[From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]
AuSable Township AuSable Shoreline Park QH 91.75 iment was prepared in part .r,,-e provided by M5 ancial assistz) - A97 I Act of 1972 Xne manarl?.nnent ana5ement Ayres, Lewis, Norris May, Inc adn 1986 Office of Co@-Stal @one M c and Atmospheri(: Administration Engineers * Planners Shoreline Park AuSable Townshi AUSABLE SHORELINE PARK September, 1986 Prepared for: AuSable Township Prepared by: Ayres, Lewis, Norris & May, Inc. Engineers - Planners 2330 E. Stadium Blvd. Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104 Administered by: AuSable Township Recreation Commission Division of Land Resource Programs Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources The preparation of this document was financed through a grant provided by the Office of Coastal Zone Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, as authorized under the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 and administered by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Division of Land Resource Programs. US Department of Commerce AuSable Township NOAA Coastal Services Center Library Hobson Avenue 2234 South Charleston, SC 29405-2413 -Shoreline Park TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION PAGE I INTRODUCTION .......................................... 1-2 Purpose .............................................. I Objectives ............................................ 2 11 STUDY AREA ANALYSIS ................................... 3-10 Natural Features ...................................... 3 Physical Features ...................................... 5 Recreation Use Patterns ................................ 7 Summary Analysis ..................................... 9 III SHORELINE PARK DEVELOPMENT PLAN .................... 11-16 IV IMPLEMENTATION ........................................ 17-19 Proposed Development Costs and Phasing ................. 17 Funding .............................................. 17 Au Sa b I e To w n s h i p I -Shoreline Park I I I I I I I I I INTRODUC-11ON I I 0 a W__ A A A ............. AuSable Township A -Shoreline Park INTRODUCTION PURPOSE In 1986, AuSable Township received funds from the Michigan Coastal 7one Man- agement Program to conduct a study of the Township's Shoreline Park. The park incorporates approximately 4-1/2 acres of waterfront property located on Lake Huron and borders US-23. Because of this prime location and because of its unique setting on Lake Huron, the park is con- sidered a major recrea- tional facility for the Township (see Location Lake Map). Over the past few years, Huron gradual improvements have been made to the proper- Oscoda Twp. ty. A gravel parking lot AuSable Twp. was constructed and a pic- nic area was also com- pleted. The Township now desires to implement fur- ther improvements at this facility. However, prior to horefine Park- any further development, it was determined that a master plan for park development is necessary which will propose a long- term, coordinated develop- ment scheme. Location Map ....... ........ AuSable Township I -Shoreline Park The purpose of this study is to develop a master park development plan which will analyze the coastal area, explore alternative design schemes, develop final site designs, and propose implementation programs. OBJECTIVES Given the overall purpose of this study, a detailed set of work objectives can be developed. The objectives are as follows: 0 Actively solicit input from the community so that the study and final plan reflect the desires of AuSable Township residents and local officials. 0 Analyze coastal features and recommend opportunities for new develop- ment. 0 Develop new designs for the coastal area which will be beneficial to resi- dents and tourists alike. 