Gorrel Lake), 150 campsites with water and electricity, modern shower building, swimming beach, boat ramp and dock, picnic area, shelter building, playground equipment, 24 rustic sites, fourrustic cabins, ball diamond, horseshoe pits, and two basketball half courts.	Mecosta County
Paris Park	Fifteen acres, on the Muskegon River, 68 campsites with water and electric hookup (20 have full hookup), three rustic cabins, modern shower buildings, picnic shelter, covered stage, canoe and tube launch, shaded picnic areas, horseshoe pits,playground, volleyball court, and a basketball half court.	Mecosta County
School Section Lake Veterans Park	Eighty-five acres, 165 campsites with water and electric hookups, five rustic cabins, two modern shower buildings, one beach bathhouse and a concession building overlooking the swimming beach, four picnic shelters, four shaded picnic areas, Little River School , a historical one-room schoolhouse, at the park entrance, playground equipment throughout park, two ball diamonds, horseshoe pits, volleyball court, basketball full court, and a family group camp with six rustic cabins and a main lodgehousing a kitchen and dining area.	Mecosta County
Mecosta County Fairgrounds	Annual county fair and carnival, campgrounds, and equestrian facilities located in Big Rapids	Mecosta County FreeFair

City of Big Rapids Recreational Facilities Inventories Map

City of Big Rapids Recreational Facilities Inventories

Facility Name	Description	Owner
Brutus Dog Park		City of Big Rapids
Centennial Park	Playground and shelters	City of Big Rapids
Charles E. FairmanCommunity Pool	Picnicking, swimming, restroom, shower, shelters, concessions, and nature area	City of Big Rapids
Clay Cliffs Nature Area	Trails	City of Big Rapids
Hanchett Park	Picnicking, fishing, nature area, and trails	City of Big Rapids
Hemlock Parkwith Bandshell	Picnicking, playgrounds, fishing, restroom, shelters, athleticfield, court games, winter sports, and trails	City of BigRapids
Holland Park	Picnicking, programming, and historical site	City of Big Rapids
Industrial Park Ball Field	Athletic field	City of Big Rapids
Library Park	Historical site	City of Big Rapids
Linden Street Park	Picnicking and playgrounds	City of Big Rapids
Mitchell Creek Park	Picnicking, restroom, and historical site	City of Big Rapids
Northend Riverside Park	Picnicking, playgrounds, fishing, restroom, shelters, nature area, court games, winter sports, water sports, and trails	City of Big Rapids
Pocket Park		City of Big Rapids
River Street Park	Fishing, restroom, athletic field, court games, winter sports, and trails	City of Big Rapids
Riverwalk	Fishing, shelters, nature area, winter sports, and trails	City of Big Rapids
Swede Hill Park	Picnicking, fishing, trails, and historical site	City of Big Rapids
Vogel Fields	Picnicking, playground and, athletic field	City of Big Rapids

Township Recreational Facilities Inventory Map

Township Recreational Facilities Inventory

Facility Name	Description	Owner
Charlie Brown Park	Playgrounds, athletic field, and court games	Green Township
CommunityBuilding	Picnicking, playground, restroom, shelters, athletic field, courtgames, and trails	ChippewaTownship
Green Township Town Hall Park	Picnicking, playgrounds, court games, trails, and historical site	Green Township
Highbanks Park	Picnicking, playgrounds, swimming, fishing, restroom, shelters, athletic field, water sports, and trails	Big Rapids Township
Millet Park	Picnicking, shelters, and court games	Chippewa Township
Mitchell’s Landing	Swimming beach and canoe/kayak landing	Chippewa Township
Altona Community Park	Pavilion, picnicking, restrooms, canoe/kayak launch on river	Hinton Township
Riverside Park	Canoe/kayak landing, picnicking, fishing, restroom, shelters, nature area, and court games	Hinton Township
Wheatland Township Park	Picnicking, playgrounds, restroom, pavilion, basketball court, and baseball fields	Wheatland Township
Morton Township CanoeLaunch	Canoe/kayak landing and picnicking	Morton Township

