Parks Department taking Input On Master Plan

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The first meetings for the public to offer its thoughts on plans for Berrien County’s parks over the next five years have been held. Berrien County Parks Director Brian Bailey tells WSJM News two sessions were held on Wednesday in St. Joseph. They’re part of the process to draft a new five year parks master plan, and more meetings are coming.

“The plan isn’t due for about a year now state DNR, and so our intention is to move these meetings approximately every other month around the county,” Bailey said. “The next one will be March 20 at Love Creek County Park, very similar format.”

Bailey says the state requires the county to have a parks master plan in order to qualify for grants. He says about 35 people came out Wednesday with some of them expressing interest in having a dog park at Madeline Bertrand County Park and for another disc golf course. He adds people are excited about the possibility of a paved trail from Bridgman to New Buffalo. Other things that could wind up in the parks plan would be new playground equipment at Silver Beach and bridge work at Love Creek County Park. Public input will be taken through August. A draft plan could be available in September.