0 Develop an implementation strategy which will include cost and funding sources for the development of AuSable Shoreline Park. M AuSable Township A 2 I -Shoreline Park I I I I I I I 1 11 STUDY I AREA I ANALYSIS I I A 'A ....0.. AuSable Township -Shoreline Park STUDY AREA ANALYSIS V Prior to the development of site design and land use recommendations, an inventory and analysis of physical and natural features is important. NATURAL FEATURES The predominant natural feature of Shoreline Park is the wetland area. Approximately one-half of the park's 4-1/2 acres consists of marsh and open water. The marsh is an open wetland community that is typically found along lakes and streams. Marshes are domi- nated by graminoids (gross-like plants). Trees are usually absent, but shrubs may be present at least on the margins. The preliminary vegetation analysis of Shore- line Park's marsh area indicates that various grosses and sedges are dominant. While the marsh vegetation is important for wildlife and fish habitat areas, there are no known rare or endangered plant species. The following plants were found growing in the marsh area: Table I Plants Found Within AuSuble Township Shoreline Park Carex lanuginosa Wholly Sedge Carex stricta Tussock Sedge Eleocharis sp. Eleocharis Calamagrostis conadensis Blue-Joint Gross Juncus balticus Baltic Rush Typho latifolia Broad-leaved cat tail Nuphor voriegaturn Yellow Pond Lily .AuSable Township 3 -Shoreline Park Several woody species were found along the margins of the marsh: Robinia pseudoacacia Black Locust Populus tremuloides Trembling Aspen Salix bebbiana Bebb's Willow Salix interior Sandbar Willow Alnus rugosa Tag Alder Cornus stolonifera Red-Osier Dogwood The northwest end of the marsh area has been filled in to provide for a picnic area and parking lot. Existing plant species include Red Ash which were recently planted. The soil conditions of the site range from well-drained where the marsh has been filled, to a raw grassy peat or muck produced by decomposition of the peat. The fringes of the marsh consist primarily of sand. The shoreline area of the park is approximately 300 ft in length. The width of the shoreline varies consider- ably with the season. Observations of between 5 ft and 20 ft in width were made at different times of the year. Extending from the shoreline several yards into the water, old piers can be found. These piers present a safety hazard to swimmers and are also not aesthetically pleasing. AuSable Township 4 Shoreline Park Presently, the marsh area is separated from the shoreline and Lake Huron by a sandy mound extending the length of the marsh. This mound was covered by grasses and willows and appeared stable. The center of the marsh consists of open water with depths of over 20 ft in spots. Apparently, this area was dredged out in the early 1900s and ships were brought into this site. The depth of this water allows for a substantial fish popu- lation. The marsh and open water area provide a unique opportunity for a boardwalk that would allow walking, picnicking, and fishing. Bird species ob served during a visit to the site included mallards, red-winged blackbirds, tree swallows, herring gulls, and a belted-kingfisher. Development and maintenance of this area as a marsh could increase the bird population signifi- cantly. PHYSICAL FEATURES Shoreline Park is bound on the north by US 23 , to the east by Smith Street and the MDNR boat launch, to the south by Lake Huron, and to the west by a private busi- ness (Stoney Creek Miniature Golf). The map below presents an illustration of existing site conditions. MDNR Boat Launch Smith Street 2 marsh 2 SHORELINE PARK parking picnic area open water marsh property boundary Stoney Creek Miniature Golf Existing Conditions AuSable Township 5 @Shoreline Park Shoreline Park V Initial improvements have begun on R" A portion of the park itself. the marsh has been filled. This provides a gravel parking area for 70 to 80 cars and a 60 ft wide gross picnic area. Six metal barbeque grills have been added, as well as wood picnic tables. A chain link fence separates the parking from the picnic area and the park from the MDNR boat launch. The name of the park is located on a commercialized sign indicating various organizations and services found in the AuSable/Oscoda area. Site Access US 23 is the main north/south route in the orea. It is a two-lone highway with an asphalt surface. In addition to the major arterial, Smith Street is a local street in the study area with an asphalt surface in poor condition. Currently, the poorly functioning intersection of US 23 and Smith Street is confusing and may be don- gerous during times of high traffic flow. S The MDOT has plans for improving U t 23. Plans in the area of Shoreline A- @v' 0 Park include a paved deceleration lone south of Smith Street, realignment of "k Smith Street east with Smith Street low" west of US 23 and paving of Smith Street with curbs on the