Additional Mecosta County Villages Recreational Facilities Inventories Map

Additional Mecosta County Villages Recreational Facilities Inventories

Facility Name	Description	Owner
Bromley Park	Picnicking, playgrounds, fishing, restroom, shelters, and programming	Village of Mecosta
Buffalo Park	Picnicking, playground, restroom, shelters, and athletic field	Village ofStanwood
Clyde Clark Park	Picnicking, fishing, restroom, and boat launch	Village of Morley
L. Latimer Park	Picnicking, playgrounds, swimming, fishing, restroom, shelters, boat launch, nature area, and water sports	Village of Morley
Louise Kinney Park	Picnicking, playgrounds, restroom, shelters, and court games	Village of Morley

Area Schools Recreational Inventories Map

Area Schools Recreational Inventories

Facility Name	Description	Owner
Chippewa HillsHigh School & Intermediate	Picnicking, playgrounds, restroom, shower, concessions, athletic field, court games, programming, and indoor sports/gym	ChippewaHills School District
Mecosta Elementary	Picnicking, playgrounds, athletic field, court games, and indoor sports/gym	Chippewa Hills SchoolDistrict
Mecosta Osceola Intermediate School District	Picnicking, playgrounds, athletic field, programming, and indoor sports/gym	Mecosta and Osceola Counties
Morley Elementary	Picnicking, playgrounds, athletic field, court games, and indoor sports/gym	MorleyStanwood Schools
Morley Stanwood HighSchool	Picnicking, playgrounds, restroom, shower, athletic field, court games, winter sports, programming, and indoor sports/gym	Morley StanwoodSchools
Morley StanwoodMiddle School	Gym, football, softball, baseball, practice fields, indoor track, weight room, and multi-purpose courts, gym	Morley StanwoodSchools
Remus Elementary	Picnicking, playgrounds, athletic field, court games, and indoor sports/gym	ChippewaHills School District
Riverview Elementary	Picnicking, playgrounds, athletic fields, court games, programming, and indoor sports	Big Rapids Schools
Stanwood Elementary	Picnicking, playgrounds, athletic field, court games, programming, and indoor sports/gym	Morley Stanwood Schools

City of Big Rapids Schools Recreational Facilities Inventories Map

City of Big Rapids Schools Recreational Facilities Inventories

Facility Name	Description	Owner
Big Rapids High School	Gym, two football practice fields, two baseball diamonds, two soccer fields, seven tennis courts, track & football complex,cross country trails, restroom, shower, athletic field, court games, winter sports, and indoor sports	Big Rapids Public Schools
Big Rapids Middle School	Gym soccer field, athletic field, court games, programming, and indoor sports	Big Rapids Public Schools
Brookside Elementary	Gym, baseball/softball field, playground, picnicking, athletic field, court games, programming, and indoor sports	Big Rapids Public Schools
Crossroads CharterAcademy	Two gymnasiums, soccer/football field, outdoor track & playground, playgrounds, athletic field, winter sports, trails, andindoor sports	Crossroads CharterAcademy
Eastwood Elementary	Gym, baseball/softball field, playground, picnicking, athletic field, court games, programming, and indoor sports	Big Rapids Public Schools
Ferris State University – various facilities	Racquet & fitness center, indoor & outdoor tennis courts, two ice rinks, pool, climbing wall, indoor track, multi-purpose courts, weight room, multi-purpose fields, basketball courts,football field, 18-hole golf course, indoor & outdoor track,	Ferris State University

State of Michigan Recreational Facilities Inventory Map

State of Michigan Recreational Facilities Inventory

Facility Name	Description	Owner
Haymarsh State Game Area	Camping, picnicking, hunting, fishing, restroom, nature area, and winter sports	State of Michigan Operated by MecostaCounty Park Commission
Manistee National Forest	Camping, hunting, fishing, nature area, winter sports, and water sports	State of Michigan
Tubbs Lake State Forest Campground	Camping, picnicking, swimming, hunting, fishing, restroom, boat launch, nature area, and water sports	State of Michigan Operated by Mecosta County ParkCommission
White Pine State Trail Park	Biking and hiking on linear trail	State of Michigan

