By Lisa Carolin
Next year promises to be a time for improvements to Timbertown. That was one of the topics covered at the Chelsea Parks Committee’s work session Nov. 9.
City Manager Roy Atkinson helped lead the session and said establishing a Parks Recreation Department in Chelsea is being considered.
Thanks to the Timbertown Improvement project with Huron Waterloo Pathways Initiative Trailhead Project monies, Atkinson told the Parks Committee that plans are underway to update the playground structure, add shelter and seating, and preserve the Pathway to Renewal, with the possibility to build pickle ball courts, add parking options, and improve restroom facilities.
Funding would come from the HWPI, the Washtenaw County’s Parks and Recreation Commission, and the City of Chelsea.
Atkinson also said that the City of Chelsea is working closely with the Main Street Parks Association and hopes to be able to give an update on environmental issues on the site as soon as next week. He said there are more issues than originally realized but that they are not insurmountable.
In addition, Atkinson addressed the subject of a community center, for which there will be a visioning session in February. He said there are three sites under consideration for a community center: a new build at Freer Road; a new build at Timbertown; and a hybrid build and partnership with 5 Healthy Towns at the Chelsea Wellness Center. Survey results about what people want in a wellness center include indoor workout facilities with a pool, an open gym, and meeting spaces.
Other ideas shared at the work session included finding more green space, creating a multi-use field, building new and connecting trails to the Chelsea Wellness Center, Main Street Park, and other parks, and working with community groups to expand programming.
The Parks Commission next regular meeting will be on Dec. 6 at 9 a.m.
