Neighbors and friends,

Tomorrow (Sat Sept 27, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.) the Township will host a Parks & Recreation feedback booth at the Harvest Festival (Community Green at the Township Library, 92nd Ave.). You’ll be able to review maps, plans and tell the Township where park and rec investments should go.

Why this matters to STOP THE LOT:

The Township hired McKenna (~$50K) to help craft a Parks & Recs Plan.

There is a perception that the consultant may be steered toward a Main & Kinsey trailhead project—could be viewed as laying groundwork for a future funding or a Parks & Rec millage.

Is it possible Village businesses have been encouraged to provide supportive input for a Main & Kinsey trailhead as part of the trail vision or is the consultant being “urged” to recommend an expansion of the trailhead?

Community sentiment on need and spending: Many residents feel there’s no demonstrated need to expand trailhead parking at Main/Kinsey and that directing park dollars there could be a misuse of limited funds, especially when viable alternative trailhead locations already exist.

What you can do:

Visit the Township booth at the Harvest Festival.

Ask for the McKenna Survey (Caledonia Parks and Trails Vision Plan) McKenna Survey - Caledonia Parks and Trails Vision Plan

Submit feedback in person and on the McKenna survey

Use these evidence-based talking points: 

• No need for a Main/Kinsey trailhead. Daytime trail use has nearby parking options; evening “peaks” are largely merchant/dance studio turnover, not trail demand. 
• Better trailhead locations exist (e.g., 84th & Patterson, Village offices lot, Lakeside Park upper lot) that align with actual trail access and avoid residential impacts.
• Prioritize park dollars for real access, safety, and amenities—not a business-hours parking fix in a neighborhood.
• Data, not anecdotes. Any trailhead decision should be supported by a neutral parking/usage study, ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) review, and a transparent accounting of alternatives and costs.
• Respect neighborhood character and property value impacts (traffic, lighting, noise) and keep Main/Kinsey green.

Why this matters:

Commercial voices may be amplified in this process and we need to ensure resident and family voices are heard.

The Village’s DNR trailhead grant scored 130/250 (preliminary) and raised questions about duplication, readiness, and accessibility—so pushing a “trailhead” via the Township plan would be the wrong way to keep a weak project alive. (Scores can evolve, but the concerns are real.)

Ask staff how to ensure resident input is counted distinctly from business-owner lobbying. Thank them for being there.

Harvest Festival

Where: Community Green @ Caledonia Township Library (92nd Ave.)
When: Sat, Sept 27, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
 

Want to get involved? Or want a yard sign?

Email:  STOPTHELOT25@gmail.com