Back in 1981, Bay Mills Township had the energy and the foresight to forge a recreation plan for the township's future. The township didn't have a lot of - well, anything. Certainly not a lot of money, or a lot of people. But it had a future, and the people then wanted to make certain that life out here could include some recreation that didn't exist.
It's 22 years later, and many things have changed. The township is more complicated. It has more people, at every age and ability, and it has a healthy treasury, allowing it to keep up with new fire equipment, emergency equipment and a sound budget. It has important help from the Bay Mills Indian Community each year.
Some residents want their neighbors to take a long look at the recreation program in the township, and help give the 22-year-old plan a new shine. The township board has blessed an effort to create a recreation committee, which in turn is beginning the process to make a new recreation plan.
This could be a significant event. The township encompasses a number of other government entities that have their own recreation projects and recreation assets - the tribe, Hiawatha Forest, Pendills Fish Hatchery, all within township borders. The township may be in a position to improve the existing recreation assets. It can organize and fill in holes of the existing recreation assets. It can do things that need to be done, big things, and not so big things, such as benches on beaches and at picnic areas. Even more importantly, it is in a position to find grants for its own recreation program, thought up by residents, and done with the energy of residents.
Programs exist to help acquire land for public use, from things like picnic and campgrounds to cross country and hiking trails. A new boat ramp? The township doesn't have to be beholden to the other governments to improve its own recreation projects.
Not far from the township hall, the township owns a small tract of land that it could, with proper permits, create a sitting area on a small lake, and board walk over a marsh. Not much work or resources.
Each person in the township, whether full-time resident, or seasonal homeowner, has a chance to fill out a questionnaire about the township's recreation plan. The survey is available at the Iroquois Grocery, or by calling the recreation committee chairman, Pauline Rice, at 437-4349. In time as the new plan forms, there will be hearings and idea exchanges.
The county and regional planning people are helping with this plan, and they will help find money and matching grants for the township, once the plan is current. It could lead to better afternoons, and a little better life for everyone in Bay Mills.
Pat Egan is the former publisher of the Sault Evening News. He is a recipient of the William Allen White award for editorial writing. He and his wife Debra live at Salt Point.