radius off of US 23. The drive approaches to the park will also be paved. AuSable Township 6 -Shoreline Park Adjacent Land Use The MDNR boat launch is located to the north of Shoreline Park at the mouth of the AuSable River. It is one of only two public access sites in the Township and is heavily used by both locals and tourists. There is ramp space for 2 or 3 boats onto the AuSable River with direct access to Lake Huron. Negotiations have been ini- tiated by the Township in order to lease the boat launch from the MDNR. M .1 The shoreline area of the MIDNR site consists of a wide strip (approximately 300 to 500 ft) of grasses and woody vegetation. This area may provide space for a campground to be run by the Township should the lease be acquired. A private miniature golf course is located along the south side of the property. A portion of this site is in wetlands and pond area which adjoins the AuSable Shoreline Park. Utilities Adjacent to Shoreline Park exists overhead electrical wires and a waterline. Pre- sently, there is no sewer service to the site. The Township hopes to have sewer service to the park in the future. RECREATION USE PATTERNIS As stated in the AuSable Township Recreation Plan (1985), AuSable Township has already established a good foundation for outdoor recreation. However, the Town- ship parks are for the most part undeveloped. AuSable Township 7 -Shoreline Park The recreational needs and demands of AuSable Township are great. Tourism is a major source of income to the Township and by providing tourists with quality outdoor recreation opportunities can only encourage their return. The main tour- ist attractions include camping, swimming, hiking, biking, x-crossing skiing, horse- back riding, boating, and fishing. The development of parks and areas to accom- modate these tourists is essential. Tourism is not the only reason for development of the parklands in AuSable Town- ship. The residents of the area must be considered with equal importance. Pro- viding recreational facilities close to the residential population is important in maintaining Township identity. The Wetlands Protection Act (Act 203) refers to the worth of wetlands as a resource. Of main importance is the issue of public access to Lake Huron. With public access to the lake so difficult to find, the necessity of developing a site such as Shoreline Park cannot be overstated. The park can provide many recreational opportunities to tourists and residents alike. These opportunities would include such activities as picnicking, swimming, fishing, birdwatching, and natural history interpretation. Another important facet is the carry-over aspect from the MDNR boat launch. The boat launch itself provides boating and fishing access to Lake Huron. However, boaters and fishermen currently have no place to relax and picnic other than in their boats or in their vehicles. Shoreline Park could provide fishermen and boaters with space for these activities. Picnicking, swimming, children's play, and educational opportunities are only a few of the aspects Shoreline Park could incorporate. The park will provide an adequate day-use area for the MDNR boat launch and local residents. It also has high visibility from US 23 and may be the destination of many tourists, as well as a pleasant surprise to others. The importance of public access to coastal lands is a major reason for the devel- opment of Shoreline Park. The park combined with the MDNR boat launch could ............. .AuSable Township.----. 8 -Shoreline Park provide the area with an essential access site fulfilling many recreational needs. It will also protect and manage valuable marsh areas which are important for wildlife habitat. SUMMARY ANALYSIS - The park areas of AuSable Township are largely undeveloped. Development of these areas would fulfill a need of residents and tourists alike. - The Wetlands Protection Act (Act 203) states that wetlands are a valuable resource worthy of protection. The park marsh areas can be protected and managed as an important recreation resource with boardwalks, fishing, and interpretive displays. - Public access to the Great Lakes and surrounding wetlands is diminishing. Maintaining access to these resources is critical. Shoreline Park offers this opportunity. - The marsh area provides a unique opportunity for a boardwalk that would allow walking, picnicking, bird