Parks & Recreation Five Year Recreation Plan ... - City of Marquette

RECREATION INVENTORY
Parks and Recreation Master Plan Update 2011
City of Marquette
Citizens in the City of Marquette and surrounding area have access to outstanding recreation
facilities year-round. The physical setting for the city on Lake Superior and the outdoor
recreation opportunities found in the city and surrounding Upper Peninsula contribute to the high
quality of life experienced in Marquette.
In addition to the City of Marquette, the local school districts, the YMCA, and Northern Michigan
University (NMU) are probably the most important public providers of recreation activities. A
short distance outside of the City, the State of Michigan (mostly via DNR) and the County make
major recreation contributions. Many commercial, private, and quasi-public organizations, firms,
and individuals also contribute in various ways to the great diversity of recreation opportunities
in the Marquette area.
This Section inventories and/or describes city recreational facilities, educational system
facilities, public programs and special events, senior citizen programs, handicapped activities,
private opportunities, cultural/historical/natural resources and extra-city recreational sites. For
comparison there is also a discussion on national issues.
National Trends in Facility Types
Park Trends
Neighborhood Parks - Best of Class agencies work with neighborhoods to customize the park
design, or re-design of their neighborhood parks to match the demographics of the surrounding
area and the corresponding preferences of those who live there. When possible, the agency will
develop a partnership agreement with the neighborhood to share responsibilities for
development and maintenance of the park.
Large Downtown Parks - Large downtown parks are framing cities and creating a sense of
space. Many large and small communities select a downtown park to provide a sense of place,
to encourage visitors and to otherwise showcase their community. Notable large downtown
parks include Central Park in New York City, the Millennium Park in Chicago and the Golden
Gate State Park in San Francisco.
Community Parks - Community parks are larger in size and serve a broader purpose than
neighborhood parks. Their focus is on meeting the recreation needs of several neighborhoods
or large sections of the community, as well as preserving unique landscapes and open spaces.
They allow for group activities and offer other recreational opportunities not feasible, nor
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