Private Recreational Facilities Inventory Map

Private Recreational Facilities Inventory

Facility Name	Description	Owner
Adventure Island	Restroom, concessions, and golf course	Private
Falcon Head	Restroom concession, and golf course	Private
Highlands	Restroom, concessions, and golf course	Private
Horsehead Lake	Camping, picnicking, playgrounds, swimming, hunting, fishing,restroom, shower, shelters, boat launch, athletic field, court games, water sports, and trails	Private
Katke Golf Course	Restroom, concessions, and golf course	Private –Ferris State University
Meceola Country Club	Restroom, concessions, and golf course	Private
Outback GuestRanch Lodge & Equestrian	Camping, picnicking, playground, restroom, shower, shelters, concessions, nature area, court games, programming, and trails	Private
Pines Golf Course	Restroom, concessions, and golf course	Private
Royal Golf Course	Restroom, concessions, and golf course	Private
St. Ives & Tullymore Golf Clubs	Restroom, concessions, restaurants, and golf courses	Private
The Gate FamilyRecreation Center	Restroom, concessions, and golf course	Private
Clear Lake Golf Course	Restroom, concessions, and golf course	Private
BarrytonConservation Club	Trap skeet range, firing range, indoor & outdoor archery ranges, and concealed carry courses (CPL)	Private

Private Campground Facilities Inventory Map

Private Campground Facilities Inventory

Facility Name	Description	Owner
Bluegill Lake Campground	Camping, picnicking playgrounds, swimming, hunting, fishing,restroom, shower, shelters, concessions, boat launch, nature center, and water sports	Private Campground
Canadian Lakes Campground	Camping, picnicking, playgrounds, swimming, fishing, restroom, shower, shelters, concessions, boat launch, nature area, athletic field, court games, winter sports, water sports,programming, trails, golf course, and indoor sports	Private Campground
Cran-Hill Ranch	Camping, picnicking, playgrounds, swimming, hunting, fishing, restroom, shower, shelters, concessions, boat launch, nature area, athletic field, court games, winter sports, water sports,programming, trails, indoor sports, and group camps	Private Campground
HolidayTerrance Campground	Camping, picnicking, playgrounds, swimming, fishing,restroom, shower, concessions, boat launch, nature area, court games, and water sports	Private Campground
Mecosta Pines Campground	Camping, picnicking, playgrounds, swimming, fishing, restroom, shower, nature area, water sports, programming, andindoor sports	Private Campground
River Ridge Resort	Camping, picnicking, swimming, fishing, restroom, shower, shelters, concessions, boat launch, nature area, court games, water sports, trails, and group camps	Private Campground
Round Lake Resort	Camping, picnicking, playgrounds, swimming, fishing restroom, shower, and nature area	Private Campground
Sarn’s Resort	Camping, picnicking, playgrounds, swimming, hunting, fishing restroom, shower, and shelters	Private Campground
Martiny Lakes Hide-Away	Camping, restroom, cottages, fishing, boating, and shower	Private Campground
Tubbs Resort	Camping, picnicking, swimming, fishing, restroom, shower,concessions, boat launch, court games, winter sports, water sports, and trails	Private Campground
Youngs Lake Campground	Camping, picnicking, swimming, hunting, fishing, restroom, shower, boat launch, court games, and water sports	Private Campground

Analysis of Needs, Goals & Actions

Fork Township and the Village of Barryton are blessed with many outdoor recreational activities. In addition to their local recreation facilities, there are many county, state, and other local municipal and federal facilities. The village and township have mini-parks, neighborhood parks, school playgrounds, and the community parks. Fork Township owns approximately 111 acres of undeveloped land that is proposed to be developed as a large township regional park that could include cross country skiing, all terrain bike trails, hiking, and camping. As outlined in the “Inventory” section of the plan, there are numerous county, state, and private facilities nearby. These include many activities at Ferris State University and the state White Pine Hiking and Biking Trail that traverses the west side of the county north to south. There is also an equestrian trail area run by the U.S. Forest Service just west of Big Rapids in Newaygo County. Horse riding groups and clubs also use the Mecosta County Fairgrounds for riding events.

