Seeking A Better Quality of Life

Posted by – Steve Cohen, Director of Community Development

This stuff is fun.

The Auburn Hills Planning Commission is scheduled to hold a public hearing on Thursday, January 23rd at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers to hear comments and answer questions regarding the City’s draft Parks and Recreation Plan (2014-2018). 

In a nutshell, the plan’s highlights include:

• A continued emphasis on developing and enhancing our existing parks and properties.
• Placing a high priority on the development of the Riverwalk in Downtown Auburn Hills and connecting the three (soon to be four) parks in that area’s system.
• Tackle the “tough” pathway and pedestrian improvements (the areas of our pathway system that are difficult to complete) with a continued emphasis on completing the Northeast Corner Neighborhood loop.
• Develop additional programming targeted to provide social and service opportunities.  Also, work to promote healthy lifestyle choices for teens ages 13-17.
• Continue to develop new partnerships to enhance programming and events, while reducing operating expenses.

Why create a plan?  Well, it has two very important purposes: 1) it serves as a working guide in terms of setting priorities and making financial decisions on the City’s park system, recreational programs, and events; and 2) it enables the City to be eligible for State and Federal grants relating to potential park development and acquisition, as well as grants/donations from the private sector.  Thus, saving Auburn Hills’ taxpayers dollars.

As you can imagine, a lot of hard work went into this project.  Kudos go out to Recreation Director Brian Marzolf for a job well done in facilitating the plan’s update with our staff, Planning Commission, and City Council.

This is the fifth, five-year master plan that Brian has directed.  It’s hard to put into words the value Brian’s experience, leadership, and dedication bring to the City.  We’re just lucky to have this guy on our team.