ADOPTED - OCTOBER 11, 2005

Agenda Item No. 7

Introduced by the County Services Committee of the:

INGHAM COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE HEART OF MICHIGAN TRAILS AND GREENWAYS PARTNERSHIP

RESOLUTION #05-260

WHEREAS, the growing popularity of outdoor recreation activities, such as cycling, in-line skating, walking and running, combined with the loss of community open space, has increased the need for quality recreational facilities such as trails; and

WHEREAS, trails provide places for cyclists, hikers, walkers, runners, in-line skaters, and physically challenged individuals to exercise and experience the many natural and cultural wonders of the tri-county area’s urban, suburban, and rural environments; and

WHEREAS, trails not only serve as independent community amenities, they also enhance existing recreational resources by linking neighborhoods and schools to parks, waterfronts, recreational centers, and other facilities; and

WHEREAS, trails and walkways offer an option for regular physical activity that can lower rates of obesity and healthcare costs; and

WHEREAS, trails provide an excellent opportunity for families to spend quality and leisure time together in a setting that is both close to home and easy to access; and

WHEREAS, trails foster community involvement and corresponding pride in addition to providing opportunities to interact with people of varying backgrounds and experiences; and

WHEREAS, trails have the potential to create jobs, enhance property values, and expand local businesses; and

WHEREAS, one of the major emphasis of trail development is cooperation and partnerships between governmental agencies; and

WHEREAS, the linear nature of trails typically takes them across many governmental jurisdictional boundaries, making regional cooperation imperative when contemplating developing a trail system; and

WHEREAS, in recognition of the regional appeal of developing multi-jurisdictional trail systems, the first Heart of Michigan Trail Summit was held November 20, 2004 giving over 200 residents and municipal officials the opportunity to network and plan for such a trail system; and

WHEREAS, in recognition of the need to educate our state legislators so that they can effectively advocate for the use and development of local and regional trail systems, two successful Michigan Trails and Greenways Legislative Days were held on May 18, 2004 and June 8, 2005; and

WHEREAS, staff members from the various local units of government in the tri-county area have been meeting informally for several years to coordinate trail construction efforts; and

ADOPTED - OCTOBER 11, 2005

Agenda Item No. 7

RESOLUTION #05-260

WHEREAS, it is felt that it is now desirable to formalize that group by creating the Heart of Michigan Trails and Greenways Partnership; and

WHEREAS, the Parks & Recreation Commission supports the concept of creating the Heart of Michigan Trails and Greenways Partnership as the next step to developing a coordinated effort to establish a regional trails and greenway system.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Ingham County Board of Commissioners supports the concept of creating the Heart of Michigan Trails and Greenways Partnership.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Ingham County Board of Commissioners appoints the Chair of the Ingham County Parks & Recreation Commission, or his/her designee, to the Heart of Michigan Trails and Greenways Partnership Advisory Board.

COUNTY SERVICES:   Yeas:  Celentino, Copedge, De Leon, Schor, Severino, Vickers

Nays:  None                Absent:  None           Approved 10/6/05