In terms of specific sports, Barryton and Fork Township also lack few facilities. Many sports activities are offered by the schools. The elementary school in Barryton has a gymnasium where basketball and other sports are offered. Ferris State University provides numerous facilities including an ice hockey rink, volleyball courts, running tracks, and a golf course. The Fork Township Community Center has baseball and softball fields. The school has soccer fields and basketball hoops as well as playground equipment. The Barryton Conservation Club has archery ranges and gun ranges with skeet and trap. There are swimming pools in Big Rapids and ample lakes and rivers for swimming, boating, and fishing. The School Section Lake Veterans Park beach is where many county residents learned to swim. And there are numerous private golf courses nearby in the county and regionally.

The primary goal of the Village of Barryton and Fork Township is to provide quality recreation opportunities for all our citizens and visitors to the community. In order to accomplish this, the joint recreation plan includes actions to improve the existing facilities and to add ones that compliment those that already exist. Needs by different groups are addressed – more basketball courts, pickleball courts, expanded walking and hiking trails, and soccer fields. Additional paved parking and pathways as well as restrooms are proposed to improve accessibility. Trails that connect the village and township with state trails, the school, and other parks will expand the reach of local facilities. The proposed development of the township M-66 property, including cross country skiing, hiking and biking activities, and rustic camping, could add a whole new gamut of recreation activities for the township and village residents and visitors to the area.

The Proposed Recreation Projects Schedule that follows outlines these projects over the five years of this plan and beyond.

Village of Barryton and Fork Township Future Proposed Recreational Projects

Village of Barryton

Year One

Central Park:

Add basketball court on Museum slab – $7,000
Install park entry signs – $7,500

East River Park:

Construct concrete boat launch and fishing pier along with pond access with parking –

$70,000

Construct restroom – $75,000 Year Two

Central Park:

Two shuffle board courts – $40,000
Develop Soccer field with goals nets – $25,000
Construct a Bandstand – $25,000
Set up an ice rink at farmers Market – $15,000 Year Three

Central Park:

Build an additional Tennis Court
Add Two to four pickleball courts
Pave a path to complete loop around park +/- ½ mile and link to picnic pavilions and parking at the Barryton Museum (possible bollard lighting) – $130,000
Install a tennis practice board – $35,000 Year Four

Central Park:

Construct a splash park for kids – $100,000
A playscape at gazebo area -$60,000

East River Park:

Dredge area and build sand beach for swimming and other water activities – $25,000

Riverside Park:

Construct pathway along frontage (asphalt, wood chips, gravel) – $10,000

Year Five

Central Park:

Construct a full-sized basketball court with two backboards on sides $30,000

Riverside Park:

Dredge – $25,000 to $50,000

Fork Township

Community Center

2023 Replace basketball backboards – $3,000
2023 Renovation of Community Center (to include: conversion of fluorescent light fixtures

to LED; installation of new exterior doors and windows; interior and exterior paint) – $100,000

2023 Construct 480 square foot pavilion near playscape in recreational park – $20,000
2023 Resurface parking lot – $10,000
2024 Rehabilitate restrooms in recreational park – $50,000
2024 Install roadside electronic marquee – $7,000
2025 Landscape Community Center and recreational park area – $50,000
2025 Renovate restrooms in Community Center – $30,000
2026 Create a dog park – $45,000
2026 Make improvements to truck/tractor pull area – $25,000
2027 Upgrade lighting in recreational park area – $20,000
2027 Plant a Veteran’s memorial garden – $30,000

Potential Sources of funding

A Recommended Classification System for Local and Regional Recreation Open Space

This classification system is intended to serve as a guide to planning—not as an absolute blueprint. Sometimes more than on component may occur within the same site (but not on the same parcel of land), particularly with respect to special uses within a regional park. Planners of park and recreation systems should be careful to provide adequate land for each functional component when this occurs.

The National Recreation and Park Association suggests that a park system, at a minimum, be composed of a “core” system of parklands, with a total of 6.25 to 10.5 acres of developed open space per 1,000 population. The size and amount of “adjunct” parklands will vary from community to community, but must be taken into account when considering a total, well- rounded system of parks and recreation areas.

