WHAT CASS COUNTY PARKS DO FOR ME

WHAT CASS COUNTY PARKS DO FOR ME!!!

Preserve Parklands Increase Recreation Options Improve Quality of Life

Conserve natural resources Increase hike, bike, equestrian trails Affordable recreation for all

Protect lakes, wetlands, wildlife Expand Group Camping Access Short drive from home

Acquire green space New Park Facilities for all ability groups Legacy for future generations

Reforestation Expand parks in western Cass County Service seniors, disabled, youth

Balance county growth

Clean, safe, family parks

Proven Track Record

For over 25 years, the Cass County Parks Department has provided needed outdoor facilities with minimal funding. The six County Parks (Dr. Lawless, Fred Russ Forest, Henry Sears boat launch, East Harmon swimming beach, West Harmon boat launch, and Point Park) offer visitors year-round recreation including disc golf, mountain bike riding, swimming, boat access, hiking, and fishing. Among the attractions most sought after by visitors are hiking, snow tubing, cross country skiing, mountain bike riding, horse back riding, disc golf, and park reservations.

MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS In The Last 10 Years

185 acres of land added to Dr. Lawless Park without County General Fund funding
Three Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Grants ($475,000)
Ten miles of technical Mountain Biking trails added
Five miles of hiking trails added
Over a half mile of multiple use trails paved
18 hole disc golf course constructed
Three special events coordinated annually
Extended the lease and increased the acreage at Fred Russ Forest Park
Continuing collaborative relationship with the Cass County Road Commission
Pilot program cooperator with MI DNR to re-establish wild turkeys in Newberg/Porter Twps.
Nearly 800 paid reservations without a serious accident/incident or law suit

Proposed Improvements

In The Next Decade

Water recreation facility (water park or county beach)

Nature Education interpretive programs for area schools

Introduction of recreation programming including after school activities

Purchase more environmentally-significant parkland

Group Campground expansion including cabins and parking

Nature interpretive center at Dr. Lawless park

Fishing access improvements to natural lakes and rivers

Infrastructure repair and replacement

WEB base use for information management and marketing

Return to Parks main page

Preserve Parklands	Increase Recreation Options	Improve Quality of Life
Conserve natural resources	Increase hike, bike, equestrian trails	Affordable recreation for all
Protect lakes, wetlands, wildlife	Expand Group Camping Access	Short drive from home
Acquire green space	New Park Facilities for all ability groups	Legacy for future generations
Reforestation	Expand parks in western Cass County	Service seniors, disabled, youth
Balance county growth
Clean, safe, family parks