watching, and natural history interpretation. - The relatively deep waters found in the center of the marsh area are of histor- ical significance relating to the boating industry in Michigan. - A portion of the site has been filled to provide adequate parking and picnicking areas. - The MDNR boat launch adjacent to Shoreline Park is a compatible land use and, should the Township acquire the lease, would provide a large recreation site at the mouth of the AuSable River. AuSable Township 9 -Shoreline Park - The heavy use of the MDNR boat launch combined with the lack of picnic and day use facilities in the area creates a need for improving and expanding the facilities at Shoreline Park. - Appropriate entry signage is needed to call attention to the park and guide users to the entrance. - The Smith Street entry to shoreline Park is currently in poor condition, how- ever, MDOT has plans for improving this street. - With appropriate clean-up, the beach area would provide an important site for swimming and other day-use activities. AuSable Township 10 I -Shoreline Park I I I I I I I I - III SHORELINE I PARK DEVELOPMENT I PLAN I I I I I m 4 AuSable Township 14 -Shoreline Park SHORELINE PARK DEVELOPMENT PLAN An aerial sketch and master plan of the proposed Shoreline Park are presented in the following pages. The Development Plan of Shoreline Park is based on three ideas: I ) Enhancing the partially developed picnic facilities; 2) Making use of the wetland areas in a compatible manner; and 3) Promoting access to Lake Huron and providing shoreline recreation. An important goal of the Development Plan is to enhance the picnic facilities at the park. Currently, the Township has placed picnic tables and barbecue grills on a filled portion of the site and landscaped with trees. The plan calls for the installation of a combined picnic pavillion/restroom facility and changing room bordering on the marsh area. This pavillion would accommodate 4 or 5 picnic tables for group picnics, as well as provide protection from the sun and the rain. Single tables would still be available for single parties. An observation deck could also be constructed on top of the shelter to provide views of the marsh and lake area. The observation deck and all facilities will be accessible to the handi- capped. A children's play area would also be built to provide activities for the younger age group. This would include swings, slides, and climbing structures, separate from the picnic area. Landscaping of the park is also proposed. This includes develop- ment of an evergreen screen along the south parking lot boundary and selected plantings throughout the park. A detailed listing of proposed plantings is listed in the appendix. Another main concept during development of the park is to utilize the wetlands in an appropriate manner. The wetland area comprises almost one-half of the site and is an interesting and educational recreation opportunity. The open water area AuSable Township Potential Campground MDNR Boat Launch P.d.. is. Path Ex.r T.... Link to Boat Launch Ph.. 2 Paved Pat Evergreen Shrubs Entry Sign ce Entrance 11 - - - - - - - - Earth Boom Beach &Swimming Area New :.- -- -- -- / " I 1 .1 1 - Clean arid remove debris ..t E.wor... Shrubs ---------- ------- Smith 0 out Deck Canopy Tr... :an 0. Ph.. I Picnic Pavillion Existing Sign ith Observation Deck - --------------- Uanging Rooms Boardwalk z 0 UAROH AREA Cr edestrian ghting Cp ONO W Ov rh ad Lighting Pavea Pathway -*3 Car. Handicap KC, Fishing Deck -j 0 C... Kc. D..Id- Weriand $Mobs H.C.. ..-Opy Trans Phase DEEP WATER$ SIT eline Park Sign Evergreen T,... Phase I Childrans Playground PRIVATE PROPERTY to East Town. AuSable Township Shoreline Park AYRES. LEWIS, NORRIS AND MAY. INC. engineers planners 0 15 30 so 120 A VI1bTLAr401W1WL4F9 HADITAT PaARP HAW AVNR J30AT L4UNCA ACCf.913 I ItI Z.A PICNir. PmwpiIII IcsocavAmN oecic TVT WT 00 14me TRAmm/(Aft PAPKIN& AuSable Township Shoreline Park AYRES. LEWIS, NORRIS AND MAY, INC. :3@ engineers planners Shoreline Park within to the wetland also con- tains a sizable fish population. The fishing is good in these waters but currently is unacces- sible without a boat. The plan proposes the construction of G boardwalk that would allow peo- ple to walk through the wetlands to the open water area. A deck I located near the open water would create space for