Recreation dominates Sparta council meeting

Plan for consolidating fields and use of artificial turf presented, By Jane Primerano Sparta - The township’s Parks and Recreation Department is planning for the future. Recreation Department Director Ginny Mohr gave members of the council and residents a glimpse at plans to address the municipality’s future needs as well as save taxpayers’ money by consolidating some facilities. Part of the plan calls for the relocation of White Lake Road’s sports fields, which are on land the township leases, to municipal-owned land on White Lake Rd. According to Mohr, the area could accommodate the five soccer fields and with enough space left for lacrosse and other sports. Mohr displayed a map showing how five soccer fields would fit into one section of the lake property and demonstrated how two softball or multi-use fields with synthetic turf could be developed in the middle section. In response to Councilman Wayne Ring’s questions regarding the need for artificial turf, Mohr explained that installing a field with synthetic surface presented a larger initial expense, but that it would allow the fields to be used through three seasons. In addition, she said, artificial turf fields don’t have to be mowed, and can be lined less often, cutting down on the maintenance. Mohr also explained that although the life span of the material is not known, some fields with synthetic turf have been used for 10 to 15 years before needing replacement. In addition, she said, the material is guaranteed and when it needs to be replaced, the drainage and other prep work won’t need to be redone. Township Manager Henry Underhill noted that some Sparta teams are in leagues that start to play early in the spring, but the local teams are unable to start practices until April 15. Artificial turf will allow them to start practices a little earlier. During her presentation, Mohr explained the remaining section of the White Lake property reserved for active recreation could be used as a lacrosse field. According to the recreation department, seven Sparta lacrosse teams share one field. Mohr said soccer could use the field in the fall and lacrosse in the spring. A full-sized baseball field could also be added, she said. Mohr said the full-sized baseball field in Station Park could be downsized into a softball field, keeping the outfield for other sports. That field, which is lighted, is only used by the Babe Ruth League. Mohr emphasized the White Lake property would provide more than just active recreation options. Mohr noted the plans call for a picnic area near the lake, a volleyball court and a playground. Also proposed is a paved path around the perimeter of the park for jogging and a small boat launch. Underhill explained the township has made improvements to the beach area and may consider purchasing some additional area from the Girl Scout Council to shift the beach area. Although the plans include additional parking, both Mohr and Underhill emphasized that the area would not be paved, to minimize the impact on the area. Mayor Ailish Hambel said she will schedule a tour for council members to visit the area. For her part, Mohr will start to present the proposed plans to various sports groups and the recreation advisory commission. In other recreation business, Mohr explained the small field behind the ambulance building will be upgraded with artificial turf. The project will be paid for a combination of township money and funds raised by Sparta Girls Sports. The group will also be responsible for the rehabilitation or rebuilding of the press box and storage shed. The township will do the maintenance and replace the fence, which needs to raised from the current 4 feet to 6 feet. Along with building the new fence, the township will replace the 40-year-old dugouts that are falling apart. The Sparta Avenue Firehouse and Engineer’s office will soon be vacant and the township council will have to decide what to do with the buildings. The proximity to playing fields may make it possible for the sports groups to use the restrooms. Underhill noted recreation could use the building for a meeting room, but said the buildings would not accommodate all of the recreation activities currently held at the lower level of the library. Other options debated were selling the buildings for commercial use, making their bathroom facilities available to people at Ungerman Field or demolishing them to make room for additional parking. Council will continue discussion of these alternatives.