COMPONENT	USE	SERVICEAREA	DESIRABLESIZE	ACRES/1,000POPULATION	DESIRABLE SITE CHARACTERISTICS
A. LOCAL/CLOSE –TO-HOME SPACE:
Mini-Park	Specialized facilities that serve a concentrated or limited population or specific group such as totsor senior citizens.	Less than ¼ mile radius.	1 acre or less	0.25 to 0.5 A	Within neighborhoods and in close proximity to apartment complexes, townhouse developmentor housing for the elderly.
Neighborhood	Area for intense	¼- to ½-mile	15+ acres	1.0 to 2.0 A	Suited for intense
Park/	recreational activities, such	radius to serve a			development. Easily
Playground	as a field games, courtgames, crafts, playground	population up to5,000 (a			accessible to neighborhoodpopulation, geographically
	apparatus area, skating,	neighborhood).			centered with safe walking
	picnicking, wading pools,				and bike access. May be
	etc.				developed as a school park
					facility.
Community	Area of diverse	Several	25+ acres	5.0 to 8.0 A	May include natural
Park	environmental quality.May include areas suited	neighborhoods.1 to 2 mile			features, such as waterbodies, and areas suited for
	for intense recreational	radius.			intense development.
	facilities, such as athletic				Easily accessible to
	complexes, or large				neighborhood served.
	swimming pools, May be
	an area of natural quality
	for outdoor recreation,
	such as walking, viewing,
	sitting, or picnicking. May
	be any combination of the
	above, depending upon
	site suitability and
	community need.
TOTAL CLOSE-TO-HOME SPACE = 6.25-10.5 A/1,000

COMPONENT	USE	SERVICEAREA	DESIRABLESIZE	ACRES/1,000POPULATION	DESIRABLE SITE CHARACTERISTICS
B. REGIONAL SPACE:
Regional/	Areas of natural or	Several	200+ acres	5.0 to 10.0 A	Contiguous to or
Metropolitan	ornamental quality for	communities. 1			encompassing natural
Park	outdoor recreation, such aspicnicking, boating, fishing,	hour drivingtime.			resources.
	swimming, camping, and
	trail uses; may include play
	areas.
Regional Park	Area of natural quality for	Several	1,000+ acres;	Variable	Diverse or unique natural
Reserve	nature-oriented outdoorrecreation, such as viewing	Communities.1 hour driving	sufficient areato encompass		resources, such as lakes,streams, marshes, flora,
	and studying nature,	time.	the resource		fauna, or topography.
	wildlife habitat,		to be
	conservation, swimming,		preserved and
	picnicking, hiking, fishing,		managed.
	boating, camping, and trail
	uses. May include active
	play areas. Generally, 80%
	of the land is reserved for
	conservation and natural
	resource management,
	with less than 20% used for
	recreation development.
TOTAL REGIONAL SPACE = 15-20 A/1,000
C. SPACE THAT MAY BE LOCAL OR REGIONAL AND IS UNIQUE TO EACH COMMUNITY:
Linear Park	Area developed for one or	No applicable	Sufficient	Variable	Built or natural corridors,
	more varying modes of	standard.	width to		such as utility rights-of-
	recreational travel, such as		protect the		way, bluff lines, vegetation
	hiking, biking,		resource and		patterns, and roads, that
	snowmobiling, horseback		provide		link other components of
	riding, cross-country skiing,		maximum use.		the recreation system or
	canoeing and pleasure				community facilities, such
	driving. May include active				as school, libraries,
	play areas.				commercial areas, and
	(NOTE: any included for				other park areas.
	any of above components
	may occur in the “linear
	park”).
Special Use	Areas for specialized or single purpose recreational activities, such as golf courses, nature centers, marinas, zoos, conservatories, arboreta, display gardens, arenas, outdoor theaters, gun ranges, or downhill ski areas, or areas that preserve, maintain, and interpret buildings, sites, and objects of archeological significance.Also plazas or squares in or near commercial centers,	No applicable standard.	Variable depending on desired size.	Variable	Within communities.

