Platte River Prosperity A Community Preservation Initiative · 2019. 7. 7. · Platte River Prosperity A Community Preservation Initiative . The Honor Area Restoration Project The

Platte River Prosperity A Community Preservation Initiative

The Honor Area Restoration Project The Honor Area Restoration Project (HARP) is a citizen-lead, volunteer-managed 501(c)(3) non-profit that supports the revitalization, conservation and wise community development of the greater Honor area. Our vision for Platte River Park is becoming a reality. With HARP in the fundraising lead, and together with our partners, we have raised the money to purchase the property through grants and private donations, including tremendous leadership and resources from the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy. We are now launching a fundraising initiative to achieve a new milestone – funding for Phase II developments of the property, which includes parking, restrooms, walkways, a canoe and kayak launch and interpretive signage. The development of the park will emphasize universal access, meaning that people of all ages, needs and abilities will be able to access and enjoy this remarkable natural resource. We are seeking to develop these funds through a variety of sources, including grants from public agencies and foundations. It is essential that we raise funds through local interests to achieve our overall goal and it is HARP’s plan to raise $100,000 by October 1, 2019.

The Property The future Platte River Park sits on 52-acres with almost 1/3 mile of pristine, natural Platte River frontage and a rich diversity of habitats, from wetlands and swamp to forest and fields to a 10-acre blueberry farm. This stretch of river is designated Blue Ribbon and is prime habitat for Rainbow and Brown trout and for migrating Steelhead trout and Coho salmon. Located adjacent to the Village of Honor, the park creates an easy public access point to the river, which currently does not exist. The property is visible and accessible by car from US 31 and is within a quarter mile walking or biking distance of housing, businesses and commercial areas. The property will provide residents and visitors alike with a variety of recreational opportunities, including fishing, boating, access to various ecosystems and habitats, bird watching, picnicking and the simple pleasure of enjoying nature in all four seasons.

The Future Platte River Park Platte River Park, from concept to acquisition – and now to long-term planning, development and maintenance – has been a true community collaboration. As soon as the property was acquired, we began a community planning process involving Homestead Township, the Village of Honor, design firm Beckett and Raeder, universal accessibility experts and others to create a long-term (10-plus years), plan and timeline for developing Platte River Park. Phase II includes development at the park’s west entrance off of Indian Hill Road, and includes a parking lot, sidewalks and pathways, a restroom facility, a canoe/kayak launch and interpretive and wayfinding signage. Phase II is just the first step in a long-term plan to make Platte River Park a recreational destination for locals and visitors alike along a beautiful stretch of natural river. The new Platte River Park will:

• Become one of the first Explore the Shores sites in Benzie County, which will enable people of all ages, needs and abilities to access and enjoy this resource.

• Create opportunities for fishing and water sports in a scenic, well-maintained park. • Create a destination for canoers, kayakers, anglers, picnickers and nature lovers. • Contribute to the revitalization of the region. • Protect a great diversity of habitat types, including rich conifer swamp, northern shrub thicket, mesic

hardwood forest, hardwood conifer swamp and old field. • Create future opportunities for trail development and recreation. • Preserve the Platte River for paddling, fishing, swimming and its scenic beauty.

Fulfilling a Community and Regional Priority The creation and development of Platte River Park has overwhelming support from diverse interests, including more than 100 year-round and seasonal residents who have championed the project through a series of public meetings. Public access to the Platte River, canoe/kayak launches, non-motorized trails and new recreational facilities are among the top priorities of local residents. The new Platte River Park aligns with the community’s goals to create new and safe public access to the Platte River for recreational activities available to all current and future residents and visitors and increase barrier free handicap public access points to Platte River. The new park is also consistent with the Benzie County Recreation Plan, Economic Revitalization Strategy for the Honor Area, the new County Master Plan and the County’s economic development strategy. In addition, protection/recreational development have been identified as a cornerstone of the efforts to bolster economic development in the Village of Honor. The project is regionally supported by a number of other organizations and is a recognized priority of the Michigan DNR because it provides superior access to a sport fishery of historic proportions. The Platte River is arguably Homestead Township’s most valuable natural feature and a cultural and recreational asset to the region, and as such, every effort will be made to ensure the Platte remains safe and suitable for fishing, swimming, and paddling, and that its scenic beauty is preserved for future generations. This natural and diverse 52-acre property with almost 1/3 mile of river frontage will not only offer outstanding future outdoor recreation opportunities for residents and visitors, but will improve the quality of life and economic well-being of the surrounding community as it becomes a recreational destination.

Project Costs Project Component Description

Crushed stone parking lot 23 total spaces with 19 for cars and 4 for vans/RVs/trailers, with 2 signed ADA spaces Restroom facility 2 universally accessible vault toilets

Canoe/kayak launch Wooden platform/dock on land that connects to EZ Dock launch, which is eco-friendly and modular and includes an easy-to-use transfer bench that exceeds ADA standards

Access pathways 6 and 8-foot-wide crushed limestone pathways from park entrance to canoe/kayak launch and restrooms

3 benches Universally accessible benches made from recycled materials

6 picnic tables Recycled material tables with several having benches on three sides for use by someone in a wheel chair or other mobility device

Trash and recycling bins Made from recycled materials to be located by restroom and launch

Interpretive and safety signage

Signage at the park entrance and canoe/kayak launch with information about hours of operation, rules for use, safety information and emergency information

Landscaping Shoreline stability and tree planting to reduce the risk of erosion into the Platte River

Engineering Costs associated with design, construction and project management

Total project cost: $345,500 To donate: Online donations can made at www.restorehonor.org Checks can be mailed to:

HARP PO Box 123 Honor, MI 49640

All donations are tax deductible and we will mail you a receipt. For more information about Platte River Park or HARP’s other initiatives, please contact HARP at [email protected] or visit our website at www.restorehonor.org.