fisher- Boardwalk-Shoreffne Park men without disturbing circula- Au tion on the boardwalk. The boardwalk would also allow excellent bird watching and natural history interpre- tive opportunities. Signs could be located along the boardwalk detailing the importance of marsh and wetland areas in Great Lakes ecology. Common birds, fish, and plants could be identified, as well as information on historical events of the area such as ship building and lumbering. The boardwalk would be useful in utilizing the entire site, as well as its ecological resources. A third goal in the development plan is to promote access to Lake Huron and encourage shoreline recreation. The existing 66 ft wide road right-of-way pro- vides space for a trail leading to the lake. The trail would be landscaped and lighted in an interesting manner to attract pedestrian traffic to the lake. Inter- pretive, signs could be utilized along the trail as well. Cleaning of the beach and removal of the old piers in the lake would allow use of the shoreline area. Swim- ming and picnicking would be some of the activities taking place on the beach. Another reason for development of the trail to the beach would be events held by the Michigan Trail Riders. Once a year, they ride horseback from Lake Michigan to Lake Huron and Shoreline Park is their destination on the eastern end. This could become quite a festive event as people come to watch the riders end their long trek at the lake. .............. AuSable Township 14 -Shoreline Park Some other aspects of the Development Plan include such items as landcaping and signage. Landscaping is important to guide people's views and movements, to define boundaries, and to screen unsightly areas. Landscaping at Shoreline Park would be used in these ways. Plantings along the trail would define the trail limits and guide people to the lake. Naturalistic plantings in the marsh area would enhance the species growing there now. Presently, the miniature golf course to the south dominates the view. This boundary is in need of definition and screening would block out the unsightly golf course. Signage should receive special attention. The use and importance of interpretive signs has already been mentioned. More important, there is a need for entry signs to the park. The existing sign is unattractive, cluttered, and does not appear to identify or call attention to the park. New signage along US 23, as well as the Smith Street entrance would bring notice to Shoreline Park and draw people into the area. Entry Sign -Shoreline Park AuSable Township AuSable Township 15 -Shoreline Park The development of Shoreline Park can tie together many opportunities creating a favorable area for tourists and residents. The combination of Shoreline Park with the MDNR boat launch provides a large public access site to Lake Huron that is extremely valuable. It would also encourage tourism and day use in the area and finally, development of the park would help meet a need for facilities close to the residential population center. ......... AuSable Township 16 I -Shoreline Park I I I I - I I I I IV 0 IMPLEMENTATION i 14 A AuSable Township A -Shoreline Park IV IMPLEMENTATION The AuSable Township Shoreline Park Plan must be accompanied by implementa- tion programs which will provide the Township with guidance toward actual con- struction. PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT COSTS AND PHASING It is unrealistic to think that all of the proposed improvements can be completed within a short period of time. Rather, the plan is intended to be implemented in phases over a period of five years. The chart on the following page (Table 11) illus- trates estimated cost and phasing priorities of specific projects associated with the area designed plans. Project priorities are divided into short- and long-term phases. Phase I incorporates development of a picnic pavillion, boardwalk, asphalt path- ways, and miscellaneous site improvements. Phase 11 incorporates an observation deck, fishing dock, lighting facilities, and further site improvements. The final phase, Phase 111, will include asphalt paving of the parking lot, restrooms, land- scaping, and beach clean-up. A plant materials list for each phase of development has been included in the appendix. FUNDING The cost of implementation will place added importance upon outside grants and assistance