COMPONENT	USE	SERVICEAREA	DESIRABLESIZE	ACRES/1,000POPULATION	DESIRABLE SITE CHARACTERISTICS
	boulevards, or parkways.
Conservancy	Protection and	No applicable	Sufficient to	Variable	Variable, depending on the
	management of the	standard.	protect the		resource being protected.
	natural/cultural		resource.
	environment with
	recreation use as a
	secondary objective.

Adapted From:

Suggested Facility Development Standards

Lancaster, R. A., Ed. Recreation, Park and Open Space Standards and Guidelines. Alexandria, VA: National Recreation and Park Association, 1983.

Mertes, J. D. and J. R. Hall. Park, Recreation, Open Space and Greenway Guidelines. Alexandria, VA: National Recreation and Park Association, 1995.

Activity/Facility	Recommended SpaceRequirements	Recommended Size andDimensions	Recommended Orientation	No. of Units PerPopulation	Service Radius	Location Notes
Badminton	1620 sq. ft.	Singles – 17’x44’ Doubles – 20’x44’ With 5’ unobstructed area on all sides	Long axis north- south.	1 per 5,000	¼ – ½ mile	Usually in school, recreation center or church facility. Safe walking or bikeaccess.
BasketballYouthHigh SchoolCollegiate	2400-3036 sq.ft.5040-7280 sq.ft. 5600-7980 sq.ft.	46’-50’x84’50’x84’ 50’x94’with 5’ unobstructedspace on all sides.	Long axis north- south.	1 per 5,000	¼ – ½ mile	Same as badminton. Outdoor courts in neighborhood and community parks, plus active recreation areas in other park settings.
Handball (3-4 wall)	800 sq. ft. for 4-wall.1000 sq. ft. for 3-wall	20’x40’ – Minimum of 10’ to rear of 3-wall court. Minimum 20’ overhead clearance.	Long axis north- south. Front wall at north end.	1 per20,000	15-30minutes travel time	4-wall usually indoor as part of multi- purpose facility. 3- wall usually outdoor in park or schoolsetting.
Ice Hockey	22,000 sq. ft. including support area.	Rink 85’x200’ (minimum 85’x185’. Additional 5,000 sq. ft. support area).	Long axis north- south if outdoor.	Indoor – 1 per 100,000.Outdoor –depends on climate.	½ – 1 hour travel time	Climate important considerations affecting number of units. Best as part of multi-purpose facility.
Tennis	Minimum of 7,200 sq. ft.single court. (2 acres forcomplex.)	36’x78’. 12’ clearance on both sides; 21’ clearance on both ends.	Long axis north- south.	1 court per2, 000	¼ – ½ mile	Best in batteries of 2-4. Located in neighborhood/comm unity park or adjacentto school site.
Volleyball	Minimum of 4, 000 sq. ft.	30’x60’. Minimum 6’clearance on all sides.	Long axis north- south.	1 court per5,000	¼ – ½ mile	Same as other court activities (e.g. badminton,basketball, etc.)
BaseballOfficial Little League	3.0-3.85 Aminimum 1.2 A minimum	Baselines – 90’ Pitching distance – 60½’ Foul lines – min. 320’ Center field – 400’+ Baseline – 60’ Pitching distance – 46’ Foul lines – 200’Center field – 200’-250’	Locate home plate so pitcher throwing across sun and batter not facing it.Line from home plate through pitcher’s mound run east- northeast.	1 per 5, 000	¼ – ½ mile	Part of neighborhood complex. Lighted fields part of community complex.
Field Hockey	Minimum 1.5 A	180’x300’ with a	Fall season-long	1 per	15-30	Usually part of

