To guide the vision, priorities, and future development of parks and recreational assets in the Village of Mancelona and Mancelona Township, Beckett & Raeder, Inc. provided planning services to create an updated Parks and Recreation Plan for the entire Mancelona area. This process yielded a plan to guide the Mancelona Area recreation system, including the area’s nine parks, motorized trail systems, and non-motorized trail development. To reflect the collaborative nature of the Village and Township, the plan emphasized and recommended exploring the possibility of expanding the Mancelona Area Planning Commission to also oversee parks and recreation policies, projects, and decisions.

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Guided by a comprehensive park inventory and community survey, the action plan emphasized opportunities to improve existing community parks by adding amenities like sports courts and skate parks, incorporating a farmer’s market, and broadening connectivity between recreational spaces and community facilities. Trails access and connectivity were also emphasized with action items that stressed trail developments around community lakes and ponds, walking connections, and expanding ORV trail areas.

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The development of the plan took place over the 2023 calendar year, and both the Mancelona Village Council and Mancelona Township Board adopted the plan in early 2024, making the plan valid through the end of 2028. The Mancelona Area revises its Parks and Recreation Plan every five years to conduct an updated assessment of its recreation inventory and to re-prioritize recreation projects based on need and public input. The updated plan also allows parks and recreational resources across the Mancelona community to be eligible for grant funding through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.