programs. However, it is likely that local funds will also be necessary for a significant portion of the project cost. AuSable Township should monitor the status of Federal and State funding programs and aggressively pursue funds if and when they become available. AuSable Township 17 -Shoreline Park Table 11 AuSable Township Shoreline Park Preliminary Cost Estimate and Phasing Description Ouantity Unit Cost Total Cost Phase 1: Picnic Pavillion --- --- $16,000 Boardwalk 1675 sft $5.50/sf t 9,213 Asphalt Pathways 990 Ift $8.00/Ift 7,920 Grading & Seeding 2100 syd $.50/syd 1,050 Tree & Shrub Planting --- 5,000 Park Sign (U.S. 23) --- --- 817 $40,000 Phase H: Observation Deck & Romp --- $12,000 Fishing Dock 784/sf t $5.50/sft 4,312 Lighting, Parking Lot 3 ea $ 1 000/ea 3,000 Lighting, Pathway 7 ea $1 000/ea 7,000 Playground Lump Sum --- 4,000 Tree & Shrub Planting --- --- 3,000 Entry Sign (Smith Street) --- --- 800 Interpretive Signs --- --- 1,200 Parking Control Bollards 70/ea $15/ea 1,050 $36,362 Phase III: Asphalt Paving (parking lot) 360/ton $35/ton $12,600 Restrooms --- 50,000 Landscaping --- --- 3,000 Beach Clean-Up --- --- 4,000 $69,600 AuSable Township -Shoreline Park At the current time, a number of funding programs are in place, although their long-term future is unknown. The following funding programs currently have funds available for the improvement projects proposed by this plan: 0 Coastal Zone Management Program, Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources Natural Resources Trust Fund, Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources Land & Water Conservation Fund, Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources/U.S. Interior Department Waterways Division, Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources Miscellaneous In addition to the programs named above, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Michigan Department of Transportation operate certain programs designed to meet specific site development projects. The potential availability of grant funds does not eliminate the necessity to finance all or a portion of the project with local funds. It is the rule rather than the exception that Federal grants require the local unit of government to fund a portion of the project. Local funding can be raised through the general fund, revenue sharing, general obligation bonds, and private contribution. AuSable Township 19 I -Shoreline Park I I I I I I I I I APPENDIX I I I m m -4 AuSable Township A -Shoreline Park LANDSCAPE MATERIALS TO BE USED IN EACH PHASE Minimum Plant Species Quantity Spacing Size PHASE I Trees: PINUS NIGRA 11 151 o.c. 51 high AUSTRIAN PINE BETULA NIGRA 3 151 o.c. I" to 1-1 /2" cal. RIVER BIRCH clump ACER RUBRUM 7 301 o.c. 1-3/411 to 2" cal. RED SUNSET MAPLE Deciduous Shrubs: Any combination of the following to total 24 deciduous shrubs 24 plants SAMBUCUS CANADENSIS 151 o.c. 41 high AMERICAN ELDER CORNUS BAILEYI 61-81 o.c. 31 high RED TWIGGED DOGWOOD VIBURNUM DENTATUM 61 o.c. 41 high ARROWWOOD SYMPHORICARPOS ALBUS 41 o.c. 31 high WHITE SNOWBERRY Evergreen Shrubs: JUNIPERUS C. ISEAGREEN' 9 51 o.c. 2411 SEA GREEN JUNIPER JUNIPERUS C. 'GOLD COAST' 9 51 o.c. 2411 GOLD TIP JUNIPER PHASE 2 Trees: PINUS NIGRA 5 15, o.c. 51 high AUSTRIAN PINE PICEA PUNGENS GLAUCA 6 15, o.c. 61 high COLORADO BLUE SPRUCE PINUS SYLVESTRIS 3 18, o.c. 61 high SCOTCH PINE .......... AuSable Township 14 -Shoreline Park Deciduous Shrubs: Any combination of the following to total 24 deciduous shrubs 24 plants SAMBUCUS CANADENSIS 151 o.c. 41 high AMERICAN ELDER CORNUS BAILEYI 61-81 o.c. 31 high RED TWIGGED DOGWOOD VIBURNUM DENTATUM 61 o.c. 41 high ARROWWOOD SYMPHORICARPOS, ALBUS 41 o.c. 31 high WHITE SNOWBERRY Evergreen Shrubs: JUNIPERUS C. 1ARMSTRONGII1 18 41 o.c. 24" ARMSTRONG JUNIPER (entry sign plantings) PHASE 3 Trees: TILIA CORDATA 6 301 o.c. 1-3/4" to 2" cal. LITTLELEAF LINDEN MALUS 'ROBINSON 3 151 o.c. I" to 1-1 /2" cal. Deciduous Shrubs: Any combination of the following to total 15 deciduous shrubs 15 plants SAMBUCUS CANAIDENSIS 151 o.c. 41 high AMERICAN ELDER CORNUS BAILEYI 61-81 o.c. 31 high RED TWIGGED DOGWOOD VIBURNUM DENTATUM 61 o.c. 41 high ARROWWOOD SYMPHORICARPOS ALBUS 41 o.c. 31 high WHITE SNOWBERRY Evergreen Shrubs: JUNIPERUS C. 1ARMSTRONG111 9 41 o.c. 2411 ARMSTRONG JUNIPER JUNIPERUS C. 'SEA GREEN' 9 51 o.c. 2411 SEA GREEN JUNIPER AuSable Township 41022295