Activity/Facility	Recommended SpaceRequirements	Recommended Size andDimensions	Recommended Orientation	No. of Units PerPopulation	Service Radius	Location Notes
		minimum of 10’clearance on all sides.	axis northwest to southeast. For longer periods, north to south.	20,000	minutes travel time	baseball, football, or soccer complex in community park or adjacent to highschool.
Football	Minimum 1.5 A	160’x360’ with aminimum of 6’ clearanceon all sides.	Same as field hockey.	1 per20,000	15-30minutes travel time	Same as field hockey
Soccer	1.7 to 2.1 A	195’ to 225’x330’ to 360’with a 10’ minimumclearance on all sides.	Same a field hockey.	1 per10,000	1-2 miles	Number of units depends on popularity. Youth soccer on smaller fields adjacent to schools orneighborhood parks.
Golf-Driving Range	13.5 A forminimum of 25 tees	900’x690’ wide. Add 12’ width for each additional tee.	Long axis southwest/north-east with golfer driving towardnortheast.	1 per50,000	30 minutes travel time	Part of golf course complex as a separate unit. May be privately operated.
¼-Mile Running Track	4.3 A	Overall width – 276’Length – 600.02’Track width for 8 to 4lanes is 32’.	Long axis in sector from north to south to northwest/ southeast with finish line atnortherly end.	1 per20,000	15-30minutes travel time	Usually part of high school or in community park complex in combination with football, soccer, etc.
Softball	1.5 to 2.0 A	Baselines – 60’Pitching distance –46’ min., 40’ – women Fast pitch field radius from plate – 225’Slow pitch – 275’(men), 250’ (women)	Same as baseball.	1 per50,000 (ifalso used for youth baseball)	¼ – ½ mile	Slight difference in dimensions for 16” slow pitch. May be used for youth baseball.
Multiple Recreation Court (basketball, volleyball,tennis)	9,840 sq. ft.	120’x80’	Long axis of courts with primary use is north-south.	1 per10,000	1-2 miles
Trails	N/A	Well defined head,maximum 10’ width, maximum average grade 5% not to exceed 15%. Capacity rural trails – 40 hikers/day/mile. Urbantrails – 90 hikers/day/mile.	N/A	1 system per region	N/A
Archery Range	Minimum 0.65 A	300’ length x minimum 10’ wide between targets. Roped clear space on sides of range minimum of 30’ clear space behind targets,minimum of 90’x45’ with	Archer facing north + or – 45 degrees.	1 per50,000	30 minutes travel time	Part of a regional/metro park complex.

Activity/Facility	Recommended SpaceRequirements	Recommended Size andDimensions	Recommended Orientation	No. of Units PerPopulation	Service Radius	Location Notes
		bunker.
Combination Skeet and Trap Field(8 station)	Minimum 30 A	All walks and structures occur within an area approximately 130’ wide by 115’ deep. Minimum cleared area is contained within two superimposed segments with 100-yard radii (4 acres). Shot-fall danger zone is contained within two superimposed segments with 300-yardradii (36 acres).	Centerline of length runs northeast/south- west with shooter racing northeast.	1 per50,000	30 minutes travel time	Part of regional/metro park complex.
GolfPar 3 (18-hole)9-hole standard18-hole standard	50-60 A Minimum 50 A Minimum 110 A	Average length-vary 600-2700 yardsAverage length-2250 yardsAverage length-6500 yards	Majority of holes on north-south axis.	1/25,000 1/50,000	½ to 1 hour travel time	9-hole course can accommodate 350 people/day. 18-hole course can accommodate 500- 550 people a day.Course may be located in community or district park, but should not be over 20 miles from populationcenter.
Swimming Pools	Varies on size of pool and amenities.Usually ½ to 2 A site.	Teaching – minimum of25 yards x 45’ evendepth of 3 to 4 feet. Competitive – minimum of 25m x 16m.Minimum of 27 square feet of water surface per swimmer. Ratios of 2:1, deck vs. water.	None-although care must be taken in siting of lifeguard stations in relation to afternoon sun.	1 per20,000(Pools should accommoda te 3 to 5% of total population at a time.)	15 to 30 minutes travel time	Pools for general community use should be planned for teaching, competitive, and recreational purposes with enough depth (3.4m) to accommodate 1m and 3m diving boards.Located in communitypark or school site.
Beach Areas	N/A	Beach area should have 50 sq. ft. of land and 50 sq. ft. of water per user. Turnover rate is 3.There should be a 3-4 A supporting land per A ofbeach.	N/A	N/A	N/A	Should have sand bottom with slope a maximum of 5% (flat preferable). Boating areas completely segregated fromswimming areas.